Got a wow moment here, friends! I can’t get over how stunning this rectangular crochet shawl pattern turned out.
This shawl combines the cozy feel of a lightweight wrap and the stylish vibe of a scarf, making it a great choice for adding some flair to your outfit. This easy pattern is perfect for beginners and is bound to become your go-to crochet wrap project.
Shawls are super versatile pieces that you should definitely have in your wardrobe. You can wear them for a variety of occasions. This one has a cool lacy design that makes it look delicate and stylish.
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If you are one of those makers who loves gifting with your crochet, the Rio Crochet Shawl Wrap would also be a fabulous handmade gift option.
There is more! When wedding season comes, it will also make a perfect crochet bridal shawl. If you prefer triangle shawls, check out my Rangeley triangle shawl and this airy and easy crochet triangle shawl. Those patterns are also free here on the blog.
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Rectangular Crochet Shawl Pattern
Materials
- Sports Weight (#2) yarn. I used approximately 12.5 oz (355 g), or 1133 yds (1036 m) of Cotton Fair by Premier yarns in Baby Blue.
- 3.75 mm (US F) hook. One of my favorites is this hook set by Clover Amour.
- A sharp pair of yarn Scissors.
- A tapestry needle to weave in the ends.
Pattern Notes
- This rectangular crochet shawl pattern is worked in turning 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.
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
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).
Size
The Rio rectangular crochet shawl pattern, when finished, will measure approximately 70”x 18” (178 x 46 cm).
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.
Instructions
Crochet 284 chains or any other multiple of 3 plus 2 and work the rows horizontally. For this crochet wrap, you will use single crochet stitches on the back and front loops.
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 design consists mainly of single crochet stitches on the back and front loops.
Additionally, in every 7 rows, you will add a row of chains to give the pattern a lace look. Gather 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 photos for the edging
Frequently Asked Questions About 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.
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.
More Patterns
- Large Crochet Scarf Pattern
- Crochet Bandana Pattern
- Crochet Scrunchie Pattern
- Crochet Cowls Pattern Roundup
The Bottom Line
Now that you have all the instructions and a list of materials, go find your favorite TV show to binge on 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 and for all the other instructions.
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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