Cityscapes Shawl Knitting Tutorial: A Step-by-Step Guide

Updated at: 09/05/2025

Are you captivated by the breathtaking beauty of city skylines, yet yearn to create a tangible piece of art inspired by their intricate architecture and vibrant energy? This tutorial offers you the perfect blend of urban inspiration and cozy craftsmanship: a stunning Cityscapes shawl, knitted entirely by hand. Imagine the satisfaction of draping this unique piece over your shoulders, a wearable testament to your creativity and skill. The mesmerizing blend of colors and textures will evoke the feeling of a bustling cityscape, transforming a simple garment into a conversation starter.

This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process of knitting this captivating shawl, from casting on to the final bind-off. We'll cover everything from selecting the right yarn and needles to mastering the key techniques needed to recreate the dynamic lines and subtle shading reminiscent of a city at dawn or dusk. Prepare to be amazed by how easily you can transform simple stitches into a breathtaking work of art.

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Size 10 needles (straight or circular recommended)
  • Red Heart Colorscapes yarn (two balls of each of two chosen colorways)
Safety Guidelines
  • Use sharp scissors to cut yarn to avoid fraying and ensure clean edges. Dull scissors can snag the yarn, creating a messy appearance.
  • Pay close attention to your stitch counts throughout the project. Incorrect stitch counts can lead to uneven shaping and sizing issues, especially with complex patterns like cityscapes.
  • If working with multiple colors, secure your yarn ends well to prevent them from becoming loose or pulling out during the knitting process. This is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the cityscape design.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Casting On

    • Cast on three stitches using the longtail cast-on method.
    Cast on three stitches using the longtail cast-on method.
    Casting On

  2. Initial Rows

    • Knit front and back in the first stitch, knit the next stitch, and knit front and back in the last stitch.
    • Knit all stitches.
    Row 2: Knit all stitches.Row 2: Knit all stitches.
    Initial Rows

  3. Increasing Section

    • Change colors every two rows. Follow the pattern instructions, increasing stitches on the sides using knit front and back increases and decreasing in the center using a center double decrease.
    • Continue increasing until 86 stitches are reached.
    Continue increasing until 86 stitches are reached.Continue increasing until 86 stitches are reached.
    Increasing Section

  4. Decreasing Section

    • Follow pattern instructions, decreasing stitches until 14 stitches remain. Use center double decreases and SSK decreases as specified.
    Decrease section: Follow pattern instructions, decreasing stitches until 14 stitches remain. Use center double decreases and SSK decreases as specified.
    Decreasing Section

  5. Final Decreases and Binding Off

    • Decrease using SSK and knit two together until three stitches remain.
    • Bind off remaining stitches and weave in ends.
    Bind off remaining stitches and weave in ends.Bind off remaining stitches and weave in ends.
    Final Decreases and Binding Off

Read more: Knitting a Reversible Basketweave Blanket: A Customizable Guide

Tips

  • Use circular needles to accommodate the increasing number of stitches.
  • Use stitch markers to easily identify the center of the shawl and the placement of increases and decreases.
  • Be careful not to split your yarn while working the center double decreases.
  • The increases and decreases balance each other out in each row, maintaining consistent stitch count.
  • One side of the shawl will be wider than the other due to the asymmetrical increase pattern.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Inconsistent Tension

Reason: Varying tightness throughout the knitting can lead to an uneven and distorted finished shawl.
Solution: Practice maintaining consistent tension throughout the project by using a tension square and paying close attention to your stitch formation.

2. Incorrectly Reading the Pattern

Reason: Misinterpreting increases, decreases, or stitch patterns can result in a shawl that doesn't match the pattern's design or fit properly.
Solution: Carefully read each row before knitting it, referring to stitch definitions and charts as needed.

FAQs

What type of yarn is best for this Cityscapes Shawl?
A medium-weight yarn (worsted weight) with good drape is ideal. Consider a variegated yarn for a more realistic cityscape effect, or choose solid colors to create a more abstract design. Superwash wool or a wool blend is recommended for ease of care.
What size needles are recommended for this project?
The needle size will depend on your chosen yarn and your personal tension. The pattern will suggest a needle size range; it's best to knit a gauge swatch to determine the best size for *your* yarn and ensure your finished shawl is the correct dimensions.
I'm a beginner knitter. Is this pattern suitable for me?
While this pattern uses several techniques, it's designed to be accessible to intermediate knitters. If you're comfortable with basic knitting stitches (knit, purl) and have experience with simple increases and decreases, you should be able to tackle this project. However, if you are completely new to knitting, it might be advisable to start with easier projects first to build your skills.