A crochet shawl is one of the most rewarding things you can make: it is simple shaping, it drapes beautifully, and you will wear it again and again over a dress, a jumper or a coat. Below are two free crochet shawl patterns in UK terms: an easy top-down granny triangle shawl and a simple rectangular moss stitch wrap, plus edging ideas, a size and yarn chart and tips for blocking.
Quick answer: For an easy crochet triangle shawl, make a magic ring and work 3 ch, 2 tr, 2 ch, 3 tr into it, then on every row work a 3-treble group into each side space and a 3 tr, 2 ch, 3 tr corner in the top point. With DK yarn and a 5mm hook, 30 rows make a shawl about 110cm wide using roughly 250g of yarn.
Both patterns use only basic stitches and are written with clear row-by-row instructions, so they are perfect for a first big wearable project. The triangle shawl grows from the neck down, so you can stop whenever it is big enough, which makes it ideal if you are not sure how much yarn you will need.
Why make a crochet shawl?
- No fitting: a shawl does not need to fit, so there are no sizes to worry about.
- Relaxing to make: once the pattern is set, every row is the same.
- Grows as you go: the triangle shawl can be stopped at any size.
- Wear it all year: a cotton shawl for summer evenings, a soft wool one for winter.
- A treasured gift: a handmade shawl is a lovely present for a mother, grandmother or friend.
What you need for a crochet shawl
- Yarn: DK (light worsted) in wool, a wool blend, soft acrylic or cotton. About 250g for a medium triangle shawl, 450g for a large one, or 400g for the rectangular wrap.
- Hook: 4.5mm (UK 7, US 7) or 5mm (UK 6, US H-8). A slightly larger hook than usual gives better drape.
- Extras: stitch markers, a yarn needle, scissors and blocking pins.
Fibre makes a big difference to how a shawl hangs. Our crochet yarn guide explains the options, and DK is weight 3 in the Craft Yarn Council yarn weight system.
Abbreviations (UK terms with US equivalents)
| UK term | Abbreviation | US term |
|---|---|---|
| Chain | ch | Chain |
| Chain space | ch sp | Chain space |
| Slip stitch | ss | Slip stitch (sl st) |
| Double crochet | dc | Single crochet (sc) |
| Treble crochet | tr | Double crochet (dc) |
If you usually follow American patterns, our UK vs US crochet terms guide explains the differences. The triangle shawl is built from the same 3-treble groups as a crochet granny square.
Pattern 1: easy granny triangle crochet shawl
This crochet shawl is worked from the centre of the neck edge downwards, in rows. Every row adds one group at each outer edge and one at the centre point, so the triangle grows evenly. The 3 ch at the start of each row counts as the first treble.
- Row 1: make a magic ring. 3 ch, 2 tr, 2 ch, 3 tr into the ring. Pull the ring closed. Turn. (2 groups)
- Row 2: 3 ch, 2 tr in the first st, 1 ch, (3 tr, 2 ch, 3 tr) in the centre ch-2 sp, 1 ch, 3 tr in the top of the turning ch. Turn. (4 groups)
- Row 3: 3 ch, 2 tr in the first st, 1 ch, 3 tr in the next ch-1 sp, 1 ch, (3 tr, 2 ch, 3 tr) in the centre ch-2 sp, 1 ch, 3 tr in the next ch-1 sp, 1 ch, 3 tr in the top of the turning ch. Turn. (6 groups)
- Row 4 onwards: 3 ch, 2 tr in the first st, then *1 ch, 3 tr in the next ch-1 sp* up to the centre, (3 tr, 2 ch, 3 tr) in the centre ch-2 sp, *3 tr in the next ch-1 sp, 1 ch* to the last group, then 3 tr in the top of the turning ch. Turn.
Each row has two more groups than the row before: Row 10 has 20 groups, Row 20 has 40 groups and so on. Keep going until the shawl is the size you want (see the size chart below), then work the edging.
Tip: put a stitch marker in the centre ch-2 space and move it up every row. Most mistakes in a triangle shawl happen at the centre point.
Size and yarn chart (DK, 5mm hook)
| Size | Rows | Wingspan (approx.) | Depth at centre (approx.) | Yarn (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small shawlette | 20 | 75cm | 25cm | about 100g |
| Medium shawl | 30 | 110cm | 38cm | about 250g |
| Large shawl | 40 | 140cm | 50cm | about 450g |
Sizes and amounts are estimates and depend on your tension and yarn. Because the shawl grows from the neck, each new row uses more yarn than the last; when you have about a fifth of your yarn left, it is time to start the edging.
Pattern 2: simple moss stitch rectangular wrap
A rectangular crochet shawl, also called a wrap or stole, is the easiest shape of all. This one uses moss stitch, which makes a soft, woven-looking fabric with lovely drape and no holes. It measures about 45cm by 170cm in DK yarn with a 5mm hook.
- Foundation: 102 ch.
- Row 1: 1 dc in the 4th ch from the hook, *1 ch, skip 1 ch, 1 dc in the next ch* to the end. Turn.
- Row 2: 2 ch (counts as 1 dc and 1 ch sp), *1 dc in the next ch-1 sp, 1 ch* to the last sp, 1 dc in the turning ch space. Turn.
- Repeat Row 2 until the wrap measures about 170cm, or your preferred length.
Fasten off and add a fringe to each short end. For a full step-by-step guide to the stitch, with photos and troubleshooting, see our moss stitch crochet blanket. If you prefer a narrower, quicker project, our crochet scarf pattern uses similar stitches.
Edging ideas for your crochet shawl
Simple dc border
Work 1 round of dc along all edges, with 3 dc in each corner. This neatens the sides and gives a clean finish.
Shell edging
After the dc border, work *skip 2 sts, 5 tr in the next st, skip 2 sts, 1 dc in the next st* along the edge. Adjust the start so the shells sit evenly. Shells look beautiful on the long edge of a triangle shawl.
Fringe
Cut lengths of yarn about 30cm long. Fold 3 strands in half, pull the loop through a stitch on the edge with your hook, and pull the ends through the loop. Repeat every 2 to 3 stitches, then trim the fringe level.
Pompoms or tassels
Add a tassel to each point of the triangle shawl for a playful, boho look.
Choosing yarn for a crochet shawl
| Fibre | Drape | Warmth | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Merino wool | soft, flowing | warm | winter shawls and gifts |
| Wool blend | good | warm | everyday shawls, easy care |
| Acrylic | lighter, springier | medium | budget projects and machine washing |
| Cotton or bamboo | heavy, fluid | cool | summer evenings and weddings |
| Mohair blend | airy, fuzzy | very warm for its weight | light, cosy wraps |
For a stripy shawl, gradient or self-striping yarns do the colour changes for you. For a classic look, choose one solid colour and let the stitches shine.
How to block a crochet shawl
Blocking opens up the stitches, straightens the edges and makes a shawl drape much better.
- Soak the shawl in cool water with a little wool wash for 15 minutes.
- Squeeze out the water gently; do not wring. Roll it in a towel to remove more water.
- Lay it out flat on blocking mats or a clean towel on the floor.
- Pin the top edge straight first, then pin out the points and the shell edging.
- Leave to dry completely before unpinning.
Acrylic shawls can be steam blocked instead: pin them out, hover a steam iron above the fabric without touching it, and leave to cool.
Ways to wear a crochet shawl
- Classic: point at the back, ends draped over the shoulders.
- Bandana style: point at the front, ends wrapped around the neck and tied at the back.
- Belted: wrapped around the shoulders and held with a belt over a dress.
- Shawl pin: fastened at the front with a decorative pin or brooch, such as a crochet flower brooch.
Common problems and easy fixes
The shawl curls at the top
Your edge stitches may be tight. Work the 3 ch at the start of each row a little looser, and block the shawl firmly.
The centre point is wonky
Check that you have worked (3 tr, 2 ch, 3 tr) into the centre space on every row, and keep a marker there.
I am running out of yarn
Stop adding rows and start the edging. A simple dc border uses much less yarn than a shell edge, and a fringe can be made from a contrast colour.
Tips for a beautiful crochet shawl
- Go up a hook size: a looser fabric drapes better than a stiff one.
- Buy enough yarn: get all your yarn from the same dye lot.
- Count groups: every row should have two more groups than the one before.
- Block it: even a quick steam makes a huge difference.
Ready to start your crochet shawl?
If this is your first crochet shawl, start with the granny triangle: it is relaxing, every row follows the same rule, and you can stop whenever you like. If you prefer something calm and textured, the moss stitch wrap is perfect for evenings in front of the television. Either way, choose a yarn you love to touch, because you will be wearing it close to your skin for years to come.
Ready for something bigger? Our easy crochet cardigan pattern uses five simple rectangles and comes in sizes S to 2XL.
Frequently asked questions about crochet shawls
How much yarn do I need for a crochet shawl?
About 250g of DK yarn for a medium triangle shawl about 110cm wide, 450g for a large one about 140cm wide, and about 400g for a 45 x 170cm rectangular wrap.
What is the easiest crochet shawl for beginners?
The granny triangle shawl is the easiest: it uses only chains and trebles, and every row follows the same simple rule.
How long does it take to crochet a shawl?
A medium triangle shawl takes about 10 to 15 hours, and a large shawl or a full-length wrap about 20 to 25 hours.
What hook size is best for a crochet shawl?
Use a hook half a size to a full size larger than the ball band suggests, such as 5mm for DK yarn, so the shawl drapes softly.
Are these crochet shawl patterns in UK or US terms?
They are written in UK terms. In US terms, tr is double crochet (dc) and dc is single crochet (sc).
