Shawl Pin Selection and Use
A shawl pin holds a shawl closed at the front, transforming a draped shawl into a fastened wrap. Choosing the right pin makes the shawl easier to wear and prevents damage to the knitted fabric.
Recommended A printable technique cheat-sheet for your knitting bag.
Pin types
Stick pins (a single pointed bar) are the simplest. Penannular pins (a circular loop with a single pin) are more secure. Brooch-style pins with a clasp are the most secure but bulkier.
Material
Wood, bone, metal, and acrylic shawl pins are all common. Match the pin material to the shawl's aesthetic — rustic wood for handspun shawls, elegant metal for lace shawls.
In partnership Tools and supplies that make this technique easier.
Avoiding damage
Always insert the pin between stitches, not through them. Inserting through a stitch can split the yarn and cause runs. For lace shawls, choose pins with very fine points to fit between the lace eyelets.
Size
Match the pin size to the shawl weight. A heavy worsted shawl needs a substantial pin; a delicate lace shawl needs a fine, lightweight pin.
Abbreviation reference
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| BO | bind off |
Tips
- Always insert pins between stitches, never through them.
- Match pin weight to shawl weight.
- For lace shawls, use very fine pins to fit between eyelets.
In depth
Shawl pins are a small accessory that transforms how a shawl wears. The right pin holds the shawl in place all day; the wrong pin damages the fabric or fails to hold. Spend the time to choose carefully — a good pin lasts a lifetime and works across many shawls.