Simple but elegant crochet shawl pattens

A shawl is often one of the first items knitters and crocheters choose to create when they take up the craft. They are very simple items of clothing, and though they can be intricately designed, there are any number of easy knit and crochet shawl pattens available for the beginner or for the more advanced, crochet sweater patterns. Shawls have a long and colorful history. Although the industry that produces the Kashmir shawl only dates back to the 15th and 16th centuries, the garments have been woven and used since ancient times and were part of the traditional male outfit in Kashmir as early as the 11th century. The word "shawl" is derived from the Persian word "shal," which denoted a type of woven fabric, not an actual garment.

Shawls gained popularity in Western European countries in the early and mid-19th century. Around that time, artisans in Paisley began to craft imitations of Kashmir shawls to meet the growing demand for the garments. The term "paisley" originates with these imitations, though the knitted shawl patterns that inspired them date back to ancient Babylon. The tear-drop shape of the paisley symbolizes the growing shoot of a date palm. Since these palms provided sustenance, clothing, and shelter, they were regarded as the "tree of life." Representations of the growing shoots eventually became a symbol for fertility.

In modern times, the shawl is still used for warmth and beauty, as well as for religious purposes, such as the tallitot, or prayer shawls, worn by Jewish individuals during ceremonies and prayers. Shawls provide fashionable alternatives to jackets and coats when extra warmth is needed while wearing nice dress clothes. There are many crochet shawl pattens available for these stylish wraps. When designing this type of garment, be sure to choose a yarn that is as special as the dress you will be wearing with it.

Hampton Knitting Yarn carries books, magazines, and pamphlets full of casual and dressy knitted shawl patterns for experienced knitters and beginners. We also have a nice assortment of fine yarn for your special project. The Rowan lurex shimmer and Sirdar funky fir yarns we carry are perfect for creating distinctive and stunning wraps, and Elsebeth Lavold's silky wools are great for warming you on a cool autumn evening.