Learn how to crochet an easy granny stitch rectangle shawl with this free pattern and video tutorial! 3 adult sizes included, but it’s so easy to customize the size based on how you like to wear your shawl! And if you don’t like counting rows, this is a great project to work without worry – just measure as you go, and stop when you get to your desired size.
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Find the free crochet pattern instructions below, orpurchase a printer-friendly, ad-free PDF on Ravelry by clicking here.
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I love to keep a shawl going on the side of other projects. Rectangle shawls with a simple repeat, like this Grace Tinley one, are great projects to just sit and relax with while watching TV or a movie, or for on-the-go when you don’t really want to have to fiddle with a lot of colors or worrying with a complicated stitch pattern. I especially like to work any project up using the granny stitch pattern!
I had so many skeins left of this Shocking Pink colorway from when I worked Grammy’s Afghan up for my cousin’s wedding gift last year. I think it’s a really pretty colorway, but not one I would use much for most projects, but when I was thinking of starting this shawl, it was calling my name, mostly because I was searching for colors I had at least 3 skeins of as I knew it would take several. I actually worked through 2 complete balls only, and was just shy of my goal in length so it worked out even better!
Now, I worked my shawl up in one solid color, but feel free to experiment with what you have in your stash. Projects like these are great for working striping patterns (or using striping yarns), or color blocks, like my Grace Tinley Scarf.
After working about 6 or 8 rows, you’ll be able to measure the width and see what the finished width will be for your shawl, unless you add a border. After that, it’s smooth sailing! You don’t have to counts rows if you don’t want to, you can just stitch away and then use a soft tape measure to measure, and stop on any row once you get to your desired size! So easy to customize, and so therapeutic!
What is the different between a Shawl, a Stole and a Wrap?
A Shawl, Stole and Wrap all describe a rectangular, square or triangular accessory that is draped over the shoulders or wrapped around the body.
A shawl is more casual, and is either worn to accent an outfit, to provide warmth or for religious purposes.
A stole is a more formal shawl used to accent an outfit, and is usually more narrow than a shawl, and made of more expensive materials like silk and cashmere.
A wrap encompasses both a shawl and stole. It’s a more casual, modern term that simply describes any accessory that can be draped over the shoulders or wrapped around the body.
Are Shawls and Scarves the same?
Shawls and Scarves both describe an accessory that can be draped over the shoulders, or wrapped around the neck and body, depending on the size.
Typically, a scarf is often more narrow than a shawl by at least half or more, and solely wrapped around the neck, rather than the body, either to accent an outfit or to provide warmth, but there are several different types of scarves, like super scarves and blanket scarves, that are much wider and can definitely be used to cover the shoulders or wrapped around the body.
I’ll get into a little more detail when I get into the sizing, but one thing I love about making my own shawls and scarves is being able to customize the width and length to fit the exact way I like to wear them.
What is the best yarn to use to crochet a shawl?
I picked Red Heart Super Saver because I wanted to use yarn that I had in my stash already, and after the first wash, it gets softer and cozier. Some of my other favorite worsted weight yarns for shawls, especially against the wind, areLion Brand Wool Ease(wool and acrylic blend) andWeCrochet Swish(100% superwash merino wool). They’re soft, squishy, warm and hold up so wellto wear and tear and machine washing and drying.
If you want to make the shawl with yarns better for warmer weather, living in Florida, one of my favorites is Berroco Modern Cotton. I know WeCrochet Comfy Yarn is pretty popular as well, and Lion Brand just came out with a new one called The Cottony One, which felt lovely when I held it, but I haven’t had a chance to work with it yet.
You can use any worsted weight yarn from your stash – pick your favorite! If the finished size is essential to you, then check your gauge, but if not, then just start crocheting – you can even go up to a #5 chunky weight yarn, like Lion Brand Hue & Me, for a cozier, oversized shawl, or down to a #3 weight yarn, like Lion Brand Coboo, for something a bit more lightweight.
What size should a rectangle shawl be?
The average sizes of rectangle shawls are 15″ wide by 60″ long, 18″ wide by 72″-75″ long, and 20″ wide by 80″-100″ long. It really all depends on your preferences, like if you like to wear it more like a scarf or wrap around your shoulders and arms, and how much overhang you like on your shawl.
Personally, I try to keep the overhang to a minimum as the shawl can get heavy with worsted weight yarns, so I opt for 15″ by 60″ for a shawl I will wrap around my shoulders and pin. For reference, I have a 42″ bust and wear a ladies size L / juniors size XL top – the fit is a little different based on bust and arm circumference measurements, which may affect your choice of length.
When you think of the circumference of your bust and arms together, it’s roughly 10″ larger than your bust. In my case, that would be 52″ in circumference. With a 60″ length, that leaves 8″ to overlap and drape. If you were a size Extra Small with a 28″ in bust, plus the 10″ extra for the arms, that would bring you to 38″. Perhaps you’d want to adjust to say a 45″ shawl to wrap around your shoulders.
For a shawl that I will wear more like a scarf, I opt for 15″ by 70″. For reference, I like to make my regular scarves 60″ in length, and I always feel like (I think due to the extra fabric/bulkiness) rectangle shawls worn the same way need just a little extra length to wrap around the neck once, and have a nice amount of fabric hanging on either side. I am 5’6″. If you’re shorter, you may want a shorter shawl length, and if you’re taller, you may want a longer shawl length.
Do I need to work a border around my shawl?
I was happy with the shape and edging of my rectangle shawl so I did not add a border, but for a more finished edging you absolutely can add one! If you opt to work a border, keep in mind, a simple single crochet border will add about 1/2″ to width and length, and any other stitch patterns or additional rounds will add more. The finished size is not essential so you do not have to adjust the stitch count if you don’t want to, or you may want to omit a cluster (by substracting 3 chains from my provided chains) to account for the additional width – completely up to you! The length can stay the same. I will provide instructions for a single crochet border in case you’re interested.
Why is my border wavy or ruffled? How do you fix a wavy or ruffled border?
In my experience, a change in tension causes ruffles in the border, especially seen on the sides. My quick fix is to simply go down a hook size. You can also continue with the same hook you’ve been working with, and just block the finished shawl.
Grace Tinley Granny Stitch Free Crochet Patterns:
Grace Tinley is one of my series that feature the beautiful, classic granny stitch pattern. This is a beginner friendly series, and this shawl is great project to pair with watching your favorite TV show or movie. Use a soft tape measure to measure as you go, and stop at the length desired. If you decide to work in a color block or stripe pattern, you’ll want to count rows just to make sure the blocks are even.
Findaccessories and home decor projects on here EyeLoveKnots, and wearables and accessories here on Cre8tion Crochet.
Prefer a scarf instead of a shawl? Visit the Grace Tinley Scarf pattern.
Prefer an oversized cowl instead of shawl? Visit the Grace Tinley Cowl pattern.
To make a matching beanie, visit the Grace Tinley Beanie pattern.
Other Worsted Weight Shawl Crochet Patterns You’ll Love
Reign Shawl
Chroma Shell Shawl
You May Also Like…
Remi Cosmetic Bag or Hook Pouch
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Materials:
- 750 (1100, 1615) Yards of Worsted Weight Yarn – I used Red Heart’s Super Saver in Shocking Pink
- H8/5mm Crochet Hook
- Tapestry Needle
- Optional: Soft Tape Measure (if gauge is essential or to measure as you go)
- Optional: Locking Stitch Markers
Material Notes:
I worked the smallest size, and 2 skeins worked a total of 116 rows, which is equal to 58 1/2″. I stopped here because I did not want to have to take such a small amount of yardage for the remaining rows (about 25) from another skein of yarn, but if you want to do the full length, you’ll need 2 full skeins plus a small amount from a 3rd.
Similar Yarns:Bernat’s Super Value, Lion Brand’s Heartland,WeCrochet Brava
Cozier Yarns:Lion Brand Wool Ease (Wool/Acrylic),Berroco Vintage (Wool/Acrylic),WeCrochet Swish (Superwash Merino Wool)
Warmer Weather Yarns: Lion Brand & Made with Love The Cottony One (Cotton/Acrylic), WeCrochet Comfy Yarn (Pima Cotton/Acrylic), Berroco Modern Cotton (Pima Cotton & Modal Rayon)
If the finished size isn’t essential to you, you can even switch out the worsted weight yarn for a bulky/chunky weight, like Lion Brand Hue & Me, to make an even cozier scarf, or switch it out for a lightweight yarn, like Lion Brand Coboo. You can easily adjust the beginning chain if desired to change the width to match the yarn change, and simply measure as you go and stop when you reach the size you like.
How to make Red Heart Super Saver softer: If you have concerns about using Red Heart Super Saver and similar because of the roughness and stiffness of the fabric, I have a couple tips!
- If the yarn is too rough for your hands to crochet with, remove the skein wrapper, place the skein into a mesh lingerie bag (I bought mine at JoAnn’s), then machine wash it by itself on the gentle cycle in cold water with a mild detergent. Once it’s finished, toss it into the dryer on low heat – you may need to run it through 2 – 3 times to get the center dry.
- To add softness and better drape to the finished piece, crochet in it’s entirety and weave in the ends, then wash and dry in the same manner (without the lingerie bag) or simply dry once with a dryer sheet.
Why switch to a smaller crochet hook for the border?In my experience, a change in tension causes ruffles in the border, especially seen on the sides. My quick fix is to simply go down a hook size. You can also continue with the same hook you’ve been working with, and just block the finished shawl.
I love my ergonomic clay hooks from SiennasBowtique and BronzeShepherdStudio! They both has so many fun designs. I have several from each shop.
I like to use locking stitch markers to help me keep track of the number of rows I’ve worked. I place them every 30 rows.
How Long Does it Take to Crochet a Granny Stitch Shawl?
I had my shawl ready in just under 6 hours.
Measurements:
- 15 1/2″ x by 60″
- 18 1/4″ by 75 1/8″
- 20″ by 100 3/8″
These sizes are average adult sizes. It really all depends on your preferences, like if you like to wear it more like a scarf or wrap around your shoulders and arms, and how much overhang you like on your shawl.
Gauge (Not Essential):
In pattern, 5 clusters + it’s respective space = 4 1/2″ wide; 6 rows = 3″ tall
A really easy way to check your shawl is to measure after about 6 rows. This will be the finished width of your shawl (unless you add a border). It’s so easy to work up until you reach the length that you like, and you don’t even need to count your rows – you can measure as you go with a tape measure.
Abbreviations (US Terms):
- DC – Double Crochet (Photo Tutorial)
- SC – Single Crochet (Photo Tutorial)
Pattern Notes:
To alter the width of this pattern, the chain multiple is 3 + 1. That means the total number of chains minus one equals a number that is divisible by 3. An easier way is to take away or add by 3 chains at a time to the chains I’ve provided. Lengthwise, you can stop at any point, or add more repeats of Row 2.
Beginning chain 2 counts as a double crochet, as does the first four chains of the foundation row.
I worked my shawl up in one solid color, but feel free to experiment with what you have in your stash. Projects like these are great for working striping patterns (or using striping yarns), stripes or color blocks, like my Grace Tinley Scarf. Just plan accordingly for changing colors.
I designed this to not have a border added because I think the edges look nice, but you can absolutely add one. A single crochet border will add 1/2″ to the width and length.
With turning each round, any side can be the right side/wrong side. When adding a border, I consider the side I’m working the first round on to be the right side (or front) as the stitches look prettier and more defined from this side. Regardless of whether you add a border or not, I do recommend bringing your tail ends all to one side so they’re all woven in on the same side.
If you choose to work a border, and it begins to ruffle (caused from a change in tension), then you can go down a crochet hook size (to a G6/4.25mm) to work the border, or block the finished shawl.
For more rounded corners on the border, work as instructed in the pattern, or work 3 single crochet. For more square corners, work a chain 2 instead of chain 1, or work (SC, HDC, SC).
Feel free to add additional rounds to the border if desired. I think working a few rounds of single crochet in the back loop only really adds a nice touch – see an example in my Lightweight Grace Tinley Beanie. Just make sure to continue to increase in the corner chain space as you go.
Grace Tinley Rectangle Shawl, Video Tutorial:
Grace Tinley Rectangle Shawl, Written Pattern:
15 1/2″ x by 60″
Chain 55. Work 2 DC into the 4th chain from the hook, skip the next two chains, (3 DC into the next chain, skip the next two chains) 16x, 1 DC into the last chain. [17 Clusters + 1 DC]
R2 – 119: Chain 2, turn. 2 DC into the 1st space, skip the next cluster, (3 DC into the next space, skip the next cluster) 16x, 1 DC into the top of the beginning chain 2.
Fasten off, and weave in ends. Proceed to Border if desired.
18 1/4″ by 75 1/8″
Chain 61. Work 2 DC into the 4th chain from the hook, skip the next two chains, (3 DC into the next chain, skip the next two chains) 19x, 1 DC into the last chain. [20 Clusters + 1 DC]
R2 – 149: Chain 2, turn. 2 DC into the 1st space, skip the next cluster, (3 DC into the next space, skip the next cluster) 19x, 1 DC into the top of the beginning chain 2.
Fasten off, and weave in ends. Proceed to Border if desired.
20″ by 100 3/8″
Chain 67. Work 2 DC into the 4th chain from the hook, skip the next two chains, (3 DC into the next chain, skip the next two chains) 21x, 1 DC into the last chain. [22 Clusters + 1 DC]
R2 – 199: Chain 2, turn. 2 DC into the 1st space, skip the next cluster, (3 DC into the next space, skip the next cluster) 21x, 1 DC into the top of the beginning chain 2.
Fasten off, and weave in ends. Proceed to Border if desired.
Optional Single Crochet Border:
Chain 1, turn. SC into the first DC, and into each DC across, (SC, chain 1, SC) into the last stitch to form a corner,evenly SC(that’s 2 SC’s per row of DC) down the side of the shawl to the last stitch, (SC, chain 1, SC) into the last stitch to form a corner, SC across the opposite side of the foundation chain over to the last stitch, (SC, chain 1, SC) into the last stitch to form a corner, evenly SC (that’s 2 SC’s per row of DC) up the side of the shawl to the first stitch. SC into the same stitch as the first, then slip stitch join to the 1st SC.
Fasten off, and weave in ends.
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