There’s something undeniably comforting about wrapping yourself in a handmade knit shawl. Not only do they keep you warm, but they’re also stylish, versatile accessories that can be dressed up or down. Among the many shawl designs out there, the granny stripe knit shawl stands out for its timeless charm. The repetitive stripe pattern is soothing to knit, makes excellent use of colorful yarns, and produces a beautifully textured fabric that looks intricate but is surprisingly simple once you get the hang of it.
In this guide, we’ll walk through five different granny stripe knit shawl patterns, ranging from beginner-friendly triangular wraps to more advanced variations with lace borders or gradient effects. Each pattern includes a materials list, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips to make your knitting smooth and enjoyable. Whether you’re new to knitting or an experienced maker looking for fresh inspiration, these shawls are perfect stash-busting projects that will leave you with wearable works of art.
1. Classic Triangular Granny Stripe Shawl
Skill Level: Beginner
Finished Size: Approx. 60″ wide × 28″ long (can be customized)
Materials
- Worsted weight yarn in 2–3 contrasting colors
- Knitting needles size US 8 (5 mm) or size needed for gauge
- Stitch markers
- Yarn needle & scissors
Instructions
- Cast On:
- Cast on 3 stitches using your preferred method (long-tail cast-on works well).
- Place a stitch marker after the first stitch and before the last stitch to mark the edges.
- Setup Row:
- Knit across all stitches.
- Increase Section:
- On every right-side row: Knit 1, yarn over (yo), knit to last stitch, yo, knit 1.
- On every wrong-side row: Knit all stitches.
- This creates a triangular shape that grows outward while keeping a neat garter edge.
- Adding Stripes (Granny Effect):
- Change colors every 2 rows (or however wide you’d like your stripes).
- Carry the yarn up the side neatly or cut and weave in ends for sharp color changes.
- Continue Repeats:
- Work until your shawl is the desired size.
- Bind Off & Finishing:
- Use a stretchy bind-off to keep the edge flexible.
- Block lightly to open up stitches and smooth edges.
Variations & Tips
- Try using a self-striping yarn for effortless granny-style stripes.
- Add tassels to each corner for extra flair.
- For beginners, sticking with two colors gives a clean, balanced look.
2. Granny Stripe Rectangle Shawl
Skill Level: Beginner–Intermediate
Finished Size: Approx. 18″ × 60″ (adjustable)
Materials
- DK weight yarn (4–5 colors for a striped effect)
- US 6 (4 mm) needles, circular recommended for holding many stitches
- Yarn needle, scissors
Instructions
- Cast On:
- Cast on 90 stitches (or any multiple of 6 + 2 for symmetry).
- Pattern Setup:
- Row 1 (Right Side): Knit across.
- Row 2 (Wrong Side): Knit across.
- Granny Stripe Body:
- Row 3: K3, yo, K3, k2tog — repeat until end.
- Row 4: Knit across.
- Continue repeating Rows 3–4, changing colors every 4–6 rows for striping.
- Shaping & Length:
- Knit until your shawl measures about 60″ long or your preferred length.
- Finishing:
- Bind off loosely, weave in ends, and block flat to even out stitches.
Variations & Tips
- Add fringe along the short edges for a boho look.
- Use gradient yarn cakes for a smooth color transition.
- If you want a wider wrap, cast on more stitches in multiples of 6.
3. Granny Stripe Shawl with Lace Border
Skill Level: Intermediate
Finished Size: Approx. 64″ wide × 30″ long
Materials
- Fingering weight yarn (solid + contrast for border)
- US 5 (3.75 mm) needles
- Stitch markers
- Blocking pins
Instructions
- Cast On:
- Cast on 5 stitches.
- Main Body (Granny Stripes):
- Follow the triangular increase method from Pattern 1.
- Work granny stripe rows until your shawl measures about 26″ deep.
- Switch to Border Color:
- Once desired size is reached, switch to contrast yarn.
- Lace Border:
- Row 1: K2, yo, K2tog, yo, K2 repeat.
- Row 2: Knit across.
- Repeat these 2 rows for about 3–4″ to create a delicate lace edging.
- Bind Off & Finishing:
- Use a stretchy lace bind-off.
- Wet block aggressively to open up the lacework.
Variations & Tips
- Choose a tonal yarn for the main body and a bold contrast for the lace.
- Add beads along the border for an elegant touch.
- This shawl pairs beautifully with dresses for evening wear.
4. Color-Block Granny Stripe Shawl
Skill Level: Beginner
Finished Size: Approx. 62″ wide × 28″ long
Materials
- 3 skeins of worsted yarn (each in a different bold color)
- US 8 (5 mm) needles
- Yarn needle, scissors
Instructions
- Cast On:
- Start with 3 stitches, using the triangular granny stripe increase method.
- Color-Block Sections:
- Knit granny stripes for about 8–10″ in Color A.
- Switch to Color B for the next 8–10″.
- Finish with Color C for the final section.
- Continue Until Desired Size:
- Work repeats until you have a large wrap-around shawl.
- Bind Off & Block:
- Bind off loosely, block flat to smooth the color transitions.
Variations & Tips
- Use neutrals + one pop color for a modern look.
- Try wide pastel stripes for a spring accessory.
- You can also knit lengthwise for horizontal blocks.
5. Granny Stripe Shawl with Tassels & Fringe
Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly
Finished Size: Approx. 60″ wide × 30″ long (excluding fringe)
Materials
- Worsted or chunky yarn (2–3 colors)
- US 9 (5.5 mm) needles
- Scissors, crochet hook for attaching fringe
Instructions
- Cast On & Setup:
- Cast on 3 stitches and begin triangular granny stripe increases (see Pattern 1).
- Main Shawl Body:
- Work granny stripe repeats, changing colors every 2–3 inches.
- Continue until you have a large triangular shawl.
- Fringe & Tassels:
- Cut yarn strands about 10″ long.
- Using a crochet hook, pull 3–4 strands through the edge stitches and secure with a knot.
- Trim evenly.
- For tassels, wrap yarn around cardboard, tie, cut, and attach to corners.
- Final Blocking:
- Steam block gently to keep fringe neat.
Variations & Tips
- Use chunky yarn for a winter wrap with extra warmth.
- Add metallic yarn for tassels to give a festive look.
- Combine long fringe with short fringe for a layered effect.
Conclusion
The granny stripe knit shawl is more than just a cozy accessory—it’s a project full of color, rhythm, and personality. From classic triangular wraps to lace-edged elegance and playful fringed designs, each of these five patterns brings something special to your wardrobe. Best of all, granny stripes are beginner-friendly yet versatile enough for experienced knitters to get creative with. So grab your favorite yarns, mix in some bold colors or subtle shades, and knit a shawl that’s as unique as you are. Whether you’re gifting it or keeping it, your handmade granny stripe shawl will be cherished for years to come.
