Strings of Life Free Crochet Shawl Pattern
This brightly colour cotton crochet shawl is perfect for those spring and summer days where you just never quite know what the weather is going to do.
Though the version pictured is made from brightly coloured cotton aran yarns, this pattern also lends itself well to any yarn and suitable size of crochet hook.
You start at the point and keep going until you reach the size you want or run out of yarn!
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You can learn more about crochet shawl construction in this post and which type of crochet shawls you can just keep crocheting until you’re done!
Skill Level
Though this shawl uses a relatively simple 4 row stitch repeat, I would say it is suitable for Advanced beginners or intermediate crocheters. You will need a knowledge of basic stitches, tall stitches and working in the back loop only.
Pattern Notes
- All stitches are worked in back loop only unless otherwise specified – this is probably the most important note to remember!
- Turning chains do not count as stitches
- The 3 colours used are referred to as A, B and C. You can use whichever colour combo suits you!
Stitches and abbreviations
- MR = magic ring – view this tutorial to learn how to make a magic ring
- ch = chain
- st = stitch / stitches
- sk = skip
- sc = single crochet
- hdc = half double crochet
- blo = back loop only
- Trtr = Treble treble: yo 4 times, insert into st, yo, pull up a loop, *yo, pull through 2 loops* 5 times. View this tutorial about tall stitches
Materials
For the item pictured I used 3 100g balls (about 550 yards in total)of Womens Institute Home Cotton Aran Yarn (aff) and a 6mm hook.
I went up a hook size from the recommended size to ensure there was plenty of drape
The Pattern
Remembering that all sts are worked in the blo unless specified:
Row 1 in WI Home Cotton Yarn(aff) in colour A (RS): MR (or ch 4 and join with a slip stitch), ch6 (does not count as st), 5trtr into ring, turn (5)
Row 2: ch2 (does not count as st), (hdc, sc) in both loops of first st, sc, 3sc, sc, (sc, hdc) in both loops of last st, turn (9)
Row 3: ch2, (hdc, sc) in both loops of first st, sc in next 3 st, 3sc, sc in next 3 st, (sc, hdc) in both loops, turn (13)
Row 4: ch2, (hdc, sc) in both loops of first st, sk 1 st, sc in next 4 st, 3sc, sc in next 4 st, sk 1 st, (sc, hdc) in both loops of last st, turn (15)
Row 5 change to colour B: ch6, 5trtr in both loops of first st, sk 3 st, trtr in next 3 st, 3trtr in next st, trtr in next 3 st, 5trtr in both loops of last st, turn (19)
Row 6: ch2, (hdc, sc)in both loops of first st, sc, 3sc, sc, 2sc, sc in next 4 st, 3sc, sc in next 4 st, 2sc, sc, 3sc, sc, (sc, hdc) in both loops of last st, turn (29)
Row 7: ch2, (hdc, sc) in both loops of first st, sc in next 3 st, 3sc, *sc in next 4 st, sk 1 st, sc in next 4 st, 3sc*, twice, sc in next 3 st, (sc, hdc) in both loops of last st, turn (35)
Row 8: ch2, (hdc, sc) in both loops of first st, *sk 1 st, sc in next 4 st, 3sc, sc in next 4 st, sk 1 st* three times, (sc, hdc) in both loops of last st , turn (37)
Row 9 change to colour C: Ch6, 5trtr through both loops of first st, sk 3 st, trtr in next 3 st, 3trtr, trtr in next 3 st, *sk 4 st, trtr in next 3 st, 3trtr, trtr in next 3 st* twice, sk 3 st, 5trtr through both loops of last st, turn (37)
Row 10: ch2, (hdc, sc) in both loops of first st, sc, 3sc, sc, 2sc, *sc in next 4 st, 3sc, sc in next 4 st* three times, 2sc, sc, 3sc, sc, (sc, hdc) in both loops of last st, turn (51)
Row 11: ch2, (hdc, sc) in both loops of first st, sc in next 3 st, 3sc, sc in next 4 st, *sk 1 st, sc in next 4 st, 3sc, sc in next 4 st, sk 1 st* three times, sc in next 4 st, 3sc, sc in next 3 st, (sc, hdc) in both loops of last st, turn (57)
Row 12: ch2, (hdc, sc) in both loops of first st, *sk 1 st, sc in next 4 st, 3sc, sc in next 4 st, sk 1 st* five times, (sc, hdc) in both loops of last st, turn (59)
Here’s a close up of the stitch pattern you’re aiming for
For the remainder of the pattern you simply repeat Rows 9-12, increasing the repetition between the * on each row by two for each set of row repeats.
One more repeat is written out below to help you get into the swing!
Row 13 change to colour A: Ch6, 5trtr through both loops of first st, sk 3 st, trtr in next 3 st, 3trtr, trtr in next 3 st, *sk 4 st, trtr in next 3 st, 3trtr, trtr in next 3 st; Rep from * to 4 sts from end, sk 3 st, 5trtr through both loops of last st, turn (59)
Row 14: ch2, (hdc, sc) in both loops of first st, sc, 3sc, sc, 2sc, *sc in next 4 st, 3sc, sc in next 4 st: Rep from * to 5 sts from end, 2sc, sc, 3 sc, sc, (sc, hdc) in both loops of last st, turn (73)
Row 15: ch2, (hdc, sc) in both loops of first st, sc in next 3 st, 3sc, sc in next 4 st, *sk 1 st, sc in next 4 st, 3sc, sc in next 4 st, sk 1 st; rep from* to last 9 st, sc in next 4 st, 3sc, sc in next 3 st, (sc, hdc) in both loops of last st , turn (79)
Row 16: ch2, (hdc, sc) in both loops of first st, *sk 1 st, sc in next 4 st, 3sc, sc in next 4 st, sk 1 st; Rep from* to last st, (sc, hdc) in both loops of last st, turn (81)
You can continue this pattern repeat, changing colours every 4 rows, until the shawl reaches the required size.
It may help you whilst getting used to the pattern repeat to know the stitch increases on each row. These remain the same throughout:
Row. 9 – 10: 14 st increase
Row 10 – 11: 6 st increase
Row 11 – 12: 2 st increase
Row 12 – 13: no increase
Your shawl will most likely need blocking depending on your chosen yarn.
I hope you enjoy the pattern and, as always don’t forget to tag me in Instagram @doraexplored, or use #hookmehappy. I’d love to see and share your efforts!
Happy hooking
Dx
Disclaimer: Whilst I endeavour to ensure all patterns are error free, occasional typos or errors may slip through. No liability is accepted for this or subsequent variation in finished projects. However, please do contact me if you think the pattern contains an error or you are unsure about interpreting the instructions.
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