Sock-Yarn Shawls: 15 Lacy Knitted Shawl Patterns

by Jen Lucas

Sock yarns are so yummy. They come in many colorways and fiber contents--and they're everywhere. Best of all, they're versatile; you can use these fabulous fibers for a lot more than socks. You can make shawls!

Genres: Knitting, Crafts, Nonfiction, Reference

80 pages, Paperback

First published January 14, 2013

Reviews

[Melody Schwarting · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some sock yarns are too pretty for socks. Lucas hits it out of the park again with a lovely collection of shawls for fingering weight yarn. There's good variety between simple and complex lace patterns, all-over and edgings, and shapes. Most of the patterns call for only 1 skein of yarn, making it more accessible than the follow-up book, which has more patterns for large shawls. Charted and written instructions are provided, along with several photographs of each pattern.

I'm obsessed with the Happenstance shawl pattern here. It looks exactly like rippling water.

[Caitlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

As someone who has almost only sock yarn, I was excited for this. And it was a little sleepy. Most of the shawls are all the same, just a different lace pattern which was a little underwhelming. It was easy to walk away from this one.

[penny shima glanz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Often sock yarn sings its siren song and the knitter is faced with the dilemna of wanting to share its beauty not by utilitarian socks, but in a beautiful lace shawl. Lucas has gathered three types of her designs into this collection– from lace-edged, to all-over lace, and beyond the triangle. She includes tips on choosing the right yarn, reminding the knitter to check fiber, yardage, and if the colour is a good match for the chosen stitch pattern and design. The patterns include both charted and written instructions. The photos are clear and show styling ideas and include detailed shots of the stitches to help you check your work.

This a great resource for those looking to try lace shawl knitting and are intimidated by trying to match yarns and stitch patterns into shawls. The patterns are straightforward and look complex to non-knitters and could make stunning gifts. There are even instructions as to how to make the shawls larger if you have additional yardage.

This review also appeared at little acorn creations.

[Jan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Did I miss something?

The shawls are beautiful and there are several I would like to make. I am a relatively capable knitter and have followed charts to make very nice sweaters ( if I am to believe the comments i have received)
In the Kindle version I cannot find any instructions on how many stitches to cast on. ( I use kindle because I need to have the ability to make print larger.
I will gladly update my review to a 5 star rating if someone would show me what I have missed.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful Shawl Patterns/Instructions

One drawback and it’s a minor one…The patterns are not laid out in logical progression i.e. “CO 3 stitches”, etc. You’ll find the CO (Cast On) instructions in the middle of the instructions, following A, B, C lace or stitch patterns; making for a confusing start to each of the patterns.

The designs themselves are lovely and very knit-worthy to add to your shawl wardrobe. I opted to knit using crochet thread size 3 and a size 3 needle- it took more yarn, but it was so worth it!

[Neva · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best knitting book for shawls. Most have one or maybe two good patterns and the rest are just strange. In this book Every shawl is pretty and well done! The only problem is that I want the same yarn used!!!

[Beata Dobrogoszcz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect guide to lace knitting

As I love sock yarn in other projects than sock, I am finding this book very useful. Many nice ideas for a knitter on each level. And all useful information for any knitter.

[Alisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful book of shawls, with both written patterns and charts. Range of projects for the beginner to the expert, all with multiple pictures. Jen Lucas is a local designer (Chicago suburbs) with an eye for color as well as strong understanding of design techniques. Great explanation of her preferred cast on method for this type of work, tab cast-ons, as well as how to bind off both knit and purl wise. This will be a staple in my collection for years to come.

[Holly Lau · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was happy to get this as a gift from a friend. It's a great collection of patterns with a range of all over lace and lace edged shawls. Some suitable for variegated yarns, some better with solids. Several patterns combine two yarns. My plan is to knit as many as I can. 15 patterns in the collection. Patterns lace is both charted and written out, the errata is available online and there are only a few.

[Anne Hawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is absolutely the best. I think I could make every pattern! There are allover patterns that take a lot of time and attention and other patterns that are garter stitch for the first 2/3 and then a nice lace on the bottom. I'm almost finished with the first one and I found the directions easy to follow and very complete.

[Julia Hendon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good collection with many attractive patterns. The author provides charts and written instructions. Most patterns use one skein but the author has frequently given information on how to make the shawl bigger if you have an another skein.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. Fantastic way to use up your sock yarn stash!

[Dana * · Rating 4 out of 5]

beautiful and simple, and a few more complex, shawls for the intermediate knitter. a good way to break into lacy shawl knitting

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best knitting books I own. The number of project I have completed and want to complete is far greater than any other book.

[Shirley Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a "must have" book for me and I refer to it constantly for lace shawl patterns. Thank you Jen Lucas for this wonderful pattern reference.

[Mckinley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice. Like the second book better.

[Margie · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first glance I didn't think I cared for these patterns, but upon trying a few out, I'm falling in love with them.