30 Free Beginner Crochet Shawl Patterns

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If you are a beginner crocheter looking for your next easy crochet project, then look no further! In this blog post, I’ve compiled a list of 30 free beginner crochet shawl patterns, each one selected for their simplicity and style.

An easy crochet shawl pattern is the perfect way for a newer crocheter to practice their skills, all while creating a beautiful piece of wearable art! 

If you are just starting out and have gotten your head around the basic crochet stitches, or even if you are a more experienced crocheter looking for an easy and satisfying “couch” project, you’re sure to find a new crochet shawl pattern to add to your project list.

So get your hook and yarn ready, and let’s start crocheting!

What is the easiest type of shawl to crochet for beginners?

For beginners, a simple crochet wrap or shawl is definitely one of the easiest projects you can make. 

Rectangular shawls are usually the easiest shape to start with as they often require only basic stitches (such as single crochet, half double crochet or double crochet) and have a straightforward construction with no increasing or decreasing. If you are a complete beginner, then I would definitely try one of these first. 

Triangle crochet shawls can also be suitable for beginners, but they do have a little added complexity in that you will be working some increase stitches to create the triangle shape. This can require some understanding of increasing stitches and following a pattern, so it may be a little more challenging if you are completely new to the world of crochet.

In general, it is best to look for crochet wrap patterns that use basic stitches, such as the single or double crochet, and have clear, easy-to-follow instructions. Step-by-step photos and video tutorials can also go a long way to helping you finish your project successfully. With a little bit of practice, you will absolutely be able to crochet a beautiful shawl that you can be proud of ☺.


What you’ll need to make an easy crochet shawl

Yarn

As with many things in life, crochet shawls come in all different shapes and sizes! The type of yarn you use will really depend on the season and the type of shawl you want to create. 

If you’re looking for a cozy shawl for cooler months, you might consider using a bulky weight yarn

For a lightweight, lacy wrap, you’ll definitely be going for something like a fingering weight or DK weight yarn

On the other hand, a worsted weight yarn (the jack-of-all-trades of the yarn world!) can be used for a shawl that is appropriate for any season. 

As a beginner, you’ll also want to take yarn fiber into account when making your yarn selection as some fibers are definitely easier to work with than others.

In general, you may find it easier to start with a more forgiving fiber like acrylic, cotton, or wool. As you become more comfortable with crocheting and counting your stitches, you can try working with other fibers, such as silk or mohair.

Hook

The best hook size for a crochet shawl will depend on the type of yarn you’re using and the stitch pattern used in the design. Generally, a hook that is one or two sizes larger than what is recommended on the yarn label is a good choice. This creates a more relaxed and draping fabric which is perfect for shawls.

All of the designs below list a recommended hook size to use for the project, but you are free to adjust your hook based on your own gauge and style of crocheting. It’s important to remember that the recommended hook size is just a starting point and you may need to adjust it to achieve the desired look and feel for your shawl.

Other Supplies

You’ll also need a scissors, a yarn needle (for weaving in those ends!) and possibly stitch markers.

A note on stitch markers

You do not necessarily need stitch markers to make a crochet shawl, but they can be useful in certain situations!

Stitch markers are used to mark specific stitches or rows in your work, helping you keep track of where you are in the pattern. They can be particularly helpful when working with complex stitch patterns, counting stitches, or marking the beginning and end of a repeat.

For simple shawl patterns, stitch markers may not be necessary. However, If you’re a beginner crocheter, you may find stitch markers helpful even in simple patterns as they can help you stay organized and make the process of crocheting a shawl easier and more enjoyable.

How to Block a Crochet Shawl

I could not write about crochet shawls without mentioning blocking.

If this is a brand new term to you, do not worry! Blocking in crochet simply refers to the process of wetting, shaping, and drying a finished crochet piece to enhance its appearance, improve its drape, and even out its stitch pattern. 

Blocking can be done in a variety of ways, but most of them involve the following steps:

  1. introducing moisture to the crochet item (either through soaking or steam)
  2. pinning it to a blocking board or foam mat (shaping and adjusting it the desired size)
  3. allowing it to dry completely

Blocking can be done using blocking wires, which are flexible metal wires that are used to shape the piece, or simply by pinning the piece to the blocking surface. Blocking is especially important for items like shawls and wraps as it can help to bring out the stitch definition, create a more even fabric, and make the finished product look more polished.

Wilma from wilmade.com has some fantastic before and after pictures of a blocked crochet shawl. Hopefully this will convince you that when it comes to shawls and wraps, blocking is definitely worth the effort!

30 Free Beginner Crochet Shawl Patterns

Here are some of my favorite beginner-friendly crochet shawl and wrap designs. If you are new to crochet then you will definitely want to give one of these easy patterns a try!


I hope you have taken some inspiration from these projects, happy crocheting!

Sarah

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