Shawls

[kisha29]

Is there a set way that shawls are suppose to look? Do they have to be triangle in shape or is it then considered a wrap? I was trying to make a shawl (of my own pattern) but it doesn't look right to me, but it's my own pattern/design so it's no big deal to me but i was just wondering.

[Roli]

Good question Kisha. I don't know...

[Chrome Kitty]

I think rectangles are usally called stoles. Triangles are usually shawls. Both can be wraps. I've seen all three terms used on both styles. Here's what the dictionary says:

 

Stole:

a long wide scarf or similar covering worn by women usually across the shoulders

 

Shawl:

a square or oblong usually fabric garment or wrapper used especially as a covering for the head or shoulders

 

Wrap:

an article of clothing that may be wrapped round a person; especially : an outer garment (as a coat or shawl)

 

[flybabytina]

Besides rectangular and triangular, I have seen round, trapeziod, and even some "asymmetrical" wraps ALL called a shawl. Look at the Prayer Shawls, they are all rectangles. So I guess it just depends on what (you) the designer wants to call it.

 

Tina

[cupcake]

To me a shawl is made of yarn, ie crochet or knitted. I think of them in the triangular form. Except for baby shawls which are square, or rectangular, or even circular, just to confuse things.

 

A stole is long and rectangular.

 

A wrap in my mind is more fabric based ala a Pashmina.

 

A stole , again in my head imay be more fur based.

 

 

Now there is no science behind my explanations, just how I think of them....

 

So when you have figured that lot out, here are some extra things to ponder... What is the difference between a cardigan, a pullover, a jersey and a jumper...??

 

And what is the difference between a shrug, a bolero and a vest. :think

 

And how do you know if it is a rug, a blanket or an afghan???

 

Now I am totally bamboozled.

[queen_mo]

Check out Wikipedia's articles on:Shawl

Stole

Shrug

Vest

And if you can come up with something you can edit the're information on 'wraps' and 'boleros'.

[kisha29]

I think rectangles are usally called stoles. Triangles are usually shawls. Both can be wraps. I've seen all three terms used on both styles.

 

 

Yeah see that's what confused me, I've 'wraps' used in place of 'shawl' and 'stole' so it was just making my head spin. :think

[eyenowhour]

All those words really are confusing... I have no idea what the difference between a shrug, bolero and other items are.

 

I've always thought of shawls as triangular and fringed. Though, there are the rectangular ones, which I guess are wraps.

[cityscape]

My by no means official opinion is that a shawl is a triangle. Or, to be more specific, a the ends of the shawl will come down to narrower points. The long end, the one hanging down the back, can be rounded or otherwise shaped, and I think it would still be a shawl if the other ends were tapered. Does that help or just make it more confusing?