[bonster]

I made a shawl and followed the pattern for length. It called to make it 52" long which is what I did. I think it's too short. I think I will rip out the end part (I ended with 6 rows of knit - I used the Feather & Fan pattern) and lengthen it. I would add about 12". I know it's personal preference, but what do you all find a good length? It's about 20" wide (just guessing - it's in the car and I'm in bed using my laptop so I can't measure now!).

 

[Loistec]

Its always disappointing when an item doesn't turn out the way you wanted it to. You're doing the right thing, ripping out and making it bigger. Now make notes, so the next pattern can be adjusted from the get go! I made a shawl once for my mother. It was way too big! She graciously accepted it and has it in drawer somewhere.
Lois

 

[bonster]

I thought 52" was awfully short! I made another one last year using up some of my stash. I knitted the long way and left the ends for fringe. I had made that too long but they way I made it, it was easy to rip to the length I wanted and then just tie the fringe. I thought it was a bit long but I knew I could adjust later. Better to be too long and shorten a little than being too short! I guess I was anxious do get it finished (the one I just did). I will make it longer. Thanks for your input.

 

[susanmjackson]

I find the ideal length for a shawl is equal to your arm span, measure from finger tip of right hand to finger tip of left hand while arms are spread out to your sides in a "t" with your torso. This is also about the same length as your height. For me it is around 60 inches, but that is a bit short for my sister who measures closer to 70.

 

[Charity Knitter]

I've knitted a number of shawls for Hospice and have found that they like shawls that measure approximately 22" wide by 60" long.

Charity Knitter

 

[joanne 46]

I try fitting before take off the needles. I was working on a neck scarf. I put it around my neck to see if it was as long as I wanted if not I just keeped knitting.

 

[Capva]

Hi Bonster,

I too belong to a prayer shawl ministry and the average length of my patterns is 60". If someone is taller and you could make it longer. Hope this helps.

Capva

 

[bonster]

Thanks. I thought 52" was short. I ripped out the end part and I am going to add at least 12". That seems to be a better length.