Learn to knit a stockinette gauge swatch for any project. A gauge swatch allows you to ensure your finished project will have the same measurements as the pattern project. They are also a great way to practice knitting, both for beginners and experienced knitters.

Understand the main yarn characteristics so that you can pick the perfect project from your stash and be more discerning when selecting new yarn.

Shawls can be knit with thick yarn for cozy winter warmth or thin, airy yarn for summer accessorizing. Even though shawls come in a variety of sizes and shapes, they are all knit flat. Shawls are also great to learn new techniques such as colorwork or lacework. 

When you first learn to knit, it can feel like you need to learn another language to read patterns. There are many new terms and acronyms. Thankfully there are also many online resources and local yarn stores (LYS) that are happy to share knowledge. The goal of this tutorial is to enable you to confidently select and read a knit pattern based on your skill set and interests.