A rectangular shawl is a mix of a lightweight wrap blanket and a scarf that makes a very elegant and fashionable piece for the colder days. Additionally, this shawl will be a very convenient accessory to have in your wardrobe, suitable to many occasions. The stitches used in this rectangular crochet shawl pattern (aka shawl wrap) are very simple and easy for beginners.
Making it a good project for a brave beginner crocheter. Even though it’s easy, the single crochet back and front loops technique give it such a delicate a lacy texture.
If you are one of those makers that love giving your crochet creations to friends and family, the Rio Crochet Shawl Wrap would be a great gift idea. Besides, when wedding season comes, it would make a perfect crochet bridal shawl as well.
However, if you are team triangle shaped shawl, go check my Rangeley triangle shawl, the pattern is also free here on the blog.
This website is reader supported and contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Find my affiliate disclosure here.
Best yarn for a rectangular crochet shawl
I recommend sports weight (#2) for a rectangular crochet shawl pattern. The reason is because the finer the yarn, the more elegant your shawl will look.
Generally, lighter weight yarns that are made from plant fibers, like cotton, are ideal for a breathable shawl. But if you want it to be warmer, acrylic or animal fibers are the best options of yarn for the cooler temperatures.
I used: Cotton Fair by Premier yarns in the color Baby Blue. The amount was 12.5 oz (355 g), 1133 yds (1036 m)
An inexpensive PDF download can be purchased on my Ravelry or Etsy shops.
Rectangular crochet shawl pattern instructions
- The pattern is worked in back-and-forth rows.
- As you work through this rectangular crochet shawl pattern, the project will curve at the ends and edgings. To get it fixed, block it or press it with a hot iron when you are finished.
- Blocking: One of the recommended ways to block cotton acrylic blend is by using the steam feature on your iron. Place the shawl on an iron board, right side facing down, and lightly press it on the back. If using a different fiber, block it accordingly.
- Chain 1 at the beginning of rows doesn’t count as a stitch.
- I recommend that you count your stitches in every row following the chain space rows. The reason is it is easy to accidentally skip chains when making that row. Do it at least for a few repeats, until you get used to the pattern.
Pattern and stitches abbreviations
- blo: back loop
- dc: double crochet
- flo: front loop only
- FO: fasten off
- ch(s): chain(s)
- ext ch: extended chain
- RS: right side
- sc: single crochet
- sp: space
- sl st: slip stitch(es)
- st(s): stitch(es)
- *: work the instructions after asterisks as directed
- [ ]: number of stitches in a row
Special stitches instructions
Extended chain (ext ch): you will crochet the extended chains for the edging of the shawl. To make an extended chain, crochet a normal chain and pull the loop to extend it to about 3/4 of an inch (1.8 cm).
Sizing information
The Rio rectangular crochet shawl pattern, when finished, will measure approximately 70”x 18” (178 x 46 cm).
A note on gauge
Gauge is not crucial for this shawl, but 17 sc sts x 16 rows = 4”
Note: To crochet a gauge swatch, chain 29 and repeat rows 1-5 of the pattern 4 times.
How to crochet a rectangular crochet shawl?
Crochet 284 chains or any other multiple of 3 plus 2 and work the rows horizontally. For this shawl, you will use single crochet stitches on back loop and front loop.
Then, you will add mesh stitches with chain 3 in every 6 rows. This is a 6 row repeat pattern, and it is very easy to follow. Keep scrolling for the pattern instructions.
The Rio Crochet Wrap is a lightweight rectangular crochet shawl pattern made with sport weight (#2) yarn. The construction of the pattern is mainly with single crochet stitches worked on the back and front loops.
Additionally, in every 7 rows, you will have a row worked in chains to give the pattern a lace look. Go get your supplies and let’s get started.
Total Time: 3 days
Crochet the foundation row
Chain 284 or any other multiple of 3 plus 2.
Row1 (RS): sc in back bump of 2nd ch from hook, sc in back bump of every ch across, ch 1, turn [283].
Crochet the 2nd row in front loop only
Row2: sc in flo across, ch 1, turn [283].
Crochet rows 3, 4 and 5
Row3 (RS): sc in blo across, ch 1, turn [283].
Row4-5: repeat rows 2 and 3 [283].
Crochet row 6 and 7 and do the repeat
Row6: ch4,*sk next 2 sc sts, sc in flo of nextsc st, ch 2, repeat from * across, ch 1, turn [94 ch sp]
Note: the first sc st on row 6 where the ch 4 come from doesn’t count as a st.
Row7: sc in blo of every sc and in blo of every ch across [283].
Note: At the end of row 7, do not sc in last ch of previous row, or else you would have one extra st.
Row8-72: repeat rows 2-7. The last sequence of the repeat will stop at row 6, which is the ch 2 space row. Do not FO, do not cut the yarn yet.
Crochet the edging
Before you start the edging for this rectangular crochet shawl pattern, see “special stitch” notes above.
Row73: *ch 1, ext ch, ch 5, dc 2 in 4th ch from hook, ch3, sl st in same ch as you did dc 2 ,ch1, ext ch, ch 1, sk next ch sp in shawl edge, sc in next sc, repeat from * across
Estimated Cost: 30.00 USD
Supply:
- Sport weight (2) Yarn
Tools:
- 3.75 mm (US F) hook
Materials: Scissors, Darning needle for weaving in the ends
More step by step pictures for the edging
Save it here to make it later
FAQ’s on crochet rectangle shawls
Here are the answers for some frequently asked questions on crochet rectangle shawls.
What size should a crochet rectangle shawl be?
A large rectangle shawl measures approximately 70”x 18” (178 x 46 cm). This size will make it a cozy wrap for those chilly days that you need extra layers to keep yourself warm.
But this size is only a guideline. Feel free to customize your rectangular crochet shawl pattern to the size you like.
In fact, this shawl could be made as a prayer or bridal shawl just to complement your style for special church and wedding occasions as well.
How many stitches do you need for a rectangular shawl?
You will need 283 chain stitches to make a generous size crochet shawl wrap. This number of stitches is for sport weight yarn.
For instance, you may use any other yarn weight (3 or above), that way you will need a lot less stitches for the width of your shawl.
And it will be quicker to make as well. My recommendation is that you make a swatch before you proceed to the final project, so you can picture what it will look like.
What yarn is best for a rectangular crochet shawl pattern?
The best yarn for a lacy wrap is the sport and light weight ones (#2/Sport and #3/DK). The lighter the yarn, the more elegant and delicate your shawl will be.
Obviously, it’s best to choose a breathable fiber if you are making it for the warmer days, like cotton, silk or bamboo.
As for the colder days, the animal fibers, like cashmere and wool, would be the ideal ones. For the shawl picture here, I used Sport yarn (2). Keep scrolling to find out the exact yarn you will need for this shawl.
How much yarn do I need for a rectangle shawl?
You will need approximately 12.5 oz (355 g),or 1133 yds (1036 m) sport weight (#2) yarn for a large shawl wrap.
The amount of yarn may vary, depending on your tension and the stitch you use. The lacier the stitch, the less yarn you will need.
How to wear a crochet rectangle shawl?
There are a few ways to wear a crochet rectangle shawl to make it look fashionable. The first way, and maybe the most popular one, is to wear it with one of the ends over the shoulder.
Another good way to wear it is as an oversized scarf around your neck on the colder days. Making it a bulky neck wrap.
Lastly, you can wear it as the classic wrap style, by looping it once around your neck and leaving both ends in the front to fall loosely down your torso.
The bottom line
Now that you have all the instructions and list of materials, go find your favorite tv show to binge while making your next stunning crochet shawl.
Please don’t forget to check the “notes” section for information on how to block your rectangular crochet shawl pattern to avoid curling. Once you’re done, I would love to see your final piece of art, please tag me on instagram @zamiguz or use the hashtag #zamiguzmaker.
Most importantly, thank you so much for using my rectangular crochet shawl pattern to make you a beautiful shawl. Drop a comment below if you have any questions or if you just would like to say “hi”. Another way to reach out to me is by joining my community group on Facebook.
Purchase an inexpensive PDF on Ravelry or Etsy by clicking in these buttons:
See my latest free patterns and tutorials here
Do you have a tutorial for this shawl? I am the kind of person that has to be showed I can’t follow by reading.
Hi Debbie!
Unfortunately I don’t have time to record video tutorials for my patterns. But thank you for your interest and for taking the time to leave a comment.
Best,
Maggie