Similar to knitting, most shawl increases are either Single (1-stitch) or Double (2-stitch) increases.
The increases that you work can both add beauty to the shawl and, of course, create shaping! Read through this list and try them out on swatches if you haven’t worked them before. You might just find one you love!
Let’s go through a few increases and their benefits.
Single Increases
These increases are used often (not just in shawls), so it’s worth learning them.
It’s quite easy to make these – just work twice into one stitch. We’ll show you two of the most popular here.
How to Work Single Increases
Double Increases
3SC, 3DC
Work these just like the 2SC/2DC, but work THREE stitches instead of two.
DC, Ch, DC
I like this one because it’s a bit fancier. It creates an eyelet on each side, in every other row.
You have flexibility in where you work the DC that’s above the chain. I chose to work into the ch-sp, but you could also work into the chain itself.
This can also be done with other stitches (e.g. – SC, HDC, Treble).
How does it impact shape?
Most often, if the increases are on the edges, a Single increase will make the shawl grow slower width-wise.
Alternatively, a Double Increase (Two-Stitch Increase) on each edge will make the shawl grow faster width-wise. At the same time, the shawl will be less deep.
In addition, double increases can often require less effort to wear a shawl without a shawls pin or holding it, and they stay on the shoulders more easily as well.
About the Instructor: Jody Richards
Jody is the founder and lead editor of Knotions. She loves poring over stitch dictionaries and trying out new stitches. And while she likes all things crafting (well ok, except that one thing), yarn crafts are her true love (and she has the stash to prove it).
She’s a serial starter-of-projects and has a serious problem with finishing things without a deadline.
And don’t get her talking about hand-dyed yarns. You’ve been warned.
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