How do I care for my shawl?

Hand-washing and dry cleaning are the most common ways to care for and clean shawls. Many of our alpaca shawls specifically indicate dry-cleaning or hand-washing with cold water. Because shawls are delicate, a garment bag is a good way to prevent damage. Avoid direct sunlight and high heat. As always, it is important to follow the care instructions specific to the fabric of your shawl.

The great thing about shawls is that they are versatile. One can find a shawl for every season. Warmth is often based on the tightness of the weave and the type of material used. Alpaca fiber is known for its thermal capacity and provides an optimal degree of warmth. Sheep wool also acts as an insulator, absorbing moisture and creating a feeling of coziness for the wearer. Shawls made of cashmere and pashmina are light and thin, yet still provide a high degree of warmth. In Mexico, shawls made from San Juan Chamula sheep keep one warm and comfortable.

What shawls are most comfortable?

Comfort is always a question of preference, but certain fabrics lend themselves to softness and warmth. Shawls from the Andes are made from super soft alpaca fibers, and provide wearers a high level of comfort. Similarly, in Thailand and Bali, silk shawls are always favorites. Depending on ones climate, particular shawls may be preferable. Central American shawls made from cotton and rayon keep wearers cool in warm climates, whereas bamboo and acrylic shawls are great for cold weather. During hot summers, Indian shawls made of modal, silk, and viscose are a perfect option, and merino wool and cashmere are ideal for winter. West Africa stands by the luxurious comfort of their 100% cotton shawls, and Mexico prioritizes comfort with their beautiful wool designs.

Are your shawls handmade?

It depends on what you mean by handmade. We support artisans who work in the ancient traditions of their ancestors, crafting items by hand, with patience and love. But techniques vary among shawl makers. Embroidery, hand-painting, stitching, and sewing are often part of the process. Some artisans do use power looms when crafting their shawls, but even in those instances, there is no mega-factory or mass production line behind the garment. The beauty, creativity, and inspiration for each shawl comes from the artists own heart. Our product descriptions will always specify if an item is hand-woven, hand-knit, or otherwise.

Are there any common motifs or designs used in traditional shawls?

The shawl comes to us full of history, culture, and heritage. Each region invests its shawls with different symbols, patterns, and designs. Some shawls, like those in West Africa and the Andes, feature linear and geometric shapes, clean lines and patterns that have been passed down through the centuries. In Bali, we find elaborate batik designs, a technique that makes use of alternating dye and wax to block color. In Central America, embroidered and woven shawls incorporate designs inspired by corn, butterflies, and birds. Floral patterns are very popular in Indian shawls, particularly in pashminas from Kashmir. Gujarati shawls often depict geometric shapes, and artisans increasingly incorporate contemporary designs through hand-painted fabric. Thailand also integrates floral patterning, often using the yok dok technique, a brocade style that leaves the fabric slightly raised. This emphasis on brocade is also evident in Mexican shawls, with lavish designs in the form of frets, flowers and geometric figures, all inspired by pre-Hispanic cultures.

What materials are used to make shawls?

Fibers, dyes, and fabrics come together in innovative, unique ways during the creation of a shawl. Different regions rely on resources that are readily available and have cultural significance. In West Africa, 100% cotton and rayon frequently make their appearances in shawls. In Bali and Thailand, soft silk lends a luxuriousness to the shawl. Central American artisans incorporate bamboo rayon, while India makes use of wool and silk. Mexico boasts an array of vibrant natural and cotton yarn dyes, and artisans from the Andes weave shawls out of soft alpaca fiber.

What are the most popular methods for making traditional shawls?

Throughout the world, the shawl is considered a venerated garment, made by hand from techniques passed down through generations. The methods for making traditional shawls vary as widely as the regions from which they come. But most employ some method of hand knitting or weaving on a loom. In the Andes, for example, crocheting and flat weaving on a treadle loom are common techniques. In Central America, backstrap and foot looms are popular with artisans. In Bali, one finds intricate sewing, in addition to weaving. And in India and Thailand, practices of hand-painting fabric, batik, and the use of natural dyes are intimately tied to the creation of shawls.

Women's Hand Knit Accessories at NOVICA

Bestseller

Cherry Cola, Red and Black Reversible Hand Knitted 100% Alpaca Mittens

Maritza Pacori

(94)

$59.99 Wholesale

$59.99
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Stylish Stripes, Knit Baby Alpaca Blend Striped Shawl in Grey Hues from Peru

Raquel and Gregor

(169)

$129.99 Wholesale

$129.99
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Roots Inspiration, Hand Knit 100% Baby Alpaca Hat

Hilando Victoria

(2)

$59.99 Wholesale

$59.99
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Ivory Snowfall, Hand Knit Andean 100% Alpaca Women's Beret in Ivory

Maritza Pacori

(94)

$42.95 Wholesale

$42.95
Sundari, Women's Knit Wool Convertible Mittens Gloves Multicolored

NOVICA & National Geographic Travel Collection

(870)

$58.95 Wholesale

$58.95
Kamala Stripes, Kamala Convertible Mittens

NOVICA & National Geographic Travel Collection

(870)

$49.95 Wholesale

$49.95
Nepal, Fleece-Lined Knit Wool Fingerless Mitts

NOVICA & National Geographic Travel Collection

(870)

$39.95 Wholesale

$39.95
Sundari, Women's All Wool Knit Hat Flower Embroidery Nepal

NOVICA & National Geographic Travel Collection

(870)

$59.95 Wholesale

$59.95
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Highland Roads, Hand Knit 100% Baby Alpaca Hat in Grey Orange Ivory & Black

Maritza Pacori

(94)

$32.95 Wholesale

$32.95
Bestseller

Breeze of Brown Purple, Hand Spun Cotton Shawl Wrap in Brown Purple and Pink

Vinita

(739)

$25.99 Wholesale

$25.99
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Highland Lake, Hand Knit 100% Baby Alpaca Hat in Blue Shades from Peru

Maritza Pacori

(94)

$32.95 Wholesale

$32.95
Bestseller

Qanchi Dance, Handmade Wool Knit Legwarmers

Hilando Victoria

(2)

$69.99 Wholesale

$69.99
Bestseller

Diamond Elegance in Alabaster, Diamond Pattern 100% Alpaca Knit Hat in Alabaster from Peru

Maritza Pacori

(94)

$47.99 Wholesale

$47.99
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Crimson Beauty, Knit Baby Alpaca Blend Fringed Shawl in Red & Yellow

Raquel and Gregor

(169)

$89.99 Wholesale

$89.99
Stylish in Ivory, Hand Knitted Ivory Color Alpaca Neck Warmer or Hat

Maritza Pacori

(94)

$59.99 Wholesale

$59.99
Bestseller

Black Braid Cascade, 100% alpaca hat

Alfredo Falcon

(1104)

$44.99 Wholesale

$44.99
Bestseller

Qanchi Dance, Multicolored Hand Knit Wool Hat

Hilando Victoria

(2)

$49.99 Wholesale

$49.99
Bestseller

Indigo Winter, Handcrafted 100% Alpaca Wool Patterned Hat

Fernando Cano

(768)

$49.99 Wholesale

$49.99
Bestseller

Shadows at Dusk, Reversible Grey and Black 100% Alpaca Hat Knitted by Hand

Maritza Pacori

(94)

$64.99 Wholesale

$64.99
Bestseller

Highland Jungle, Hand Knit 100% Baby Alpaca Hat in Green Shades from Peru

Maritza Pacori

(94)

$32.95 Wholesale

$32.95
Bestseller

Tan Mountain Path, Unique Womens Alpaca Wool Solid Knit Hat

Alfredo Falcon

(1104)

$44.99 Wholesale

$44.99
Taupe Duality, Knit Brown & Ivory Unisex Baby Alpaca Blend Scarf from Peru

Raquel and Gregor

(169)

$57.99 Wholesale

$57.99
Dusty Lilac Maze, Hand Knit Dusty Lilac Himalayan Maze Wool Blend Wrap Scarf

Himalayan Naari

(2)

$69.99 Wholesale

$69.99
Bestseller

Brown Mountain Roads, Hand Woven 100% Alpaca Wool Beanie Hat

Alfredo Falcon

(1104)

$44.99 Wholesale

$44.99
Geometric Color, Hand Crafted 100% Alpaca Colorful Fingerless Gloves

Maritza Pacori

(94)

$49.99 Wholesale

$49.99
Himalayan Cascade in Graphite, Unisex Hand Knit Himalayan Graphite Grey Wool Blend Scarf

Himalayan Naari

(2)

$69.99 Wholesale

$69.99
Breeze of Blue Purple, Hand Woven Cotton Shawl Thai Blue Purple Wrap

Vinita

(739)

$39.99 Wholesale

$39.99
Spectacular Sea, Blue & Aqua Cotton Blend Scarf Hand-Knit in Triangle Shape

Maritza Oviedo

(6)

$89.99 Wholesale

~~$99.99~~ $89.99
Graceful Grey, Hand-Knit Grey Wool Blend Vertical Ribbed Infinity Scarf

Himalayan Naari

(2)

$69.99 Wholesale

$69.99
Featured Sale

Avocado Style, Hand-Knit Wrap Scarf in Green from Peru

Idelsa Guevara

(18)

$49.49 Wholesale

~~$54.99~~ $49.49
Crimson Mountains, Baby Alpaca Mittens in Crimson and White from Peru

Maria Teresa Tejada

(18)

$44.99 Wholesale

$44.99
Jungle Rose, Alpaca Neck Warmer Knitted and Croched by Hand

Marianella Asto

(22)

$69.99 Wholesale

$69.99
Striped Joy, Knit Baby Alpaca Blend Striped Shawl in Red Wine and Blue

Raquel and Gregor

(169)

$89.99 Wholesale

$89.99
Knotted Beauty Ecru, Hand-Knit Ecru Wool Blend Vertical Knots Hat from India

Himalayan Naari

(2)

$34.99 Wholesale

$34.99
Heavenly Hearts, 100% Alpaca Hat in Black and Grey Hand-Knitted in Peru

Maria Teresa Tejada

(18)

$57.99 Wholesale

$57.99
Himalayan Cascade in Lavender, Hand Knit Himalayan Lavender Wool Blend Wrap Scarf

Himalayan Naari

(2)

$69.99 Wholesale

$69.99

Featured Reviews

100% baby alpaca hat, 'Highland Lake'

Julie

Aug 26, 2025

Gorgeous colors

My hat arrived the middle of a hot summer. It is incredibly soft. The colors are beautiful. It looks even prettier than it does on the website. I am looking forward to walks in ice and snow because I know if will keep me warm.

Hand Knit Accessories

Patterned Accessories

Blue Accessories

Multicolor Accessories

Knit Accessories

Alpaca Wool Accessories

Alpaca Accessories

Geometric Accessories

Accessories

Cotton shawl, 'Breeze of Blue Purple'

Christina

Oct 3, 2020

Awesome Scarf

Bought this for my son. He loves colour and texture, and that's hard to find in men's scarves. The scarf is exactly as pictured and described. Colour is even nicer in hand. Cotton is such a versitle material that he will be able to wear it all year round. I know he's going to love it.

Pretty Lavender Shawl

100% alpaca reversible mittens, 'Cherry Cola'

Stan

Jan 12, 2023

Well-loved

My spouse really appreciates these mittens and uses them frequently since it's winter here. Thank you for creating such a beautiful and practical gift.

Art

Mittens

Soft