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# LACY CASCADES SHAWL

A beautiful triangular shawl worked from the center top down, featuring an elegant lace pattern with chain spaces and double crochet clusters. The open lacework creates wonderful drape when blocked, making this the perfect accessory for any season.

**Difficulty Level:** Intermediate

## MATERIALS

**Yarn:** 900-1000 yards worsted weight yarn
- Sample shown uses approximately 950 yards

**Hook:** US H/8 (5.0 mm) or size needed to obtain gauge

**Notions:**
- Stitch markers (3)
- Tapestry needle
- Blocking wires or pins
- Blocking mat or foam boards

## GAUGE

14 dc and 8 rows = 4" (10 cm) in lace pattern after blocking

**Gauge Note:** Gauge is measured after blocking. The fabric will relax significantly during blocking, so don't be concerned if your unblocked fabric appears tighter.

## ABBREVIATIONS

- ch = chain
- dc = double crochet
- RS = right side
- sl st = slip stitch
- sp = space
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- WS = wrong side
- [ ] = work instructions within brackets as many times as directed
- ( ) = stitch count at end of row

## FINISHED MEASUREMENTS

After blocking:
- Wingspan: approximately 60" (152 cm)
- Depth (center): approximately 30" (76 cm)

## SPECIAL STITCHES

**Shell:** (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in indicated st or sp

**V-stitch:** (dc, ch 1, dc) in indicated st or sp

## PATTERN NOTES

- Shawl is worked from the center top down in a triangular shape.
- Increases occur at the center spine and at both edges.
- RS rows are odd-numbered rows.
- Place markers at center spine and at both edges to help track increases.
- Stitch counts include the turning chain-3 as the first dc.

## INSTRUCTIONS

**Foundation:** Ch 4.

**Row 1 (RS):** (2 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) in 4th ch from hook (beginning ch counts as first dc). (7 dc, 1 ch-3 sp)

**Row 2 (WS):** Ch 3 (counts as dc here and throughout), turn, 2 dc in first st, ch 1, (3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) in center ch-3 sp, ch 1, 3 dc in top of turning ch. (13 dc, 2 ch-1 sps, 1 ch-3 sp)

**Row 3:** Ch 3, turn, 2 dc in first st, ch 2, skip next 2 dc, dc in next dc, ch 1, skip ch-1 sp, dc in next dc, ch 2, (3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) in center ch-3 sp, ch 2, dc in next dc, ch 1, dc in next dc, ch 2, skip next 2 dc, 3 dc in top of turning ch. (17 dc, 4 ch-2 sps, 2 ch-1 sps, 1 ch-3 sp)

**Row 4:** Ch 3, turn, 2 dc in first st, ch 1, skip ch-2 sp, V-stitch in next dc, ch 1, skip ch-1 sp, V-stitch in next dc, ch 1, skip ch-2 sp, dc in next dc, ch 1, (3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) in center ch-3 sp, ch 1, dc in next dc, ch 1, V-stitch in next dc, ch 1, V-stitch in next dc, ch 1, 3 dc in top of turning ch. (19 dc, 8 ch-1 sps, 1 ch-3 sp)

**Row 5:** Ch 3, turn, 2 dc in first st, [ch 2, dc in next dc or in ch-1 sp of V-st] across to center ch-3 sp, ch 2, (3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) in center ch-3 sp, [ch 2, dc in next dc or in ch-1 sp of V-st] across to last st, ch 2, 3 dc in top of turning ch. (23 dc, 10 ch-2 sps, 1 ch-3 sp)

**Row 6:** Ch 3, turn, 2 dc in first st, [ch 1, V-stitch in next dc] across to 2 sts before center ch-3 sp, ch 1, dc in next dc, ch 1, (3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) in center ch-3 sp, ch 1, dc in next dc, [ch 1, V-stitch in next dc] across to last st, ch 1, 3 dc in top of turning ch. (25 dc, 12 ch-1 sps, 1 ch-3 sp)

**Rows 7-40:** Repeat Rows 5-6 seventeen more times. After Row 40: (127 dc, 66 ch-1 sps, 1 ch-3 sp)

*Math verification: Starting with 25 dc after Row 6, adding 6 dc every 2-row repeat (3 dc at each edge, 6 dc at center = 12 dc, minus 6 dc absorbed into center = net 6 dc). 17 repeats × 6 dc = 102 dc. 25 + 102 = 127 dc ✓*

### Border

**Row 41:** Ch 3, turn, 2 dc in first st, [ch 2, dc in next dc or in ch-1 sp of V-st] across to center ch-3 sp, ch 2, (3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) in center ch-3 sp, [ch 2, dc in next dc or in ch-1 sp of V-st] across to last st, ch 2, 3 dc in top of turning ch.

**Row 42:** Ch 1, turn, sc in first st, *ch 3, skip next st or sp, sc in next st or sp; repeat from * across, ending sc in top of turning ch. Do not fasten off.

**Edging:** Ch 1, working along side edge of shawl, work (sc, ch 3) evenly spaced along edge to center top point, (sc, ch 3, sc) in beginning ch-4 sp at top point, (ch 3, sc) evenly spaced down second edge. Join with sl st to first sc of Row 42. Fasten off.

*Note: Aim for approximately 1 sc in each row-end space along the sides.*

## FINISHING

### Blocking Instructions

Proper blocking is essential for this shawl to achieve its full beauty and drape:

1. **Soak:** Submerge the shawl in cool water with a small amount of wool wash or gentle soap. Let soak for 15-20 minutes.

2. **Remove Excess Water:** Gently squeeze (do not wring) and roll in a towel to remove excess moisture.

3. **Pin Out:** Lay flat on blocking mat. Pin the center top point first, then the two bottom points to create the triangular shape. Pin the top edge gently, maintaining a slight curve rather than a straight line.

4. **Open the Lace:** Pin out each chain space point along the bottom edge to emphasize the lacy border. Use blocking wires along the long edges if available for perfectly straight sides.

5. **Dimensions:** Stretch to approximately 60" wingspan and 30" depth, or desired size. The chain spaces should be open but not overstretched.

6. **Dry:** Allow to dry completely (24-48 hours) before unpinning.

### Weaving in Ends

Use tapestry needle to weave in all ends along row edges or through stitches of same color. Weave each end through several stitches, reverse direction, and weave through several more for security.

## SCHEMATIC

The shawl forms a triangle:
```
         • (center top)
        /|\
       / | \
      /  |  \
     /   |   \
    /    |    \
   /     |     \
  /______|______\
  
  60" wingspan
  30" depth (center)
```

## DESIGN NOTES

- The lace pattern creates a beautiful geometric design that showcases hand-dyed or variegated yarns beautifully.
- For a larger shawl, continue repeating Rows 5-6 until desired size, then work border rows.
- For a smaller version, stop after Row 30 (approximately 48" wingspan).
- Consider using stitch markers at the center spine and 10 stitches from each edge to make counting easier.

## YARN SUGGESTIONS

This pattern works beautifully with:
- Smooth worsted weight wool or wool blends for best blocking and drape
- Alpaca blends for extra warmth and softness
- Cotton or linen blends for a summer-weight shawl (may have less drape)

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*Pattern © 2024. For personal use only.*