A rectangular shawl is a mix of a lightweight wrap blanket and a scarf that makes an elegant and fashionable, layering neck accessory. This beginner friendly rectangular crochet shawl pattern will easily become your favorite wrap.
Additionally, shawls are versatile wearables to have in your wardrobe, as they are suitable for many occasions. And this one has a unique, lacy structure, that makes it delicate and chic.
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 as well.
Besides, when wedding season comes, it would make a perfect crochet bridal shawl as well. And if you love shawls, go check my Rangeley triangle shawl and this airy and easy crochet triangle shawl. Those patterns are also free here on the blog.
Table of Contents
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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)
Amount of yarn needed 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 will vary however, depending on other factors, such as stitch tension, yarn fiber content, and the kind of stitch used. The lacier the stitch, the less yarn you will need.
Other materials needed
Aside from yarn, there will be only a few other supplies required to crochet a rectangular shawl. Here is what you will need.
- 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.
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
Common questions about 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.
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 and for all the other instructions.
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.
If you use any of my patterns or tutorials for a project, please tag me @zamiguz or use the hashtag #zamiguzmakers. I would love to see what you make.
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Debbie Hamilton
Thursday 9th of March 2023
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.
Maggie
Thursday 9th of March 2023
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