Coming at you with a bright and cheerful free pattern that just shines with “spring vibes” – the Garden Picnic Shawl!
This shawl was designed to go with our first ever hand-dyed yarn collection, Sweet Beginnings. My husband and I have added naturally-dyed yarn to the business! For me, a very important part of dyeing and selling yarn is designing thoughtful, curated patterns to go along with the collections.
These bright and cheerful colors needed a spring-inspired design to compliment them, and I’m so glad that it gave the opportunity for the Garden Picnic Shawl to be created!
The Garden Picnic Shawl is an asymmetrical shawl that utilizes tapestry crochet techniques and simple stitches. Select a neutral + 2 similar-toned colors for a subtle, yet elegant gingham effect. Crochet gingham can elevate such simple stitches to a beautiful crochet fabric!
You can purchase the print-friendly PDF here!
YARN
DK weight yarn in 3 colors.
I used Sass & Stitch Simple DK (100% SW Merino Wool).
YARDAGE
Color A: 116yds
Color B: 231yds
Color C: 116yds
MATERIALS
- Hook: 4.5mm
- Other: scissors, flexible tape measure, yarn needle
ABBREVIATIONS
- ch: chain
- dc: double crochet
- ssc: stacked single crochet
- * to *: repeat
- st(s): stitch(es)
GAUGE
4” x 4” = 13 dc x 9 rows, blocked
You do not need to change colors or work ssc sts while gauge swatching. Work a simple dc gauge swatch and block.
FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
45” long x 20 “ deep
NOTES
- Written in US Terms
- You will NOT ch at the beginning of each row. Instead, you will create a stacked single crochet as the first stitch to create a clean edge.
- Every odd row is an increasing row. You will work 3 additional sts in the last st of the row.
Special Technique Instructions
Stacked Single Crochet (ssc):
In this pattern, stacked single crochet is worked in the first stitch of every row.
To start each row, turn but do not chain.
Immediately single crochet in the first stitch. Locate the left leg (right leg if you are left-handed) of the single crochet stitch. Insert your hook into the leg and complete another single crochet.
Carrying your yarn:
In tapestry crochet, your non-working color is always carried along your work. Your working color is crocheted over your non-working color. Do not fasten off yarn after each row. When you need that color again, you will pull it up to the current row, along the side.
Starting a new row:
When starting a row with the same color, still carry the non-working color with you up to the new row.
If the next row requires starting with a different color, pause on the last st of the row when you have two loops left on your hook.
Yarn over and complete the stitch with the other color, the one that was carried. This is now your new working color.
Ssc with your new working color and carry the non-working color with you up to the new row.
Changing colors mid-row:
On the st before a color change, pause when you have two loops left on your hook.
Drop the current color behind your work and pick up the carried color.
Yarn over and complete the stitch with the carried color. This is now your new working color.
Continue with your new working color, while carrying the other color along.
START THE PATTERN
With Color A, ch 4.
Row 1: In the 4th ch from the hook, 2 dc. (3 sts – the 3 skipped chains from the beginning also counts as a stitch)
Row 2: Turn, but do not ch. Ssc in the first st. Dc in the next st, dc in the starting ch from the previous row. Change to Color B on the last st. (3 sts)
Row 3: Turn, but do not ch. Ssc in the first st. 2 dc with Color B, 3 additional dc in the last st with Color C. (6 sts)
Row 4: Turn, but do not ch. Ssc in the first st, 2 dc with Color C. 3 dc with Color B. Change to Color A on the last st. (6 sts)
Rows 5: Turn, but do not ch. Ssc in the first st, 2 dc with Color A. 3 dc with Color B, 3 additional dc in the last st with Color A. (9 sts)
Row 6: Turn, but do not ch. Ssc in the first st, 2 dc with Color A. 3 dc with Color B, 3 dc with Color A. Change to Color B on the last st. (9 sts)
Row 7: Turn, but do not ch. Ssc in the first st, 2 dc with Color B. 3 dc with Color C, 3 dc with Color B, 3 additional dc in the last st with Color C. (12 sts)
Row 8: Turn, but do not ch. Ssc in the first st, 2 dc with Color C. 3 dc with Color B, 3 dc with Color C, 3 dc with Color B. Change to Color A on the last st.
Continue repeating the rhythm of this pattern that was laid out in rows 5-8. The remainder of the pattern should follow these rules:
- each checkered square is 3 sts across and 2 rows tall.
- every odd row will increase by 3 sts in the last st of the row.
- if the first set of two rows alternates between Color A and Color B, the next set of two rows will alternate. between Color B and Color C.
- work until you have a total of 70 rows, or until you reach your desired size. I worked until I ran out of my Color B skein.
Fasten off, weave in ends, and block if necessary.
Need the video tutorial for the Garden Picnic Shawl? Watch below!
I’d love to see your beautiful Garden Picnic Shawl! If you share a photo of your work on social media, be sure to tag me so I can see it! You can also use the hashtags #GardenPicnicShawl and #SassAndStitchCrochet
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