The name “Kinsmen” is inspired by the long lines of knit stitches, which all branch from the same starting point at the top of the shawl, much like a family tree. Additionally, as the theme for the 2025 Fluff and Nonsense Advent was inspired by JRR Tolkien’s “The Hobbit”, wherein most of the dwarves in the tale are related to one another, “Kinsman” seemed especially fitting.

A semi-circular shawl that begins with a garter tab, this pattern is designed to be knit by anybody. If you can do a yarn over, you can make this shawl. Using simple broken ribbing and purls for texture, this shawl is delightfully squishy and comforting. Increases are done using yarn overs, and an eyelet row frames the bottom edge of the shawl. This is a warm, mindful knit that will keep your hands and mind busy. Changing colours as you run out of them means you will use as much of your yarn scraps and advents as possible, making it perfect for using up those odds and ends we all have.

Design features: Garter Tab, knitting, purling, yarnovers, broken ribbing, stretchy cast off, knitted top down

This is a single size shawl. Post blocking, the wingspan will be approximately 164cm/64.5in across, and 64cm/25in deep

This pattern has been designed for 5ply (sport) SRS Merino sourced from Great Southern Yarns. If you choose to use a 4ply base instead, the final fabric will be lighter and floatier.
When you run out of your first colour, just continue with the next one. Don’t worry about being too precise with changing colours at the end of a row, just enjoy the knit – this is why colours are not mentioned in the pattern itself. Just focus on the stitches.