Shawl Knitting Patterns

Free Pattern: Solar Eclipse Sideways Shawl

Anonymous • July 11, 2026

Introduction

Capture the celestial beauty of a solar eclipse with this unique sideways shawl. The Solar Eclipse Sideways Shawl features intricate lacework and stunning gradient color transitions that mimic the play of light and shadow. This pattern is perfect for beginners looking to enhance their knitting skills while creating a beautiful, wearable piece of art.

Materials Needed

Yarn: Fingering weight yarn in a gradient colorway, approximately 800 yards
Needles: US 6 (4mm) knitting needles
Gauge: 22 stitches and 30 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cast On

Begin by casting on 3 stitches onto your US 6 (4mm) knitting needles. Ensure your cast-on is loose enough to allow for easy movement of stitches.

2. Increase Rows

For the next rows, you will be increasing the number of stitches. Follow these instructions:

Row 1 (RS): Knit 1 stitch, yarn over (yo), and knit to the end of the row. This will increase your stitch count by one.
Repeat Row 1 until you have a total of 100 stitches on your needle.

3. Begin Lace Pattern

Once you have 100 stitches, you will start the lace pattern. Follow these steps:

Row 1 (RS): Knit 1 stitch, yarn over (yo), then *knit 2 together (k2tog), yarn over (yo), knit 1 stitch; repeat from * to the end of the row.
Row 2 (WS): Purl all stitches across the row.

Continue repeating these two rows until your shawl measures approximately 60 inches along the longest edge.

4. Begin Decrease Section

To shape the shawl, you will now decrease the number of stitches:

Row 1: Knit 1 stitch, knit 2 together (k2tog), and knit to the end of the row.
Repeat Row 1 until you have only 3 stitches remaining on your needle.

5. Bind Off

Finally, bind off all stitches loosely to ensure the edge of your shawl is not tight. Cut the yarn, leaving a tail for weaving in later, and pull the tail through the last stitch to secure it.

Conclusion

Your Solar Eclipse Sideways Shawl is now complete! Block your shawl gently to enhance the lace pattern and allow it to drape beautifully. Enjoy wearing your handmade creation or gift it to someone special. Happy knitting!