Crocheted from the top down, the simple structure of this shawl makes a fabulous canvas for playing with colour. Add a bright pop of your favourite shade to create this colour block design.
MATERIALS
• Sublime Extra Fine Merino DK (100% extra fine merino wool; 116m/127yds per 50g/1¾oz ball) DK-weight yarn
5 x 50g (1¾oz) balls in shade 361 Gem (A)
2 x 50g (1¾oz) balls in shade 373 Pumpkin (B)
• 4mm (US G/6) crochet hook
• Locking stitch marker
• Tapestry needle
FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
61cm (24in) deep x 128cm (50½in) wide
TENSION
22 sts and 20 rows to measure 10cm (4in)
ABBREVIATIONS
See page 9.
PATTERN NOTES
Use a locking stitch marker to keep track of the central “spine” stitch of this shawl by placing it in the second of the 3dc or 3tr at the centre of the row as indicated in the pattern and move it up with each row as you work.
FOR THE SHAWL
Foundation: Using yarn A and 4mm (US G/6) hook, make 6ch.
Row 1: 2dc in second ch from hook, 1dc in next ch, 3dc in next ch (this sets centre spine), 1dc in next ch, 2dc in last ch, turn. (9 sts)
Row 2:1ch (does not count as st throughout), 2dc in first st, 1dc in each of next 3 sts, 3dc in next st and place marker in second of 3dc to indicate centre spine st, 1dc in each of next 3 sts, 2dc in last st, turn. (13 sts)
Row 3: 1ch, 2dc in first st, 1dc in each st to marked centre spine st, 3dc in spine st and move marker, 1dc in each st to last st, 2dc in last st, turn. (17 sts)
Row 4: Rep Row 3. (21 sts)
Row 5: Rep Row 3. (25 sts)
Row 6 (Eyelet row): 3ch (counts as 1tr), 1tr in same st, *1ch, miss 1 st, 1tr in next st; rep from * to 1 st before marked centre spine st, 1ch, miss 1 st, 3tr in centre spine st and move marker, **1ch, miss 1 st, 1tr in next st; rep from ** to last 2 st, 1ch, miss 1 st, 2tr in last st. (17 sts and 12 ch-sps)
Tip
The double crochet stitch creates a dense fabric. Take time to firmly block the finished shawl to open up and relax the stitches before wearing. See page 125 for tips on blocking.
Row 7: 1ch, 2dc in first st, 1dc in each st and ch-sp to marked centre spine st, 3dc in spine st and move marker, 1dc in each st and ch-sp to last st, 2dc in last st, turn.
Rows 8–11: 1ch, 2dc in first st, 1dc in each st to marked centre spine st, 3dc in spine st and move marker, 1dc in each st to last st, 2dc in last st, turn.
Row 12 (Eyelet row): 3ch (counts as 1tr), 1tr in same st, *1ch, miss 1 st, 1tr in next st; rep from * to 1 st before centre st, 1ch, miss 1 st, 3tr in spine st and move marker, **1ch, miss 1 st, 1tr in next st; rep from ** to last 2 st, 1ch, miss 1 st, 2tr in last st.
Rows 7–12 set pattern.
Rows 13–65: Continue in pattern as set, repeating rows 7-12 until 65 rows have been worked in total, ending with Row 11. (265 sts)
Row 66 (Eyelet row): Change to yarn B and rep Row 12. (137 sts and 132 ch-sps)
Row 67: Change to yarn A, 1ch, 2dc in first st, 1dc in each st and ch-sp to marked centre spine st, 3dc in spine st and move marker, 1dc in each st and ch-sp to last st, 2dc in last st, turn.
Rows 68–71: Work in pattern as set. (289 sts)
Row 72 (Eyelet row): Change to yarn B and rep Row 12. (149 sts and 144 ch-sps)
Continue in yarn B.
Rows 73–77: Continue in pattern as set. (313 sts)
Row 78 (Eyelet row): Rep Row 12. (161 sts and 156 ch-sps)
Row 79: Change to yarn A, 1ch, 2dc in first st, 1dc in each st and ch-sp to marked centre spine st, 3dc in centre spine st and move marker, 1dc in each st and ch-sp to last st, 2dc in last st, turn. (321 sts)
Row 80 (Eyelet row): Change to yarn B, rep Row 12. (165 sts and 160 ch-sps)
Row 81: Change to yarn A, 1dc in each st, [1dc, 1ch, 1dc] in spine st and remove marker, 1dc in each st to end.
Fasten off.
Make it yours
Experiment with mixing and matching colours to create different looks for your shawl – clashing brights or subtle pastels will both work equally well.
MAKING UP AND FINISHING
Weave in all loose ends and block firmly to measurements. Note that the fabric is quite dense so you may find the finished shawl springs back on itself slightly once dry.
