Thanks for stopping by to check out my MOST Wearable Shawl Shape Modification tutorial. I forgot to add that I will post a follow up to this where I show you how to sew up the rectangle into a wrapover. I'm looking forward to hearing about your own shawl transformations or styling struggles. Happy knitting!
That’s my problem exactly - I love looking at beautiful shawls, but can never wear them, because I just can’t figure out how to style them comfortably. This is a perfect solution, and I’m looking forward to your video about how to sew them together.
This!! ❤ I’m a novice knitter and have saved tons of shawl patterns but like you- it’s the wearing that stymies me. I’ve been loving your channel, thank you!!
Yes, yes, yes. Now that it’s finally getting colder I just got out my box of shawls and thought once again I wouldn’t wear any of them. All that work and lovely yarn! Going to have a good look at all of them with an eye to modification as per your ideas. Thanks. I had made a pact with myself not to be tempted to make yet another shawl I wouldn’t wear but maybe after I alter one or two current ones I’ll look at shawl patterns again. I do enjoy your tip jar.
My problem with shawls is exactly the same - they look beautiful, I like to knit them, but I can't wear them. And here you brought me a solution 🥰 I've got at least two shawls to think over and recreate this way. Thank you 🌻🌻🌻😊
Wow! I'm so impressed I've found someone who thinks the same about shawls as me and has also thought to do what I want to with them. I actually haven't made any like this yet as most of my knitting time the last 8 years had been devoted to my grandchildren, but for three last 5 years I've been meaning to convert some of my favourite shawl patterns like this. I have a disability and find it hard to put on jumpers and cardigans by myself, so at first I thought to make them like this for ease of having a warm garment I can put on myself. But then like you I also thought that it would show the patterns better. Your videos just showed up on my feed this morning, so it looks like a have a bit of binge watching to do! ❤
You are very encouraging, showing the math, yet trial-and-error approach needed for conversion! It’s a beautiful collection of colours and stitch patterns that deserves to be worn with pride. Thanks so much for sharing.
I can’t believe I just came across your video while sitting and taking a break from making a shawl to use up some beautiful yarn in my enormous stash. Everything you say is exactly how I feel. Hope it works.
Hi there, what a great idea! Thank you for sharing. I didn't really understand how to sew them together but I see you left a note about that❤ how it will be coming in a different episode. Wonderful 🎉
I think you just cracked open shawl knitting and wearing for me. Thank you! Also, I love a puzzle, so I think the conversion process will just add to the fun. 🥰
I love knitting shawls and wearing them - I feel that I style them well. But - I am super excited by this! Sometimes you just want something that’s going to stay where you put it with no effort. Thank you!
I feel exactly the same!! I am literally just knitting a rectangle to make a poncho! So nice to know I'm not alone... Thank you so much for sharing your experience and advice with us! Yes to the wrap-over!! 😊
Thank you so much for sharing this idea. I had stopped making shawls simply because I couldn't figure out how to wear them. I can't wait to give this a try.
Maybe knit two rectangular same sized pieces, each half length of one of your rectangular shawls, and sew them together: each end to the long side of the other piece for more of a closed poncho style? I have seen weavers do this, and it looks great! Or if the pattern is equally pretty on both sides, do a Moebius twist when you sew just then one regular length together? Anyway, cheers and thanks for this idea. It’s a great one! ❤❤❤
I struggle with scarves and shawls too. I very much like this tutorial. You've ignited the idea in me to just simply knit a rectangle perhaps using some colourful scraps and no pattern. I'll create along the way. Thank you
This shawl modification is simply genius. I have not made a knit shawl before and i am happy to have found this video. It resolves that ""How do I wear this beautiful completed shawl?" question. I really like the "math-iness" of trying to make the rectangle and pattern repeats "play nicely" together. 😉 Thank you! ❤
I’ve often thought of converting my shawls but was waiting to come up with an idea that didn’t mean frogging. I recently knit the Corrie-in poncho by Amy Palko and it is getting a ton of wear. I rarely wear my shawls. Thanks for showing your thought process, I think I can use this in the future when I frog and remake my shawls into something way more wearable.
This is brilliant. I will have to start thinking about doing this. I did the Night Shift shawl and wore it once. I may do like you did and give it away, but I really like the colours.
To frog or not to frog...it's a tough call. I really liked the colours in mine, too, but since I had made a second one that I also loved, I felt okay about passing it on 😋
Great idea. Love the one your wearing. Would like to see how you attached that one. I'm a bit confused how they're attached. They're not attached end to end but end to side?
Correct. One short end is attached to the lower edge of one long side. I’m going to post another video when I’m ready to sew up the one I’m working on so you can see exactly how it goes together. Just hang in there a few weeks 😁
Is the reason it’s constructed that way so the top is a little smaller than the bottom? But without having to really convert the pattern into a circle?
My first question was answered in the last half of your video. Thanks for that. I'm a pretty experienced knitter, and make up a lot of my own patterns for tops, etc. You've given me some good ideas. THANKS
My struggle is with scarves; they drive me bonkers, with the ends flapping around, and me worrying if they will fall off, and them not actually keeping my neck warm. So I feel your pain. I'm not sure that this wrapover solution is for me - it feels too much like turning a shawl into a poncho, and me with long hair, I don't really like pulling things over my head and off again, it makes my hair all messy. On the other hand, this whole discussion is still very useful in how to turn a non-rectangle pattern into a rectangle. And indeed may be useful to me, because I have found one style of shawl that works pretty well for me is a ruana - that's like a rectangular poncho, but with a slit down the front so you don't have to pull it over your head. So thank you for all this thought you have put into this.
Thank you very much for this idea and all the instructions for the making! This is brilliant! Now I will do it for all my shawls. And maybe with swathers or cardigans' patterns that would be easier to style and wear as shawls. I love your vibe Nicole. 💗
Thanks Nicole! I too have many shawls I never use, I can’t be doing with all the faffing about with them….. this is so simple and such a great idea and I have one I can adapt right away 😊
I just recently found your channel. I believe it was about sequencing knitting. 😍 I was sold on this idea from the title! Thanks for sharing! I love seeing how others design.
I recently found your channel and so glad I did!!! I’ve knit so many shawls and find them “fiddly” to wear. Also, the use of running markers blew my mind🤯🤯🤯
rewatching this as I am planning to knit a pressed flower shawl. i am starting with that one as I suspect it is probably an easy one to adapt! I have knitted far too many shawls that I ended up donating (I am glad they raised money for charity, but would love to be able to wear at least one or two!)
Thanks for this, I am not a triangle scarf fan but find the rectangle scarf selection of patterns pretty limited in comparison so this has opened up some many more possibilities! Thank you!!
I’ve watched a few of your videos today and I’m convinced you’re a freaking GENIUS! I adore this idea of the wrap, I can never style my shawls either! And they’re my favourite thing to make, so I have so many. I live in Australia too, so a warm climate 🤦♀️ THANK YOU
Welcome aboard! I'm telling you, this wrapover thing has changed my knitting world. Converting some of the gorgeous lacy, openwork shawls would be perfect for you! Have fun :D
I love your videos Nicole! How can I transform a circular shawl without frogging it? You may have covered this in this video, and I may have missed it. You are a knitting ninja!
Thanks so much! The short answer to your question is: with extreme difficulty. The only way I can think of at the moment would be to pick up all the stitches around the edge and then somehow use short rows to add "corners" on two sides. Even if you could accomplish this might task, it would likely end up too wide to be a practical wrap. I'm afraid that frogging and starting from scratch is the smoothest path to a successful mod. 😋
I so agree with you on difficult shawl wear... I have frogged two to remake them. I am looking forward to how you sow them together. Thank you so much.
OMG Nicole. You are a genius! I love looking at shawl patterns (esp Andrea Mowrey) but never knit them coz I know I won’t wear them for all the reasons you mentioned. I am definitely going to give your rectangle conversion suggestion a go. My only problem now is my favourites list on Ravelry has just doubled 😂😂. The only suggestion for this video I have is for to show how you actually seam the two end together. I get the gist from just looking at yours but a small instruction would be great. 😊
I have watched a few of your videos now and so much of what you have to say really resonates with me. I am a new knitter and I have bought several shawl patterns and yarn to make them and then I have come to the conclusion that I would never wear them and that what I would wear would be scarves (the long, skinny kind) and matching beanies. I like your wrap idea but I wouldn't wear those either but I like how you think outside the box. The other thing I could make to satisfy my knitting craving would be to make some blankets, I guess. I love the colors and textures of the wrap you are wearing in this video!
You have 100% permission to knit only things that bring you joy 😉 You could absolutely apply my shawl conversion technique to creating blankets. You can also take elements of shawls and scarves you like and apply them to sweaters. Just throwing that out there...😄
This is absolutely awesome. I love the various designs on triangular shawls now i can convert them. Thank you so much. I love stranded knitting ponchos. This will be modified poncho. Yay ! What a lovely news! ❤😢
I have exactly the same issue - I love knitting shawls but I cannot wear them and it just kind of stopped me from knitting them! However as I sit here I can think of five shawls that can be frogged and probably re knit! I am so excited!! My house is quite cool and I have two cats so this will be a lovely solution. Plus I love to knit. I am preparing to retire in a year or two which is about 10 years after the normal time. But I have multitudinous books on CD and look forward to many hours of knitting while listening. Going to go watch the second video now. Thank you so much for sharing this! probably reknit! I am excite
I just happened upon your channel and I’m so happy that I did! I also have problems with shawls and I have been wanting to knit the one you’re wearing. I’m not sure that I can because I’m not sure of the depth it needs but I’m eager to try it. Thanks so much!
I am making my 2nd poncho for exactly the same reasons you say... I wear them around the house a lot more than the shawls I have. Now need a way to convert the triangles into rectangles without frogging them... math involved, lol!
Just found your channel, thanks so much for all your sharing. This is the third video that has turned up in my feed, so just had to subscribe. Such a wonderful idea, a sheer blaze of creative genius. I'm a convert = you had me at 'wearable" . Off to find more of you and add comments :))
hi Nicole! Watching this for the second time - this time really studying it. I knit my first shawl recently and agree: what's the Point of the Point. Can't figure out how to style.wear it. Despite all that, I started knitting a second shawl - I've frogged it twice!! Then knit two kerchief-style cowls, which are great and more practical. But Your design idea is brilliant. Do you have favorite dimensions?
Thanks for watching! Your ideal dimensions will depend on your frame and the level of coverage you want. I've settled on around 20-22" x 56-60". The green/blue one I did is only about 18"x50" and it's wearable for sure, but I find myself wishing it were a tad more roomy. Hope this helps! 😊
Hi! I’m knitting Glittering Snowscape by Stephen West! I love the stitches design but I’m halfway done and I don’t love the results! So I was thinking reaping it back and do something else with the yarn but now I think I will try to work out a way to transform the crescent shawl into a wrapper like you suggest! I love you video and your cute little dog insert! And also seeing the real one! He’s adorable!❤
When you show the 3 purl stitches at the end of the twisted rib section, I noticed the edge looked really neat. I the first stitch on the reverse also a purl? Thank you so much for a great idea! I'm going to try it!
I didn't do anything special at the end of the row. It's just straight up stockinette. I think because it's curling a bit to the right side, you're seeing the edge stitch very clearly and it's making it look like something fancy is happening 😋
I recently stumbled on your channel and loved it but with this specific podcast I am now a fan! Thank you for sharing your passion and knowledge. Like so many comments, I'm with you on shawls. I knitted two; the Butterfly with only one skein so somehow it stays on my shoulders, but the Eagle by Alice Stanmore is a complete failure. Despite having accumulated many shawl patterns just because I like the style I haven't knitted any yet. Although I understand your explanation I struggle to translate those in another pattern. I wonder if you would consider going through another pattern perhaps the Laurelie or again even a pattern that is constructed with one design in. Perhaps it would be easier as a starting point. Just a thought. 😊
I'm so happy you're intrigued by this idea 😊 I have two more videos on the same subject that will probably help you with the details you're looking for. If you go to my channel page and click on the "playlists" tab near the top, you'll find a playlist called Knicoleknits More Wearable Shawl series. Watch the other two videos and if you still have questions, I'm here to help! 😄
What a great idea! Andrea Mowry seems to be able to wear shawls where they, and her, look so good but your idea seems more wearable for most people. But, shawls can’t really be converted once they’re already made they’ll need to be frogged and reknit it, correct?
Unfortunately, yes - they will almost all need to be frogged and recreated. The only exception would be any rectangle-shaped wraps that happened to have the correct proportions. If you've watched my video on sequence knitting, you'll have seen a wrap that was close to the right shape, but just needed to be shortened and widened. I was able to do that without frogging back the whole project. 😊
I can't think of one of my shawl complaints that you didn't hit! And yeah - they're so pretty. This is a wonderfully good video. This is off topic but I knit a Knus (olgajazzy) for an extra layer and warm thing to wash dishes in that didn't require pushing up and stretching out my sweater cuffs. Your invention could also fulfill the same function.
Church mouse has produced several patterns along this line. The mohair bias loop and shoulder cozy come to mind. However your idea of adapting the stitch and design proportions of a triangular shawl into this easy wear format is great! Do you find that no matter what we do we still have too many shawls?
What are the dimensions that you typically use for your rectangles before you sew them together? BTW I'm new to your videos, but am really enjoying this one. I'll be checking out more soon.
Love this! Can you share the final dimensions of the rectangle before you sew it together? Also, if you are comfortable doing so, can you show how this size fits you and say how tall you are? I’m just 5 feet tall and will have to design a size that will not overwhelm me. Does the back point hang below your waist? Are the edges to your elbows? Wrists? It’s hard to see from your seated position. Again, thanks for the great idea, I can’t wait to try it!
You are so right- I love knitting them but just don’t wear them. I’ll be looking at the ones I’ve knit for the first ‘victim’ to be turned into a rectangle piece.
In trying to understand, for you the rectangle size is 60” by 30” and you sew one long side to a short side? How do you decide the size of the long side?
The size I make is closer to 60” x 20”. The “Part 2” video shows how to put it together and finish it up 😊 As for which side - you get to decide that! I usually put narrower elements at the neck edge and wider at the lower edge. 😁
I don’t subscribe to “one fits all,” but I think it would fit many. You could take a towel and fold it into similar dimensions, then wrap it around and pin it in place. That should give you an idea of the right size for you 😊
I found that I don’t care for the asymmetrical triangle. Then of course, I designed a pattern that was an asymmetrical triangle, lol. I like crescent , rectangle, and a true triangle shape shawl. I’m going to think about how you’ve taken a pattern and redesigned it to make your new pattern.
I’m one of your new video viewers, really enjoying it. I am working on a swatch to learn how to do mosaic and read a chart. I am planning to do the Laurelie using your new style. My question is when you did it in the rectangle shape did you add stitches on each end for an I cord edge? You have an email for questions?
Wow! You are a genius. I love how you convert a triangle into a rectangle. Looking forward to the next shawl episode. I made the butterfly shawl; do you think that could be converted? ([ wore it once, I knit it three years ago) ❤
I’ve admired that butterfly shawl for years, but knew I wouldn’t wear it. It would be a fun challenge to convert it to a rectangle. I’m adding it to my getting-longer-by-the-minute list 😋😁
This is exactly the info ive been looking for! There's a pattern I have I'd like to convert called Vignolia. Any suggestions on staying true to the design? I like the proportions/ratios? of the elements to one another. Thanks, Jen
Fabulous pattern! I love love love the textures. It looks relatively easy to convert to a rectangle wrap, as the stitch repeats are small and wouldn't need a lot of fussing to "fit" into a given width or length. You could also choose to knit this one from either end to end OR from top to bottom. I'd have a tough time choosing, although end to end does tend to be more easily modified for size. Based on the gauge, if you wanted a finished width of around 20", you'd cast on about 90 stitches (not including whatever edging you want to add). Then you need to make the stitch patterns/charts/repeats "fit" into those 90 stitches, or adjust the stitch count a bit one way or the other to "fit" the pattern repeats. I hope this gets you started!
Another thought about candidates for wrapovers: assigned pooling. After starting (and then frogging) an assigned pooling shawl, I thought perhaps the lovely random nature of the “flowers” in the fabric was due to starting in a corner and increasing on every other row. Has anyone tried doing assigned pooling in a rectangle?
Assigned pooling! Yes! That’s an excellent suggestion for a wrapover. I’ve been wanting to try out that technique. Good chance it will show up in a future video 😁
Love you videos. Such very clear instructions. I am thinking of making graphics by casapinka using your method. The other one in consideration is Multiplicity by Barbara Ann Pappas. Any advice? Thank you
Multiplicity should be pretty straightforward as it’s already a rectangle. You’ll just need to knit it to the desired length, bind off and sew it up (see the second video in this series). For Graphics, you’ll need to decide if you want to knit it vertically (like Multiplicity) or horizontally. If it’s horizontally, you’ll need to swatch to get your gauge, then work out the number of stitches to cast on for the length you need. Both look like they will be fabulous wraps! 😁
Hi, I've just come across you. I'm with you in not being able to wear shawls, most of them look like giant baby bibs. I have done something similar with the zick Zack scarf, making a short one and sewing the ends together to make a cowl . So I'm really interested in what you've done, though your wrapover, though it would still be too big for me. Whenever I look at a wrap or scarf pattern I'm instantly, mentally, cutting it in half lengthways and width ways. One thing I have to ask, that really bothered me 😅 was why in the twisted ribbon section did you do 3 stitches one side and 5 on the other. Why not 4 on both sides. Was it just how the pattern stitches fall? Another question, how is a project like this not sequence knitting, which I'm interested in. You are knitting different stitch patterns in sequence. What am I missing? Sorry to ramble on! I will try to catch up on more episodes.
Thanks for all your great comments! Sequence knitting is really a “thing”, but don’t feel bad about not knowing about it because it’s not all that well known. I am planning to make a video about it at some point 😋
Can you please show me how to reconfigure the night shift shawl. I did the cowl but would love a wrap over. Also how do you know amount of yarn needed? Especially if a kit. Thanks much.
In the description box for this video, you’ll find links to my Ravelry page and blog post about converting the Nightshift. If you still have questions, feel free to email me at knicoleknitsdesign@gmail.com ☺️
There’s a link to my Ravelry project page for the shawl in the description box below the video title. Everything you want to know is on my project page 😊❤️
Actually, with one exception (a cowl pattern I converted to a wrapover) I haven't needed extra yarn. It may just be a complete coincidence, or have something to do with transferring knitted fabric around. I'm sure someone more math-y than I am could sort that out. I would be mindful of the yardage required for those "shawlette" styles though. You'd probably want to double the yarn requirements for those little guys. With the big shawls though, you should be covered. 😊
Interesting, I love my shawls, but being big and high busted, with broad shoulders and a short neck, most shawls bunch up around my neck and strangle me.
It's going to vary from shawl to shawl, but so far I haven't had an issue with not having enough yarn with my modifications. If you're willing to do the math, you could calculate the total area of each version and see if your modified version is significantly bigger. I'm going to make a note of this for next time I talk about this method. 👍
So far, it hasn’t been an issue for me, but if the original pattern is a much smaller finished size than you need for a wrapover, you might want to add an extra skein or two 😊
Why use so many words before coming to the point? Start with explaining to keep viewers interested! I have been doing this for years because I hated those useless thìn points. I dont like to wind it round and round. You have a couple of very pretty ones!❤🙋🏼♀️🌷🇱🇺
Thanks for stopping by to check out my MOST Wearable Shawl Shape Modification tutorial. I forgot to add that I will post a follow up to this where I show you how to sew up the rectangle into a wrapover.
I'm looking forward to hearing about your own shawl transformations or styling struggles. Happy knitting!
I love this idea . Perhaps a kal using this technique would be fun.
Oooo...good idea. I'll add this to my list of possible KALs 👍
I love the idea of a KAL
@@Knicoleknits I'd join this!
@@KendraFletcher I’m starting a KAL using this conversion in April. Check out the video I posted last week 😁
This is a GAMECHANGER!!!!!! I love so many shawl patterns, but hesitate to knit them because they don't feel wearable for me. Thanks for the idea!
Yay! I'm so glad you like the idea :D
I would enjoy your discussion on sequence knitting. So brave to frogg shawls and reknit. :)
Oooo...sequence knitting is nerdy and cool at the same time. Thanks for watching!
That’s my problem exactly - I love looking at beautiful shawls, but can never wear them, because I just can’t figure out how to style them comfortably. This is a perfect solution, and I’m looking forward to your video about how to sew them together.
I knew I wasn't the only one 😆
This!! ❤ I’m a novice knitter and have saved tons of shawl patterns but like you- it’s the wearing that stymies me.
I’ve been loving your channel, thank you!!
You are so welcome! Thank you for joining me 💖
Yes, yes, yes. Now that it’s finally getting colder I just got out my box of shawls and thought once again I wouldn’t wear any of them. All that work and lovely yarn! Going to have a good look at all of them with an eye to modification as per your ideas. Thanks. I had made a pact with myself not to be tempted to make yet another shawl I wouldn’t wear but maybe after I alter one or two current ones I’ll look at shawl patterns again. I do enjoy your tip jar.
Thanks for watching! Let me know how it goes 😊
Come to think of it - a triangle shawl draped over shoulders is actually frumpy! I have a few.
My problem with shawls is exactly the same - they look beautiful, I like to knit them, but I can't wear them. And here you brought me a solution 🥰 I've got at least two shawls to think over and recreate this way. Thank you 🌻🌻🌻😊
Hooray! Thank you for watching 😊
Wow! I'm so impressed I've found someone who thinks the same about shawls as me and has also thought to do what I want to with them. I actually haven't made any like this yet as most of my knitting time the last 8 years had been devoted to my grandchildren, but for three last 5 years I've been meaning to convert some of my favourite shawl patterns like this. I have a disability and find it hard to put on jumpers and cardigans by myself, so at first I thought to make them like this for ease of having a warm garment I can put on myself. But then like you I also thought that it would show the patterns better.
Your videos just showed up on my feed this morning, so it looks like a have a bit of binge watching to do! ❤
Thanks so much for watching! It’s great to have you here 😊
You are very encouraging, showing the math, yet trial-and-error approach needed for conversion! It’s a beautiful collection of colours and stitch patterns that deserves to be worn with pride. Thanks so much for sharing.
Thank you, Anne! 😊
I can’t believe I just came across your video while sitting and taking a break from making a shawl to use up some beautiful yarn in my enormous stash. Everything you say is exactly how I feel. Hope it works.
Good luck and thanks for watching!
Great idea. Lots of good thinking.
Thanks for watching! 😊
Hi there, what a great idea! Thank you for sharing. I didn't really understand how to sew them together but I see you left a note about that❤ how it will be coming in a different episode. Wonderful 🎉
Yay! I’m glad you like it. Yes, the finishing steps should be posted in two weeks from Thursday 😁
❤@@Knicoleknits
I think you just cracked open shawl knitting and wearing for me. Thank you! Also, I love a puzzle, so I think the conversion process will just add to the fun. 🥰
I predict you will LOVE it! 😃💖
I love knitting shawls and wearing them - I feel that I style them well. But - I am super excited by this! Sometimes you just want something that’s going to stay where you put it with no effort. Thank you!
You are so welcome!
I feel exactly the same!! I am literally just knitting a rectangle to make a poncho! So nice to know I'm not alone... Thank you so much for sharing your experience and advice with us! Yes to the wrap-over!! 😊
😃💖
Thank you so much for sharing this idea. I had stopped making shawls simply because I couldn't figure out how to wear them. I can't wait to give this a try.
Hooray! I hope it works for you 😀
I so agree about shawls, I have the same experience. Really like this idea. Thank you!
Drat. Now I really want to do that with my Millard Daughter shawl.
Ha ha! Sorry (not sorry), my friend 😘
Let me know if you want help re-working the pattern 😊
I can see you serenely wearing your favourite wrap-over over nothing(!) as you sip your martini, and knit Oscar his much hoped-for cashmere dog bed!
Maybe knit two rectangular same sized pieces, each half length of one of your rectangular shawls, and sew them together: each end to the long side of the other piece for more of a closed poncho style? I have seen weavers do this, and it looks great! Or if the pattern is equally pretty on both sides, do a Moebius twist when you sew just then one regular length together? Anyway, cheers and thanks for this idea. It’s a great one! ❤❤❤
Great ideas! So many possibilities!
I struggle with scarves and shawls too. I very much like this tutorial. You've ignited the idea in me to just simply knit a rectangle perhaps using some colourful scraps and no pattern. I'll create along the way. Thank you
Fantastic! I’m sure it will be beautiful 🤩
This shawl modification is simply genius. I have not made a knit shawl before and i am happy to have found this video. It resolves that ""How do I wear this beautiful completed shawl?" question. I really like the "math-iness" of trying to make the rectangle and pattern repeats "play nicely" together. 😉
Thank you! ❤
So glad you find it useful! It's completely changed shawl knitting for me😃
What a great idea to change up those sharks that just don’t get much use. Love love love this idea and your information.
I’ve often thought of converting my shawls but was waiting to come up with an idea that didn’t mean frogging. I recently knit the Corrie-in poncho by Amy Palko and it is getting a ton of wear. I rarely wear my shawls. Thanks for showing your thought process, I think I can use this in the future when I frog and remake my shawls into something way more wearable.
Thanks for watching! There are lots of lovely poncho styles out there as well, for sure 😊
This is brilliant. I will have to start thinking about doing this.
I did the Night Shift shawl and wore it once. I may do like you did and give it away, but I really like the colours.
To frog or not to frog...it's a tough call. I really liked the colours in mine, too, but since I had made a second one that I also loved, I felt okay about passing it on 😋
Yes! You said it out loud-beautiful shawls are hard (impossible) to style. Loved this.
I share in your pain. I have a fav shawl that I painstakingly knitted/blocked, that I rarely wear, for this exact reason. Thanks for this!
You are so welcome!
Great idea. Love the one your wearing. Would like to see how you attached that one. I'm a bit confused how they're attached. They're not attached end to end but end to side?
Correct. One short end is attached to the lower edge of one long side. I’m going to post another video when I’m ready to sew up the one I’m working on so you can see exactly how it goes together. Just hang in there a few weeks 😁
Is the reason it’s constructed that way so the top is a little smaller than the bottom? But without having to really convert the pattern into a circle?
Right. It sits better that way, without being a giant loop. It also provides a cool pointed corner for more design interest 😋
Thank you!
You're welcome!
My first question was answered in the last half of your video. Thanks for that. I'm a pretty experienced knitter, and make up a lot of my own patterns for tops, etc. You've given me some good ideas. THANKS
My struggle is with scarves; they drive me bonkers, with the ends flapping around, and me worrying if they will fall off, and them not actually keeping my neck warm. So I feel your pain. I'm not sure that this wrapover solution is for me - it feels too much like turning a shawl into a poncho, and me with long hair, I don't really like pulling things over my head and off again, it makes my hair all messy. On the other hand, this whole discussion is still very useful in how to turn a non-rectangle pattern into a rectangle. And indeed may be useful to me, because I have found one style of shawl that works pretty well for me is a ruana - that's like a rectangular poncho, but with a slit down the front so you don't have to pull it over your head. So thank you for all this thought you have put into this.
Yes! Ruanas are a great variation. Have the best time experimenting with this concept 😊
This idea is awesome!!! Thanks for sharing it😊❤❤
You're welcome! I'm glad you like it 😊
Thank you very much for this idea and all the instructions for the making! This is brilliant! Now I will do it for all my shawls. And maybe with swathers or cardigans' patterns that would be easier to style and wear as shawls. I love your vibe Nicole. 💗
Thank you, fellow Nicole! 😁🥰
This looks awesome, and the colours you've selected for your shawl look better than the ones in the pattern photo.
Thanks Nicole! I too have many shawls I never use, I can’t be doing with all the faffing about with them….. this is so simple and such a great idea and I have one I can adapt right away 😊
I just recently found your channel. I believe it was about sequencing knitting. 😍
I was sold on this idea from the title!
Thanks for sharing!
I love seeing how others design.
Thanks so much for watching!! 💖
I recently found your channel and so glad I did!!! I’ve knit so many shawls and find them “fiddly” to wear. Also, the use of running markers blew my mind🤯🤯🤯
Yay! You are so welcome!🤗
Yes please ... a kal .....I luv it....I would wear n wear it ...thx so much....awesome job, it's gorgeous
Thanks! I’ve got a shawl KAL coming up on April 7. There’s a video with information on my channel 😊
rewatching this as I am planning to knit a pressed flower shawl. i am starting with that one as I suspect it is probably an easy one to adapt! I have knitted far too many shawls that I ended up donating (I am glad they raised money for charity, but would love to be able to wear at least one or two!)
That's an excellent choice to convert to a wrapover! Let me know how it turns out 😃
Thanks for this, I am not a triangle scarf fan but find the rectangle scarf selection of patterns pretty limited in comparison so this has opened up some many more possibilities! Thank you!!
You are so welcome! 🤗
I’ve watched a few of your videos today and I’m convinced you’re a freaking GENIUS! I adore this idea of the wrap, I can never style my shawls either! And they’re my favourite thing to make, so I have so many. I live in Australia too, so a warm climate 🤦♀️ THANK YOU
Welcome aboard! I'm telling you, this wrapover thing has changed my knitting world. Converting some of the gorgeous lacy, openwork shawls would be perfect for you! Have fun :D
LOVE your dog thoughts... Precious!
Going to try this way to make a show
I love your videos Nicole! How can I transform a circular shawl without frogging it? You may have covered this in this video, and I may have missed it. You are a knitting ninja!
Thanks so much! The short answer to your question is: with extreme difficulty. The only way I can think of at the moment would be to pick up all the stitches around the edge and then somehow use short rows to add "corners" on two sides. Even if you could accomplish this might task, it would likely end up too wide to be a practical wrap. I'm afraid that frogging and starting from scratch is the smoothest path to a successful mod. 😋
I so agree with you on difficult shawl wear... I have frogged two to remake them. I am looking forward to how you sow them together. Thank you so much.
OMG Nicole. You are a genius! I love looking at shawl patterns (esp Andrea Mowrey) but never knit them coz I know I won’t wear them for all the reasons you mentioned. I am definitely going to give your rectangle conversion suggestion a go. My only problem now is my favourites list on Ravelry has just doubled 😂😂. The only suggestion for this video I have is for to show how you actually seam the two end together. I get the gist from just looking at yours but a small instruction would be great. 😊
There's a "part two" video where I show how to seam up the finished wrap 😊
I have watched a few of your videos now and so much of what you have to say really resonates with me. I am a new knitter and I have bought several shawl patterns and yarn to make them and then I have come to the conclusion that I would never wear them and that what I would wear would be scarves (the long, skinny kind) and matching beanies. I like your wrap idea but I wouldn't wear those either but I like how you think outside the box. The other thing I could make to satisfy my knitting craving would be to make some blankets, I guess. I love the colors and textures of the wrap you are wearing in this video!
You have 100% permission to knit only things that bring you joy 😉 You could absolutely apply my shawl conversion technique to creating blankets. You can also take elements of shawls and scarves you like and apply them to sweaters. Just throwing that out there...😄
Wow , I'm in !!!!!
You are right. Almost funny but true. Thanks
You’re a genius, exactly right, I can’t wear my shawls. It’s just hanging in my closet. Thank you👌🏽God Bless ❤
You are so welcome! 🤗
Very helpful, thanks
This is genius!
This is absolutely awesome. I love the various designs on triangular shawls now i can convert them. Thank you so much. I love stranded knitting ponchos. This will be modified poncho. Yay ! What a lovely news! ❤😢
Hooray! I’m so glad it’s helpful 😁
I have exactly the same issue - I love knitting shawls but I cannot wear them and it just kind of stopped me from knitting them! However as I sit here I can think of five shawls that can be frogged and probably re knit! I am so excited!! My house is quite cool and I have two cats so this will be a lovely solution. Plus I love to knit. I am preparing to retire in a year or two which is about 10 years after the normal time. But I have multitudinous books on CD and look forward to many hours of knitting while listening. Going to go watch the second video now. Thank you so much for sharing this!
probably reknit! I am excite
Yay! It really has changed shawl knitting for me in a huge way. Let me know if you need help with any conversions 😊
I just happened upon your channel and I’m so happy that I did! I also have problems with shawls and I have been wanting to knit the one you’re wearing. I’m not sure that I can because I’m not sure of the depth it needs but I’m eager to try it. Thanks so much!
Yay! Have fun with it 😃
My problem also. I love your tip jar!!
Thank you! 😊
I am making my 2nd poncho for exactly the same reasons you say... I wear them around the house a lot more than the shawls I have. Now need a way to convert the triangles into rectangles without frogging them... math involved, lol!
I’ve tried to solve that puzzle myself, but usually comes down to not having enough or the appropriate yarn to fill in the rest of the rectangle 😊
Just found your channel, thanks so much for all your sharing. This is the third video that has turned up in my feed, so just had to subscribe. Such a wonderful idea, a sheer blaze of creative genius. I'm a convert = you had me at 'wearable" . Off to find more of you and add comments :))
Welcome aboard! So glad you found me 🥰
Love your idea, I also have the same issue when wearing a shawl.
hi Nicole! Watching this for the second time - this time really studying it. I knit my first shawl recently and agree: what's the Point of the Point. Can't figure out how to style.wear it. Despite all that, I started knitting a second shawl - I've frogged it twice!! Then knit two kerchief-style cowls, which are great and more practical. But Your design idea is brilliant. Do you have favorite dimensions?
Thanks for watching! Your ideal dimensions will depend on your frame and the level of coverage you want. I've settled on around 20-22" x 56-60". The green/blue one I did is only about 18"x50" and it's wearable for sure, but I find myself wishing it were a tad more roomy. Hope this helps! 😊
Hi! I’m knitting Glittering Snowscape by Stephen West! I love the stitches design but I’m halfway done and I don’t love the results! So I was thinking reaping it back and do something else with the yarn but now I think I will try to work out a way to transform the crescent shawl into a wrapper like you suggest!
I love you video and your cute little dog insert! And also seeing the real one! He’s adorable!❤
Thanks for watching! I’ll tell Oscar he’s got a new fan 🥰
When you show the 3 purl stitches at the end of the twisted rib section, I noticed the edge looked really neat. I the first stitch on the reverse also a purl? Thank you so much for a great idea! I'm going to try it!
I didn't do anything special at the end of the row. It's just straight up stockinette. I think because it's curling a bit to the right side, you're seeing the edge stitch very clearly and it's making it look like something fancy is happening 😋
I recently stumbled on your channel and loved it but with this specific podcast I am now a fan! Thank you for sharing your passion and knowledge.
Like so many comments, I'm with you on shawls. I knitted two; the Butterfly with only one skein so somehow it stays on my shoulders, but the Eagle by Alice Stanmore is a complete failure. Despite having accumulated many shawl patterns just because I like the style I haven't knitted any yet. Although I understand your explanation I struggle to translate those in another pattern. I wonder if you would consider going through another pattern perhaps the Laurelie or again even a pattern that is constructed with one design in. Perhaps it would be easier as a starting point. Just a thought. 😊
I'm so happy you're intrigued by this idea 😊 I have two more videos on the same subject that will probably help you with the details you're looking for. If you go to my channel page and click on the "playlists" tab near the top, you'll find a playlist called Knicoleknits More Wearable Shawl series.
Watch the other two videos and if you still have questions, I'm here to help! 😄
I am in such agreement on this!!❤😊🎉😮❤
I love your idea you knight shift is wonderful … I have to found the good yarn to make it .. the kit is too expensive for me …
What a great idea! Andrea Mowry seems to be able to wear shawls where they, and her, look so good but your idea seems more wearable for most people. But, shawls can’t really be converted once they’re already made they’ll need to be frogged and reknit it, correct?
Unfortunately, yes - they will almost all need to be frogged and recreated. The only exception would be any rectangle-shaped wraps that happened to have the correct proportions. If you've watched my video on sequence knitting, you'll have seen a wrap that was close to the right shape, but just needed to be shortened and widened. I was able to do that without frogging back the whole project. 😊
I can't think of one of my shawl complaints that you didn't hit! And yeah - they're so pretty. This is a wonderfully good video. This is off topic but I knit a Knus (olgajazzy) for an extra layer and warm thing to wash dishes in that didn't require pushing up and stretching out my sweater cuffs. Your invention could also fulfill the same function.
Cool! I like olgajazzy. I’ll check out that pattern 😊
Church mouse has produced several patterns along this line. The mohair bias loop and shoulder cozy come to mind. However your idea of adapting the stitch and design proportions of a triangular shawl into this easy wear format is great! Do you find that no matter what we do we still have too many shawls?
Yup. Too many. But they are so pretty it seems we just can't stop knitting them! 😘
What are the dimensions that you typically use for your rectangles before you sew them together? BTW I'm new to your videos, but am really enjoying this one. I'll be checking out more soon.
Love this! Can you share the final dimensions of the rectangle before you sew it together? Also, if you are comfortable doing so, can you show how this size fits you and say how tall you are? I’m just 5 feet tall and will have to design a size that will not overwhelm me. Does the back point hang below your waist? Are the edges to your elbows? Wrists? It’s hard to see from your seated position. Again, thanks for the great idea, I can’t wait to try it!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! If you watch part two, you should get all the information you need. If you still have questions after that, let me know 😊
You are so right- I love knitting them but just don’t wear them. I’ll be looking at the ones I’ve knit for the first ‘victim’ to be turned into a rectangle piece.
Frog fest! I should do a livestream where we all frog our triangle shawls 😉🤣
In trying to understand, for you the rectangle size is 60” by 30” and you sew one long side to a short side? How do you decide the size of the long side?
The size I make is closer to 60” x 20”. The “Part 2” video shows how to put it together and finish it up 😊
As for which side - you get to decide that! I usually put narrower elements at the neck edge and wider at the lower edge. 😁
@@Knicoleknits is this 60 inches, one size fits all? Or should you measure around yourself, arms included,and make the long side be that measurement?
I don’t subscribe to “one fits all,” but I think it would fit many. You could take a towel and fold it into similar dimensions, then wrap it around and pin it in place. That should give you an idea of the right size for you 😊
This is brilliant!
I found that I don’t care for the asymmetrical triangle. Then of course, I designed a pattern that was an asymmetrical triangle, lol. I like crescent , rectangle, and a true triangle shape shawl. I’m going to think about how you’ve taken a pattern and redesigned it to make your new pattern.
Cool idea
I’m one of your new video viewers, really enjoying it. I am working on a swatch to learn how to do mosaic and read a chart. I am planning to do the Laurelie using your new style. My question is when you did it in the rectangle shape did you add stitches on each end for an I cord edge? You have an email for questions?
Hello and welcome! Yes, you can email questions to knicoleknitsdesign@gmail.com I'm happy to help with specifics 😀
Wow! You are a genius. I love how you convert a triangle into a rectangle. Looking forward to the next shawl episode. I made the butterfly shawl; do you think that could be converted? ([ wore it once, I knit it three years ago) ❤
I’ve admired that butterfly shawl for years, but knew I wouldn’t wear it. It would be a fun challenge to convert it to a rectangle. I’m adding it to my getting-longer-by-the-minute list 😋😁
Thank you so much for even just contemplating it. ❤
This is exactly the info ive been looking for!
There's a pattern I have I'd like to convert called Vignolia. Any suggestions on staying true to the design? I like the proportions/ratios? of the elements to one another.
Thanks,
Jen
Fabulous pattern! I love love love the textures. It looks relatively easy to convert to a rectangle wrap, as the stitch repeats are small and wouldn't need a lot of fussing to "fit" into a given width or length. You could also choose to knit this one from either end to end OR from top to bottom. I'd have a tough time choosing, although end to end does tend to be more easily modified for size. Based on the gauge, if you wanted a finished width of around 20", you'd cast on about 90 stitches (not including whatever edging you want to add). Then you need to make the stitch patterns/charts/repeats "fit" into those 90 stitches, or adjust the stitch count a bit one way or the other to "fit" the pattern repeats.
I hope this gets you started!
Another thought about candidates for wrapovers: assigned pooling. After starting (and then frogging) an assigned pooling shawl, I thought perhaps the lovely random nature of the “flowers” in the fabric was due to starting in a corner and increasing on every other row. Has anyone tried doing assigned pooling in a rectangle?
Assigned pooling! Yes! That’s an excellent suggestion for a wrapover. I’ve been wanting to try out that technique. Good chance it will show up in a future video 😁
Love you videos. Such very clear instructions. I am thinking of making graphics by casapinka using your method. The other one in consideration is Multiplicity by Barbara Ann Pappas. Any advice? Thank you
Multiplicity should be pretty straightforward as it’s already a rectangle. You’ll just need to knit it to the desired length, bind off and sew it up (see the second video in this series). For Graphics, you’ll need to decide if you want to knit it vertically (like Multiplicity) or horizontally. If it’s horizontally, you’ll need to swatch to get your gauge, then work out the number of stitches to cast on for the length you need. Both look like they will be fabulous wraps! 😁
Hi, I've just come across you. I'm with you in not being able to wear shawls, most of them look like giant baby bibs. I have done something similar with the zick Zack scarf, making a short one and sewing the ends together to make a cowl . So I'm really interested in what you've done, though your wrapover, though it would still be too big for me. Whenever I look at a wrap or scarf pattern I'm instantly, mentally, cutting it in half lengthways and width ways. One thing I have to ask, that really bothered me 😅 was why in the twisted ribbon section did you do 3 stitches one side and 5 on the other. Why not 4 on both sides. Was it just how the pattern stitches fall? Another question, how is a project like this not sequence knitting, which I'm interested in. You are knitting different stitch patterns in sequence. What am I missing? Sorry to ramble on! I will try to catch up on more episodes.
Thanks for all your great comments! Sequence knitting is really a “thing”, but don’t feel bad about not knowing about it because it’s not all that well known. I am planning to make a video about it at some point 😋
Can you please show me how to reconfigure the night shift shawl. I did the cowl but would love a wrap over. Also how do you know amount of yarn needed? Especially if a kit. Thanks much.
In the description box for this video, you’ll find links to my Ravelry page and blog post about converting the Nightshift. If you still have questions, feel free to email me at knicoleknitsdesign@gmail.com ☺️
What yarn did you use (and colors) for the Laurelie shawl? it is beautiful
There’s a link to my Ravelry project page for the shawl in the description box below the video title. Everything you want to know is on my project page 😊❤️
I would think that you need a lot more yarn to covert a triangle to a rectangle...how do you handle that?
Actually, with one exception (a cowl pattern I converted to a wrapover) I haven't needed extra yarn. It may just be a complete coincidence, or have something to do with transferring knitted fabric around. I'm sure someone more math-y than I am could sort that out. I would be mindful of the yardage required for those "shawlette" styles though. You'd probably want to double the yarn requirements for those little guys. With the big shawls though, you should be covered. 😊
Interesting, I love my shawls, but being big and high busted, with broad shoulders and a short neck, most shawls bunch up around my neck and strangle me.
That’s exactly why I convert them to wrapovers. I don’t like a pile of fabric bunched up on my “shelf.” 😋😉
So you sew one edge to the side of the rectangle?
That's right! You sew one short edge to the bottom of one long side. I demo the assembly process in part two of the Wearable Shawl series 😊
Did you finish the shawl? I would LOVE to see it finished!!
I did finish it! You can see it in the follow up video and the one I just posted yesterday 😃
@@Knicoleknits Thank you!!
Would I just get the same amount of yarn in the shawl pattern or would I have to modify how much yarn I get?
It's going to vary from shawl to shawl, but so far I haven't had an issue with not having enough yarn with my modifications. If you're willing to do the math, you could calculate the total area of each version and see if your modified version is significantly bigger. I'm going to make a note of this for next time I talk about this method. 👍
Do you need the same amount of yarn as the original patterns?
So far, it hasn’t been an issue for me, but if the original pattern is a much smaller finished size than you need for a wrapover, you might want to add an extra skein or two 😊
100%
Why use so many words before coming to the point? Start with explaining to keep viewers interested! I have been doing this for years because I hated those useless thìn points. I dont like to wind it round and round. You have a couple of very pretty ones!❤🙋🏼♀️🌷🇱🇺
Thanks for your thoughts 😊 This was one of my earlier videos. I'm a better editor now 😉