I know there are quite a few knitters out there who enjoy knitting shawls but never wear them. Whether shawls just aren’t their style or they’re not sure how to wear them, these fabulous accessories never make it into rotation; the projects either end up in the bottom of the woolens pile, never to be worn, or they’re given away. If you’re one of these knitters, I urge you to reconsider your shawls. They can be used in myriad ways!

1. Dramatic Disguise

Need to escape from a sticky situation? A shawl is just the accessory for obscuring your features. Put on a pair of big sunglasses and wrap a scarf over your hair, and you’re ready to give those secret agents the slip. Trying to trap someone into marriage through mistaken identity? A lace shawl hides your face better than any veil. Should said marriage end with the tragic, untimely death of your spouse, evade questions from your suspicious step kids by donning full mourning wear.

Can you even be a mysterious widow(er) without a lace shawl?

2. Wearable Tote

Many states have banned plastic bags, which can be challenging for those of us who always forget our reusable bags on the kitchen counter. Do you buy yet another reusable bag that will be forgotten later? Or do you juggle your produce until you get back to your car, then let it roll around in the trunk until you get home (keeping your fingers crossed that the tomatoes aren’t smooshed in the process)? If you’re wearing a square shawl, neither! Lay it out flat and place your fruits and veggies in the middle, then tie the opposite corners together. Instant bag! (You can do the same with a circular shawl; just gather the edges together and tie in a single overhand knot.)

The Sweet Cedar Shawl would work splendidly as a bag, too.If you have a rectangular shawl that is too long to make a workable bag, or if you need to schlep something larger, try wrapping instead! As a bonus, this method is completely hands-free, so you can carry even more stuff.

Use a stole to carry around your precious goods, whether it’s a baby or a Costco-sized bag of Cheetos.

3. Power Accessory

I almost always wear a shawl on days when I need an extra boost, partly because I think they look nice and partly because I’m proud of my work. Looking your best while wearing something you made always makes you a little more confident. It’s almost like donning your superhero cape: Behold, I am The Maker!

Fear my knitting prowess.

In addition to looking great and making you feel like a superhero, shawls also make the best secret security blankets. Yes, I am a grown woman; sometimes I still want the comfort of a blankie. When you have a long day of hard meetings, doctors’ appointments, or just life, a soft, squishy, garter-stitch shawl to wrap up in can be soothing. It’s a much more elegant solution than a beloved but tattered baby blanket.

This kid has the right idea, using his beloved blankie as a sophisticated accessory.

4. Elegant First Aid

Shawls are incredibly useful in an emergency. They make great bandages, especially if they’re made from Tencel or other rayon-type fibers. (I know, I know—this will get your beautiful stole very dirty, but sometimes it’s worth it.) In a pinch, they can also be used as a tourniquet. A shawlette is the perfect size for an arm sling. If you have a straight knitting needle, you can also use your wrap to splint a broken bone.

There’s a reason they describe lace as gauzy.

5. Prepper Chic

A wrap can be helpful even in non-emergency situations. As a knitter, you’ll already be the belle of the postapocalyptic ball; everyone will be clamoring for a sweater. If you have a shawl, you’ll be even more popular. What is a fishing net but a swath of mesh? You and your scrappy band of survivors will be well-fed pescatarians. A thick, warm wrap could be used as a fire blanket when you need to smother the flames in a hurry. (Caveat: This will probably destroy your wrap.) And then there’s the obvious: Shawls are warm and can be used as cozy blankets. They can also be used to keep cool: If you have a largish shawl and a few sticks, you can make a very elegant canopy to protect you from the sun.

Whether you’re trying to protect yourself from the cold or the sun, a giant wrap is the answer to your problems.

If you’ve never considered yourself a “shawl person,” reconsider it—they can be incredibly helpful to have! What will you do with your next shawl?

Want to learn more? Check out these resources: