The large openwork mesh is surprisingly simple to make, worked with just chain and slip stitches, it is an ideal project for new crocheters. The design is worked from the bottom point upwards, so you can keep working until you get the desired size.
MATERIALS
• Caron Simply Soft (100% acrylic; 288m/315yds per 170g/6oz ball) aran-weight yarn
3 x 170g (6oz) balls in shade 9754 Persimmon
Note: Yarn is held double throughout
• 5mm (US H/8) crochet hook
• Tapestry needle
FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
90cm (35½in) deep x 200cm (78¾in) wide
TENSION
3.5 sts and 4 rows to measure 10cm (4in) with yarn held double
ABBREVIATIONS
See page 9.
FOR THE SHAWL
Foundation: Holding two strands of yarn together and using 5mm (US H/8) hook, make 9ch. Join with a sl st in first ch to form a circle.
Row 1: 9ch, sl st in foundation circle to make first loop, 6ch, sl st into foundation circle to make second loop, turn. (2 mesh loops)
Row 2: 9ch, sl st in first loop on row below, 6ch, sl st in next loop, 6ch, sl st into same loop, turn. (3 mesh loops)
Row 3: 9ch, sl st in first loop on row below, *6ch, sl st in next loop; rep from * once more, 6ch, sl st in same loop, turn. (4 mesh loops)
Row 4: 9ch, sl st in first loop on row below, *6ch, sl st in next loop; rep from * twice more, 6ch, sl st in same loop, turn. (5 mesh loops)
Row 5: 9ch, sl st in first loop on row below, *6ch, sl st in next loop; rep from * a further 3 times, 6ch, sl st into same loop, turn. (6 mesh loops)
Row 6: 9ch, sl st in first loop on row below, *6ch, sl st in next loop; rep from * a further 4 times, 6ch, sl st into same loop, turn. (7 mesh loops)
Rows 7–54: Continue in pattern as set for a further 48 rows or to desired size. (54 rows worked in total; 55 mesh loops)
Fasten off.
Tip
The mesh is created by using slip stitches to secure lengths of chain to the previous row, starting from a foundation loop. These slip stitches can be slid to the centre of each of the loops to make the mesh neat and even.
Tip
Holding the yarn double gives the stitches more density. Work with one strand from two balls of yarn at a time and ensure that you catch both yarns when working the stitches. Single balls can be re-balled into two separate balls to make working with double strands easier.
MAKING UP AND FINISHING
Weave in all loose ends and block to measurements.
For The Tassels
Cut the yarn into 184 x 30cm (12in) lengths and divide into groups of 8 strands each. Starting at the point of the shawl, feed through the loop of the mesh, aligning the ends and tie a knot to secure in place. Continue knotting the tassels at regular intervals up each side of the shawl.
(Also see page 125 for step-by-step instructions with illustrations for making tassels.)
Make it yours
The large openwork pattern of this design is well suited to cotton yarns for creating a sweet beach cover-up.