Shortbread cookies are my comfort cookies. I make them when I’m feeling glum or need to remember I can do something well. They’re rich, soothing, and full of butter—not sure I could come up with a better combination! They’re also infinitely customizable. You can add all kinds of flavor extracts, herbs, spices, and bits of fruit to change up the taste and texture.
Like shortbread, this shawl is meant to be a comfort, full of simple texture and a few delicate details that will feel soothing and warm when you put it on. Feel free to experiment with using heavier yarn, removing the bobbles, or adding/removing repeats of the seed stitch bands – because like a good shortbread, this shawl can be modified in lots of ways.
Size
This shawl is a crescent-shaped shawl, which I love for how well it sits on the shoulders when wrapped around in layers. The finished shawl is 62” (157 cm) wingspan and 17” (43 cm) deep at its widest point.
The Shortbread Shawl is knit in fingering weight yarn. Two colors are used in this pattern, and you'll need 380-400 yds (348-366 m) of Color A, and 380-400 yds (348-366 m) of Color B. I knit the sample in Akara Yarns Organic Fingering 2-ply (407 yds/372 m), and Akara Yarns Merino Sock (420 yds/384 m)
You'll need one set of 32” (80 cm) circular needles (suggested size US 4/3.5mm), as well as optional stitch markers for placing between pattern repeats, Size G (4 mm) crochet hook (optional), and tapestry needle for weaving in ends.
Techniques
This pattern is good for Adventurous beginner to intermediate knitters. It’s a soothing mix of seed stitch and lacy bands of leaves with bobble berries. These bobbles are crocheted, which I find gives better stitch definition, but don’t worry—you can knit them if you prefer. The edge is finished with a picot bind-off.