Shawl Calculator — Yarn and Dimensions for Knitted Shawls

A standard triangular shawl is 150-180cm wingspan and 60-80cm deep. A generous wrap-style shawl is 180-200cm wide. A small shawlette for wearing around the neck is 100-120cm wide and 40-50cm deep. Size depends on how you want to wear it.

A small shawlette in fingering weight: 350-500m. A medium triangular shawl: 600-900m. A large wrap shawl: 900-1200m. Lace weight shawls use less yarn by weight but similar yardage. The actual amount depends heavily on shape and size.

Fingering weight (4-ply) is the most popular for shawls, offering good drape and a reasonable knitting time. Lace weight creates lightweight, ethereal shawls but takes longer. DK weight makes a warmer, cosier shawl. Consider the season and intended use.

Triangular shawls use the least yarn for a given wingspan (about half the area of a rectangle). Crescent shawls use about 60% of the rectangular area. Semicircular shawls use about 50%. Rectangular wraps use the most yarn for the same wingspan.

Triangular shawls are the most popular and versatile. Crescent shawls sit better on the shoulders with more coverage at the neck. Semicircular shawls drape elegantly. Rectangular stoles and wraps are simplest to knit and the most versatile for styling.