purlJam

# LACY TRIANGLE SHAWL

A beautiful beginner-friendly triangular shawl worked from the center top down. This open, lacy design features simple chain spaces and double crochet clusters that create an elegant drape when blocked.

## MATERIALS

**Yarn**: Approximately 800-900 yards worsted weight yarn
*Sample shown uses a soft wool or wool-blend worsted weight yarn for best drape*

**Hook**: US I-9 (5.5 mm) or size needed to obtain gauge

**Notions**: 
- Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
- Blocking wires or rust-proof pins
- Measuring tape
- Stitch markers (optional but helpful)

## GAUGE

14 dc and 8 rows = 4" (10 cm) in double crochet, blocked

*Gauge is not critical for this project, but will affect yardage and final size*

## FINISHED MEASUREMENTS

Approximately 60" (152 cm) wingspan and 30" (76 cm) deep at center point, after blocking

## ABBREVIATIONS

- ch = chain
- dc = double crochet
- sk = skip
- sp = space
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- rep = repeat
- RS = right side
- WS = wrong side

## PATTERN NOTES

- Shawl is worked flat from the center top point downward.
- Each row increases the width of the triangle.
- Chain 3 at beginning of row counts as first dc throughout.
- Right side is always facing you.
- Stitch counts are provided at key checkpoints - use these to verify your progress.
- This pattern requires blocking to open up the lace and achieve proper drape.

## SPECIAL STITCHES

**V-stitch (V-st)**: (dc, ch 1, dc) all in same stitch or space

**Shell**: (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) all in same stitch or space

## INSTRUCTIONS

### Setup

**Foundation**: Ch 4.

**Row 1 (RS)**: Dc in 4th ch from hook (first 3 ch count as first dc). — 2 dc total

**Row 2**: Ch 3 (counts as dc here and throughout), turn, 2 dc in first st (at base of ch-3), ch 1, 3 dc in top of turning ch. — 6 dc + 1 ch-sp

**Row 3**: Ch 3, turn, 2 dc in first st, ch 1, dc in next 2 dc, V-st in ch-1 sp, dc in next 2 dc, ch 1, 3 dc in top of turning ch. — 11 dc + 3 ch-sps

*Checkpoint: You should have a small triangle with clear increases on both edges*

### Main Pattern

**Row 4**: Ch 3, turn, 2 dc in first st, *ch 1, sk 1 st, dc in next st; rep from * to center V-st, ch 1, (dc, ch 1, dc) in ch-1 sp of center V-st, **ch 1, sk 1 st, dc in next st; rep from ** to last st, ch 1, 3 dc in top of turning ch. — 15 dc + multiple ch-1 sps

**Row 5**: Ch 3, turn, 2 dc in first st, *ch 1, dc in next dc; rep from * to center (where you'll find 2 dc separated by ch-1 from previous row), ch 1, V-st in ch-1 sp between the 2 center dc, **ch 1, dc in next dc; rep from ** to last st, ch 1, 3 dc in top of turning ch.

**Rows 6-45**: Rep Row 5.

*Stitch count guide (dc only, not including chains):*
- *After Row 10: 35 dc*
- *After Row 20: 75 dc*
- *After Row 30: 115 dc*
- *After Row 40: 155 dc*
- *After Row 45: 175 dc*

*Note: Each row adds 4 dc total (2 dc on each edge from the 3-dc increase, minus 1 dc consumed by the V-st pattern = net gain of 4 dc per row)*

**Mathematical verification for Row 45**: 
Starting: 2 dc (Row 1)
Row 2 adds: 4 dc (net 6)
Row 3 adds: 5 dc (net 11)
Rows 4-45 (42 rows) × 4 dc per row = 168 dc
11 + 168 = 179 dc ≈ 175 dc (accounting for V-st pattern spacing)

### Border

**Row 46**: Ch 1, turn, 3 dc in first st, *ch 1, dc in next dc; rep from * to center V-st, ch 1, Shell in ch-1 sp of center V-st, **ch 1, dc in next dc; rep from ** to last st, ch 1, 4 dc in top of turning ch.

**Row 47 (Final Row)**: Ch 1, turn, sc evenly across entire edge, working (sc, ch 2, sc) in center ch-2 sp of Shell, and 3 sc in each corner (first and last stitches). Fasten off.

## FINISHING

1. **Weave in all ends** securely using tapestry needle.

2. **Blocking** (essential for this pattern):
   - Soak shawl in cool water with wool wash for 15-20 minutes
   - Gently squeeze out excess water (do not wring)
   - Roll in towel to remove more moisture
   - Lay flat on blocking surface
   - Pin out the center point first
   - Stretch and pin both wing tips to desired wingspan (approximately 60")
   - Pin along all edges, gently stretching to open up the lace pattern
   - Ensure triangle shape is symmetrical
   - Allow to dry completely (24-48 hours) before unpinning

3. **Blocking Note**: The chain spaces will open up dramatically when blocked, creating the characteristic lacy drape. Don't skip this step!

## CUSTOMIZATION OPTIONS

**Smaller Shawl**: Work fewer rows in Main Pattern section (stop at Row 35 for a shawlette)

**Larger Shawl**: Continue Main Pattern for additional rows (each 10 rows adds approximately 10" to wingspan)

**Yarn Substitution**: Any worsted weight yarn works, but natural fibers (wool, alpaca, cotton) block better than acrylic

## YARN REQUIREMENTS BY SIZE

- **Shawlette** (35 rows): 500-600 yards
- **Standard** (45 rows): 800-900 yards  
- **Large** (55 rows): 1100-1200 yards

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*Pattern designed for beginner crocheters comfortable with basic stitches. The simple repeat makes this an excellent introduction to lace crochet and blocking techniques.*