Grotto Scarf/Shawl Pattern
The Grotto Scarf/Shawl is a beginner-friendly knit pattern designed for those wanting to try lace knitting without the stress. With its super simple six-row repeat, you’ll create a beautiful, flowing texture that looks more complicated than it is. This pattern is perfect for relaxing, meditative knitting while learning a new technique. Whether you wear it as a cozy scarf or a lightweight shawl, the Grotto’s easy elegance will quickly become a favorite in your handmade collection.
You’ll find everything you need to knit the shawl below, including the yarn, knitting needles, a free pattern, and a video tutorial. If you like this pattern, please share it!
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Disclaimer
This post contains affiliate links for the items I used to knit this pattern, at no cost to you. I earn a small commission if you purchase through these links. This blog post also displays ads. The revenue from ads and affiliate links allows me to offer this knit pattern for free. Please do not copy, paste, or distribute this pattern. If you prefer not to view the pattern on the blog, you may purchase an ad-free digital PDF in my pattern shops for a small fee (link below). Thank you so much for your support!
Knit Tutorials
If you’re new to knitting, no worries! I have many beginner tutorial videos to guide you through every step of the process. My tutorials are designed to be easy to follow and will help you master the basics and beyond. You can use the search bar anytime to look for a particular stitch or technique.
Yarn Selection
Since this project is great for any time of year, I’ve put together a list of great DK weight yarn options in a range of materials, ranging from affordable to a bit more luxurious, so you can pick one that fits your style and budget. You will need approximately 700 yards of DK/lightweight yarn.
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Brava Sport Yarn from WeCrochet is a versatile, budget-friendly acrylic yarn known for its softness, durability, and vibrant color range. This lightweight sport-weight yarn is perfect for a variety of projects, from garments and accessories to blankets and amigurumi. Machine washable and easy to care for, Brava Sport is a great choice for everyday use.
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Berroco Alpaca Light Yarn is a luxurious and versatile yarn known for its exceptional softness and warmth. Made from 100% baby alpaca fibers, it boasts a delicate texture that feels incredibly gentle against the skin. This yarn is ideal for creating lightweight garments and accessories such as scarves, shawls, and hats, offering both comfort and elegance.
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Capretta Superwash Yarn from WeCrochet is a luxurious blend of merino wool, cashmere, and nylon, offering a soft and smooth feel with excellent stitch definition. This fingering-weight yarn is perfect for elegant accessories and lightweight garments. The added nylon enhances durability, while the superwash treatment makes it easy to care for, allowing for machine washing without sacrificing its plush texture.
Knitting Needles Used For Pattern
You’ll need US 2.5 [3.0mm] needles for this pattern. You can use either straights or circulars (depending on your preference) since this is worked flat.
After testing numerous brands of knitting needles, I’ve narrowed down my favorites. Below, you’ll find my top picks, ranked from least to most expensive.
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ChiaoGoo Fixed Circular Knitting Needles are renowned for their high-quality stainless steel construction, offering a smooth, lightweight, and durable knitting experience. The precision-crafted tips provide excellent stitch control, making them ideal for intricate patterns and lacework. Featuring a flexible, memory-free red nylon-coated steel cable, these needles prevent kinks and tangles, ensuring a frustration-free knitting process.
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Addi Turbo Circular Needles are beloved for their smooth, fast knitting experience, featuring lightweight brass tips coated with nickel for a slick, low-friction surface. Designed for speed and efficiency, these needles allow stitches to glide effortlessly, making them perfect for everything from simple stockinette to complex lacework. The pliable, kink-resistant blue cord ensures smooth transitions between needle and cable, reducing hand strain and tangling.
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Lantern Moon Interchangeable Knitting Needles in Ebony are a luxurious choice for knitters who love the warmth and smooth glide of wood. Made from sustainably sourced ebony, these needles have a rich, dark finish and a polished surface that allows stitches to flow effortlessly while maintaining just the right amount of grip. The finely crafted tapered tips provide excellent precision, making them ideal for a variety of projects.
Additional Supplies Needed
You will need one stitch marker to keep track of when to start your lace on each row.
I love how cute ChiaoGoo Stitch Markers are but they are also great stitch markers. They slide easily and come in many sizes in one package so you have one for every project you can think of.
The only other thing you will need is a yarn needle to weave in the ends. My favorite yarn needles are made of metal, they are easy to slide through any yarn. I like the Susan Bates option below.
Gauge For Pattern
Gauge is 4”= 22 sts and 36 rows in stockinette to make the same size pictured. However, the video tutorial will explain how you can customize the size.
Video Tutorial
The video tutorial will walk you through the pattern so all levels of knitters can make their shawl.
Pin For Later
If you’re not ready to start the project yet, pin this page to head back quickly.
Finished Measurements
As noted previously, the pattern can be in all sizes (which I go over in the video), but the size in the written pattern is approximately. 18.5” width x 32” long
Construction
When I created the Grotto Scarf/Shawl, I wanted to design a pattern that would let knitters dip their toes into lace knitting without feeling overwhelmed. This project is a plain rectangle that uses an easy six-row repeat with simple yarn overs and decreases, giving you the perfect introduction to lace without committing to a fully intricate design.
Special Stitches
k2tog (knit 2 together): Knit the next two stitches together by inserting the right needle through both as if to knit, yarn over, pull through, and slip them off the left needle. This creates a right-leaning decrease.
p2tog (purl 2 together): Purl the next two stitches together by inserting the right needle through both as if to purl, yarn over, pull through, and slip them off the left needle. This creates a right-leaning decrease on the purl side.
ssk (slip, slip, knit): Slip the next two stitches knitwise one at a time to the right needle, insert the left needle into the front of both, and knit them together through the back loops. This creates a left-leaning decrease.
ssp (slip, slip, purl): Slip the next two stitches knitwise one at a time to the right needle, return them to the left needle without twisting, and purl them together through the back loops. This creates a left-leaning decrease on the purl side.
Abbreviations Used
- k– knit
- k2tog– knit 2 sts together
- p– purl
- p2tog– purl 2 sts together
- ssk– slip, slip, knit
- ssp– slip, slip, purl
- sm – slip marker
- st(s)– stitch(es)
- yo– yarn over
COPYRIGHT
The pattern and all related content are the exclusive property of Knit and Crochet Ever After, protected under copyright and intellectual property laws. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or transmission in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, screenshots, printing, or other electronic or mechanical methods, is strictly prohibited without prior written consent from me.
This free knit pattern is intended for personal use only on the blog. By accessing this pattern, you agree to comply with these copyright terms and conditions. Unauthorized sharing or reproduction may result in legal consequences.
Thank you for respecting my hard work and intellectual property!
Grotto Shawl
Get the ad-free version, including a chart for the lace portion of the Grotto Pattern pattern from my Etsy or Ravelry shops. Enjoy a clean, easy-to-read format without distractions. Click the links below to support my work and allow me to make more patterns for you to enjoy!
Special Instructions For The Pattern
- Read through entire pattern before beginning.
- The gauge and finished measurements are after blocking.
Shawl Instructions
CO 102 STS
Row 1: k1, yo, k3, ssk, k10, k2tog, k3, yo, k1, place stitch marker, knit across.
Row 2: Purl to marker, sm, p2, yo, p3, p2tog, p8, ssp, p3, p1.
Row 3: k3, yo, k3, ssk, k6, k2tog, k3, yo, k3, sm, knit across.
Row 4: Purl to marker, sm, p4, yo, p3, p2tog, p4, ssp, p3, p4.
Row 5: k5, yo, k3, ssk, k2, k2tog, k3, yo, k5, sm, knit across.
Rows 6 thru desired length: Repeat Rows 1-6 ending with a Row 5 repeat.
Finishing
Bind off in a Row 6 repeat.
Weave in ends and block the finished piece.
I hope you enjoy this pattern and would love to see what you make with it. Be sure to tag me on Insta or Facebook with @knitandcrocheteverafter, I love seeing what you guys come up with!