An easy way to add more personality and style to your outfit is by adding a crochet shawl. These crochet shawl patterns are perfect to make for yourself or as gifts.
Shawl designs can vary greatly in terms of shape, size, and stitches used. There are free patterns that are perfect for beginners as well as those that require more experience with different techniques. Let’s dive in and explore the world of crochet shawls!
Supplies You Need to Crochet Shawls
As with most types of crochet projects, you don’t need a lot of supplies to get started crocheting shawls.
Yarn
A shawl can be crocheted using various fibers and yarn weights. If you’re working from a pattern it will tell you both the yarn weight and the fiber content the designer used.
It’s important to stick to the same yarn weight if you want your shawl to come out about the same size as the designer intended. If you use lighter weight yarn, your project will be smaller, or if you use heavier yarn it will be larger if you don’t adjust your stitch count.
Paying attention to the fiber used is important but not as vital. Still, the yarn chosen might have particular qualities the designer was looking for in their project, so whenever possible it’s nice to use the same fiber (though it’s not necessary to use the exact same yarn if it’s not available to you).
Crochet Hook
If you are working from a published crochet shawl pattern, you’ll want to use the size crochet hook called for in the pattern.
You can check your gauge to make sure you’re getting the same number of stitches per inch as the designer and adjust if necessary. Since shawls don’t have to be an exact size, if you like the look of the stitches with the yarn and hook you are using it’s fine if you don’t have the exact gauge, just be aware your project might be a little bigger or smaller than the pattern states.
If you are designing your own shawl and have chosen the yarn you want to use, check the label for the recommended crochet hook size. You can adjust as needed to get the look and feel for the fabric you want, but that’s a good starting point.
Other Supplies You Need
Besides our yarns and hooks, there are a few other supplies you might want to have handy:
- Scissors
- Yarn needle
- Tape measure
- Stitch marker (especially if working a round shawl)
What is the Most Common Shape for a Crochet Shawl?
There are several common shapes for crochet shawl patterns to use. Rectangles (especially with pockets and/or hoods) are quite popular, as well as triangles, which require you to know how to do increases and decreases.
If you’re planning to crochet a project that uses some techniques you aren’t familiar with, our Crochet Fundamentals course is a great place to learn. These quick videos teach you all the basic stitches, shaping and finishing techniques, and much more.
Crochet Stitches Used for Crocheting Shawls
Basic crochet stitches are often used in crochet shawls because they are quick, easy, and effective as crocheted fabric.
If you don’t already know them, it’s a good idea to learn single crochet, half double crochet, and double crochet, because many stitch patterns are based on these basic stitches.
The free crochet patterns listed here use a variety of stitches, and if you want to design your own shawl you can check out the 45 different stitch pattern options in our Ultimate Crochet Stitch Library.
Rectangle-Shaped Crochet Shawls
These easy crochet shawl patterns are as simple as they get because they are all made with rectangles. No shaping means you can focus on the stitches and have a meditative experience that gets you a great shawl at the end.
Omna Crochet Shawl Pattern
Designer: Annie Design Crochet
Yarn weight: (3) DK
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Mandala
This easy crochet pattern is the answer if you love a shawl that’s almost like a small blanket. It’s squishy and large and will definitely keep you warm.
Easy Crochet Rectangle Shawl Pattern
Designer: Christaco Design
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks Brava Worsted
This shawl combines shell stitch and lace to create this rectangular shawl. It’s easy to do and can be worn on the shoulders, secured around the waist, or as a cozy scarf.
Eva Shawl Pattern
Designer: Desert Blooms Craft
Yarn weight: (5) Bulky
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Homespun
Rectangle crochet shawls are the easiest to make; this pattern is no exception. You can even crochet one in a day if you’re really into it thanks to the openwork pattern.
Heather Shawl Pattern
Designer: The Loophole Fox
Yarn weight: (1) Super fine
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks Comfy Fingering
This pattern is simple to crochet yet has an elegant design. It uses basic stitches to create a beautiful, open texture. If you’re up for it, give it a try and see the results yourself!
Lightweight Crochet Shawl Pattern
Designer: Crafting Each Day
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks Comfy Color Mist
This is a lightweight shawl that uses shells, v stitches, and double crochet stitches for a gorgeous effect. This might not be a project for a beginner because it has a lot going on but the result is well worth the effort.
Denim Ombre Wrap
Designer: Moogly
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Jeans
If you have a favorite yarn but can’t pick a favorite color, why not choose a selection of coordinating colors and use them all in one shawl? This easy rectangle calls for five colors of yarn and asks you to leave long tails when you change colors to make the edging without having to weave in extra ends.
Crochet Shawls with Pockets
Who doesn’t love pockets? I know I do! These shawls with pockets are great to make for yourself or to give as gifts.
Persimmon Pocket Shawl Pattern
Designer: Hooked on Homemade Happiness
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks Wool of the Andes
Are you looking for shawls inspired by fall? This one is perfect! It’s worked from long side to side, so if you’ve never tried foundation single crochet before, this is a great place to learn.
Pine Gap Pocket Shawl Pattern
Designer: Stitching Together
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Premier Yarns Premier Anti-Pilling Everyday Worsted
Instead of being worked as a long rectangle, this pattern is worked as a series of large granny squares that are joined together. Then you add the ribbing and the pockets are smaller squares. The fringe adds to the boho look.
The Sabrina Pocket Wrap Shawl Pattern
Designer: Lulu Stitch Co.
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Caron One Pound
This is a simple pattern that you’ll enjoy creating. The body stitch is like moss stitch worked with hdc stitches instead of single crochets. The faux mini bobbles at the edges add a bit of whimsy.
Crochet Shawl with Pockets Pattern
Designer: Make & Do Crew
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Wool-Ease
This pocket shawl is warm and cozy, and it includes the option of adding buttons so you can button the front like a poncho or cardigan. It’s worked with Tunisian crochet.
Friendship Pocket Wrap Shawl Pattern
Designer: Merri Purdy, via Ravelry
Yarn weight: (3) DK
Suggested yarn: Berroco Vintage DK
This shawl was created because two friends from New York and Australia made a bond. Isn’t that amazing? Advanced beginners and intermediate crocheters will indeed have fun making this shawl.
Hooded Crochet Shawl Patterns
Adding a hood to a crochet shawl – whether it’s a rectangle or another shape – is a great way to add an extra bit of warmth. Check out these fun free crochet shawl patterns with hoods.
Hooded Shawl Pattern
Designer: Stitch and Hustle
Yarn weight: (5) Bulky
Suggested yarn: Ewe Ewe Baa Baa Bulky Merino
A hooded shawl is an excellent addition to your wardrobe. They’re easy to crochet and practical to use. This triangular hooded shawl uses simple stitches and bulky yarn so you’ll be wearing it in no time!
Blue Sage Hooded Shawl Pattern
Designer: I Like Crochet
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks Simply Wool Aran
Keep yourself warm with this hooded shawl. The shawl is worked in rows from top to bottom, while the hood is stitched separately and sewn on. The pattern is sized for toddlers, children, and adults
Hooded Pocket Shawl Pattern
Designer: Caraway Crochet
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Red Heart Roll With It Tweed
This boho-inspired hooded shawl looks excellent with the hood on or down. It’s all made of rectangles so it’s quick and easy to stitch.
Juliette Hooded Shawl Pattern
Designer: Crystal White-Van Cleemput
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Caron Simply Soft
This shawl looks like a poncho but with a twist. Not only is it designed with a hood, but it also comes with pockets! The pattern is available as a video tutorial and there are versions for both right-handed and left-handed crocheters.
Mary Hooded Shawl Pattern
Designer: With Alex
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Mary Maxim Woodlands
The Mary Hooded Shawl is an oversized rectangle scarf with a comfy hood. This lacy shawl has a checkerboard pattern and a fun, whimsical border.
Triangular Shawl Crochet Patterns
Triangle shawls are among the most common and popular for crochet shawl patterns. Other than needing to know how to increase or decrease in pattern, they aren’t any more difficult than a rectangular shawl. Check out these fun free crochet triangle shawl patterns.
Spring Shawl Crochet Pattern
Designer: Hooked on Homemade Happiness
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice
This pretty triangular shawl was inspired by spring, but you can stitch it up and wear it any time of year. It’s mostly made of double crochets and puff stitches, so it’s not too difficult for new crocheters.
Wishing Well Crochet Wrap Shawl Pattern
Designer: Sewrella
Yarn weight: (3) DK
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Mandala Baby
This is one of those great free shawl patterns where the yarn does all the work for you. This project is worked in double crochets and chains so it’s quick and easy. You can also add cute tassels to make your shawl look more interesting.
Beginner One Skein Shawl Pattern
Designer: Little Things Blogged
Yarn weight: (3) DK
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Mandala
This beautiful shawl only uses simple stitches and quick repeat, making it perfect for binge crocheting. Even better, you’ll only use one skein to make this shawl; isn’t that a breeze?
Double Crochet All the Way Shawl Pattern
Designer: WIlmade
Yarn weight: (1) Super fine
Suggested yarn: Scheepjes Whirl
This simple shawl uses double crochet stitches and a pretty multicolored cake yarn to beautiful effect. It’s simple but effective and a great gift knitting project!
Nightfall Triangle Shawl Pattern
Designer: Annie Design Crochet
Yarn weight: (2) Sport
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks Heatherly Sport
This lace shawl is light and airy, perfect for dressing up a summer outfit. It’s worked in treble crochet stitches and mesh, so even though it uses a lightweight yarn it will stitch up really quickly.
Summer Shawl Crochet Pattern
Designer: Cream of the Crop Crochet
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Pima Cotton
This pretty triangle shawl uses two colors of yarn to make it a little more fun. The mesh pattern is really easy and this would be a great shawl to use for evening walks on the beach or when you’re on a cruise.
Unique Crochet Shawl Patterns
There are so many crochet shawls out there but wouldn’t it be nice if you had a shawl that stands out? These shawl patterns use interesting stitches, textures, and techniques to make a project you’re sure to love stitching and wearing.
Rose Petal Scarf Shawl Pattern
Designer: Crochet Dreamz
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Wool-Ease
This bold 3-D stitch brings even more warmth to this blanket of a triangle scarf. The cool design is made with front post double crochet stitches.
Pop-up Shawl Pattern
Designer: Wilmade
Yarn weight: (3) DK
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Mandala Sparkle
The pretty bottom up shawl uses rows of popcorn stitch between sections of double crochet, making it easy but giving it a lot of texture. It’s fun in a ombre yarn, or choose a solid color if you’d rather.
Crochet Shawl Pattern
Designer: Life + Yarn
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Jeans
This shawl turns out beautiful once completed. It uses half-double crochet and bobble stitches, which gives the shawl lots of texture.
Boho Triangle Shawl Pattern
Designer: Expression Fiber Arts
Yarn weight: (1) Super fine
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks Comfy Fingering
Do you like boho-inspired garments? Well, if you do, this one is the perfect shawl to crochet. You can create one for yourself or as a gift for your free-spirited friend.
Stormborn Wrap Shawl Pattern
Designer: For the Frills
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Jeans
The Stormborn Wrap is an elegant, understated triangle crochet shawl that instantly elevates any outfit! It’s worked from the center out so you can make it whatever size you want.
Sunset Butterflies Shawl Pattern
Designer: Beatrice Ryan Designs
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Shawl in a Ball
Sunset Butterflies Shawl is a fun, lightweight shawl that is perfect for the cool summer evenings. The intricate design is also eye-catching so you know you’ll be turning heads when you wear it!
Stash Buster Crochet Motif Shawl Pattern
Designer: Briana K Designs
Yarn weight: (1) Super fine
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks Chroma Fingering
This shawl is created by joining together hexagon motifs. It’s a great stash buster or way to use mini skeins you might have but not know what to do with.
Resonance Wrap Shawl Pattern
Designer: Two of Wands
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Color Theory
This gorgeous shawl has a double fade from light to dark in opposite directions. It sounds difficult but the stitches involved are not, and the skill level on this pattern is actually rated easy!
Want to Make Your Own Crochet Shawl with a Different Stitch Pattern?
Shawls are easy projects to customize because they are typically made with basic shapes like triangles and rectangles. If you want to design your own shawl with a different stitch pattern, get inspired by our Ultimate Crochet Stitch Library!
This collection includes 45 crochet stitches – all based on the basic stitches you already know – with video instructions to make learning easy.
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