There are many ways to wear a small shawl, beyond the usual shoulder wrap. With a simple knot, a favorite shawl pin, or a creative tuck, this versatile accessory can be styled in a variety of ways.
Kate Larson knitted the Echo Small Shawl using Echo Wool, a 100% recycled wool yarn from Purl Soho that’s spun by a Turkish mill that reclaims its own production waste and turns it into beautiful yarn. Kate says, “I find this airy two-ply to be next-to-skin soft, but it also has some body and tooth, which set me musing about a small accessory with a series of classic stitches that show off what this yarn can do.”
We saw lots of potential in styling the Echo Small Shawl, and set about to capturing a variety of ways to wear this wardrobe staple. See five ways we’ve styled the Echo Small Shawl, and then get the pattern in the upcoming Fall 2026 issue. May these ideas inspire you to give any small shawl a fresh look.
Use a Shawl Pin or Cuff
Wrap the shawl around your shoulders or neck, then secure the layers with a shawl pin or cuff. Notice how our stylist positioned the leather shawl cuff at the shoulder for a polished look.
Head Kerchief
Fold the shawl into a triangle and place the long edge across your forehead. Tie the two ends at the nape of your neck for a classic kerchief look.
Knotted in Front
For a cozy look and extra warmth, simply drape the shawl around your neck and tie the ends together using a basic knot in the front.
Lariat Style
For a more novel approach, drape the shawl around your neck with the ends hanging in front. Slide the ends through a shawl cuff and then adjust as desired.
Tuck
For a shawl that stays neatly in place without the use of a knot, wrap it comfortably around your neck, then tuck the loose tail into the folds.
However you choose to wear it, a small shawl is an easy way to add a bit of texture, warmth, and handmade style to any outfit.
Ready to knit your own? Subscribe to Farm & Fiber Knits to get the pattern for the Echo Small Shawl when the Fall 2026 issue drops on September 10. And find even more recycled yarn in the issue, including a swatch study of four different recycled yarns plus a feature article that explores what goes into creating recycled yarns.