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# PUFF & LACE TRIANGLE SHAWL

A stunning triangular shawl worked from the top down, featuring alternating rows of textured puff stitches and airy double crochet with chain spaces. The combination creates a beautiful fabric with both texture and drape, perfect for layering.

**Difficulty Level**: Intermediate

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## FINISHED MEASUREMENTS

- **Wingspan**: 60" (152 cm)
- **Depth at center**: 30" (76 cm)

*Measurements after blocking*

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## MATERIALS

**Yarn**: Worsted weight (#4 Medium) yarn
- Approximately 1,300 yards (1,190 m)
- Sample shown uses a smooth worsted weight yarn in a solid color

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

**Notions**:
- Stitch markers (at least 1)
- Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
- Blocking pins or wires
- Measuring tape

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## GAUGE

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

**Gauge is important** for this project to achieve the correct finished size. Take time to check your gauge and adjust hook size if necessary.

### Gauge Swatch
Ch 20.
Row 1: Dc in 4th ch from hook and in each ch across—18 dc (counting turning ch as st).
Rows 2-12: Ch 3 (counts as dc), turn, dc in each st across.
Block swatch, then measure.

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## ABBREVIATIONS

- **ch** = chain
- **dc** = double crochet
- **sp** = space
- **st(s)** = stitch(es)
- **yo** = yarn over
- **rep** = repeat
- **RS** = right side
- **WS** = wrong side

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## SPECIAL STITCHES

### Puff Stitch (puff st)
[Yo, insert hook in indicated st, yo and pull up a loop] 3 times in same st (7 loops on hook), yo and pull through all 7 loops, ch 1 to close. The puff st and its closing ch count as 1 st.

*Note: Keep tension loose when pulling up loops to create full, even puff stitches.*

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## PATTERN NOTES

- Shawl is worked from the top center down in rows, with increases worked at the center spine to create the triangular shape.
- The pattern alternates between puff stitch rows (textured) and double crochet rows (open and lacy).
- Ch 3 at beginning of dc rows counts as first dc throughout.
- Ch 4 at beginning of puff stitch rows counts as first dc throughout.
- Place a stitch marker in the center ch-2 space to track increases easily; move marker up as you work.
- Stitch counts are provided for key rows to help you verify your work.
- The ch-1 that closes each puff stitch does NOT count as a separate stitch; each puff st counts as one st total.

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## INSTRUCTIONS

### Setup
Ch 4.

**Row 1** (RS): (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in 4th ch from hook—4 dc plus ch-2 center sp; turning ch counts as first dc. 
[Stitch count: 4 dc total]

**Row 2** (WS): Ch 4 (counts as first dc), turn, puff st in first dc, dc in next dc, (dc, ch 2, dc) in ch-2 sp (mark this center sp), dc in next dc, puff st in next dc, dc in top of turning ch.
[Stitch count: 6 dc + 2 puff sts = 8 sts total]

**Row 3** (RS): Ch 3 (counts as first dc), turn, ch 1, sk first st, dc in next puff st, ch 1, sk next dc, dc in next dc, (dc, ch 2, dc) in marked ch-2 sp, dc in next dc, ch 1, sk next dc, dc in next puff st, ch 1, sk next st, dc in top of turning ch.
[Stitch count: 8 dc + 4 ch-1 sps = 8 dc and 4 ch-1 sps]

**Row 4** (WS): Ch 4 (counts as first dc), turn, puff st in first dc, *[dc in next ch-1 sp, puff st in next dc] rep across to 1 st before center ch-2 sp*, dc in dc before center sp, (dc, ch 2, dc) in center ch-2 sp, dc in next dc, rep from * to * across remaining sts, ending dc in top of turning ch.
[Stitch count: 8 dc + 4 puff sts = 12 sts total]

**Row 5** (RS): Ch 3 (counts as first dc), turn, ch 1, sk first st, *[dc in next puff st, ch 1, sk next dc] rep to 1 st before center ch-2 sp*, dc in dc before center sp, (dc, ch 2, dc) in center ch-2 sp, dc in next dc, rep from * to * across remaining sts, ending with dc in next puff st, ch 1, sk next st, dc in top of turning ch.
[Stitch count: 12 dc + 6 ch-1 sps]

**Row 6** (WS): Ch 4 (counts as first dc), turn, puff st in first dc, *[dc in next ch-1 sp, puff st in next dc] rep across to 1 st before center ch-2 sp*, dc in dc before center sp, (dc, ch 2, dc) in center ch-2 sp, dc in next dc, rep from * to * across remaining sts, ending dc in top of turning ch.
[Stitch count: 10 dc + 6 puff sts = 16 sts total]

### Body of Shawl

**Continue Pattern**:
Rep Rows 5-6 until shawl measures approximately 29.5" (75 cm) from top point to bottom edge (measured straight down through center), or 0.5" (1.3 cm) less than desired finished depth, ending after a Row 6 (puff stitch row).

*You will work approximately 118 more rows (59 repeats of Rows 5-6) for a total of 120 rows.*

**Stitch count check** (after Row 60, halfway point): approximately 128 sts total
**Stitch count check** (after Row 120, before edging): approximately 248 sts total

### Edging

**Final Row** (RS): Ch 3 (counts as first dc), turn, dc in each st and ch-1 sp across to center ch-2 sp, (dc, ch 2, dc) in center ch-2 sp, dc in each st and ch-1 sp across, ending dc in top of turning ch.

Fasten off, leaving an 8" tail for weaving in.

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## FINISHING

### Weaving in Ends
Use tapestry needle to weave in all ends securely on the WS of the fabric. For the starting tail, weave through the small starting chain area carefully.

### Blocking

Blocking is **essential** for this shawl to open up the lace pattern, even out the puff stitches, and achieve proper drape.

1. **Wet Blocking Method**: 
   - Submerge the shawl in cool water with a small amount of wool wash or gentle detergent suitable for your fiber.
   - Let soak for 15-20 minutes.
   - Gently squeeze out excess water (do not wring).
   - Roll in a clean towel to remove more moisture.

2. **Pinning**:
   - Lay the shawl on blocking mats or a clean surface that can accommodate the full size.
   - Pin the center top point first.
   - Gently stretch the shawl to finished measurements, pinning the two bottom points of the wingspan.
   - Pin along the top edges, creating a smooth line between top center and each bottom point.
   - Pin the bottom edge, gently stretching to open up the stitches and create a slight curve.
   - Use blocking wires for the long edges if available for more even tension.

3. **Drying**:
   - Allow to dry completely (24-48 hours depending on humidity).
   - Do not remove pins until completely dry.

### Care Instructions
Follow the care instructions for your chosen yarn. Most worsted weight yarns can be hand washed in cool water and laid flat to dry. Block again after washing to maintain shape and drape.

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## DESIGN NOTES

The alternating puff stitch and double crochet rows create wonderful visual and textural interest in this shawl. The puff stitches add warmth and dimension, while the chain-1 spaces in the double crochet rows keep the fabric from being too dense and add a lacy, open quality. 

The increase method—(dc, ch 2, dc) in the center space—creates a subtle central spine that helps the shawl drape beautifully when worn. The triangular shape is versatile and can be worn as a traditional triangle with the point down the back, or wrapped and styled in various ways.

**Color suggestions**: This pattern looks stunning in solids, semi-solids, or gradients. The puff stitches create beautiful texture that shows well in solid or tonal yarns. Variegated yarns can work but may obscure the stitch definition.

**Size modifications**: To make a larger shawl, simply continue repeating Rows 5-6 until you reach your desired size. Each 2-row repeat adds approximately 0.5" (1.3 cm) to the depth. To make smaller, work fewer repeats.

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## STITCH COUNT VERIFICATION

To verify your work is on track, check that:
- After Row 1: 4 dc
- After Row 2: 8 sts total
- After Row 4: 12 sts total
- After Row 6: 16 sts total
- **Pattern established**: Every 2 rows adds 4 sts total (2 per side)
- After Row 20: 48 sts total
- After Row 60: 128 sts total
- After Row 100: 208 sts total
- After Row 120: 248 sts total

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**Pattern designed 2024**
*This pattern is for personal use. Please do not distribute or sell this pattern.*