purlJam

<pattern>

# RAINBOW CASCADE SHAWL

A beginner-friendly triangular lace shawl featuring six beautiful color stripes. Worked from the center top down with simple chain spaces and double crochet stitches, this shawl creates an elegant drape perfect for any season.

## FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
- **Wingspan**: approximately 60 inches (152 cm)
- **Depth**: approximately 30 inches (76 cm)

## MATERIALS

### Yarn
Worsted weight yarn (#4 Medium), approximately 100 grams (210 yards/192 meters) each in 6 colors:
- **Color A**: 100g
- **Color B**: 100g  
- **Color C**: 100g
- **Color D**: 100g
- **Color E**: 100g
- **Color F**: 100g

**Total yardage**: approximately 1,260 yards (1,152 meters)

*Sample shown uses a superwash merino worsted weight yarn*

### Hook & Notions
- **Hook**: US H/8 (5.0 mm) or size needed to obtain gauge
- Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
- Rustproof blocking pins
- Stitch markers (optional but helpful)

## GAUGE
14 dc and 8 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in double crochet pattern, blocked

**Gauge is flexible for this project**, but will affect finished size and yardage requirements.

### Gauge Swatch
Ch 20.
Row 1: Dc in 4th ch from hook and in each ch across. (18 dc)
Rows 2-10: Ch 3 (counts as dc), turn, dc in each st across.
Block swatch and measure.

## ABBREVIATIONS
- **ch**: chain
- **dc**: double crochet
- **sc**: single crochet
- **sl st**: slip stitch
- **sp**: space
- **st(s)**: stitch(es)
- **RS**: right side
- **WS**: wrong side
- **[  ]**: repeat instructions within brackets as directed

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

## PATTERN NOTES
- Shawl is worked flat from the center top down in rows.
- Each row increases by 6 stitches (3 stitches on each side).
- The center dc maintains the spine of the triangle.
- First ch-3 at beginning of row counts as 1 dc throughout.
- Change colors at the end of Row 12, 24, 36, 48, and 60 for equal color distribution.
- All RS rows are odd-numbered rows.

### Color Sequence
- Rows 1-12: Color A
- Rows 13-24: Color B
- Rows 25-36: Color C
- Rows 37-48: Color D
- Rows 49-60: Color E
- Rows 61-72: Color F

### Color Change Method
At the end of the last row before color change, work final dc until 2 loops remain on hook, yarn over with new color and pull through both loops. Fasten off old color. Turn and continue with new color.

## PATTERN INSTRUCTIONS

### Foundation
With Color A, **ch 7**.

### Row 1 (RS)
Dc in 4th ch from hook (skipped chs count as first dc), dc in next 2 ch, 3 dc in last ch (center point made). 
Working across opposite side of foundation ch: dc in next 2 ch, 2 dc in same ch as first dc. Turn. 
**[13 sts: 6 dc on each side plus 1 center dc]**

### Row 2 (WS)
Ch 3 (counts as dc here and throughout), dc in first st (increase made), dc in next 5 sts, 3 dc in next st (center st), dc in next 5 sts, 2 dc in top of turning ch (increase made). Turn.
**[19 sts: 9 dc on each side plus 1 center dc]**
*Check: You should have increased by 6 stitches.*

### Row 3 (RS)
Ch 3, dc in first st, dc in next st, *ch 2, skip 2 sts, dc in next st; rep from * to 2 sts before center st, dc in next st, 3 dc in center st, dc in next st, **ch 2, skip 2 sts, dc in next st; rep from ** to last 2 sts, dc in next st, 2 dc in top of turning ch. Turn.
**[25 sts: 12 dc on each side plus 1 center dc, plus ch-2 spaces]**

### Row 4 (WS)
Ch 3, dc in first st, dc in next st, *2 dc in next ch-2 sp, dc in next st; rep from * to 2 sts before center st, dc in next st, 3 dc in center st, dc in next st, **2 dc in next ch-2 sp, dc in next st; rep from ** to last 2 sts, dc in next st, 2 dc in top of turning ch. Turn.
**[31 sts: 15 dc on each side plus 1 center dc]**
*Check: You should have 31 total dc stitches.*

### Row 5 (RS)
Ch 3, dc in first st, dc in next 2 sts, *ch 2, skip 2 sts, dc in next st; rep from * to 2 sts before center st, dc in next 2 sts, 3 dc in center st, dc in next 2 sts, **ch 2, skip 2 sts, dc in next st; rep from ** to last 3 sts, dc in next 2 sts, 2 dc in top of turning ch. Turn.
**[37 sts plus ch-2 spaces]**

### Row 6 (WS)
Ch 3, dc in first st, dc in next 2 sts, *2 dc in next ch-2 sp, dc in next st; rep from * to 2 sts before center st, dc in next 2 sts, 3 dc in center st, dc in next 2 sts, **2 dc in next ch-2 sp, dc in next st; rep from ** to last 3 sts, dc in next 2 sts, 2 dc in top of turning ch. Turn.
**[43 sts: 21 dc on each side plus 1 center dc]**

### Rows 7-12
Continue in pattern as established:
- **Odd rows (RS)**: Ch 3, dc in first st, 2 dc increase at beginning, work [ch 2, skip 2 sts, dc in next st] pattern across to 2 sts before center, dc in those 2 sts, 3 dc in center st, dc in next 2 sts, work [ch 2, skip 2 sts, dc in next st] pattern to last 3 sts, dc in next 2 sts, 2 dc in top of turning ch. Turn.
- **Even rows (WS)**: Ch 3, dc in first st, 2 dc increase at beginning, dc in each st and work 2 dc in each ch-2 sp across to center st, 3 dc in center st, continue pattern to end, 2 dc in top of turning ch. Turn.

**At end of Row 12**: Change to Color B. 
**[Stitch count at end of Row 12: 79 sts]**
*Math check: 13 + (11 rows × 6 sts) = 79 sts ✓*

### Rows 13-24
Continue in established lace pattern with Color B, maintaining the following structure:
- Increase 2 dc at beginning of row (dc in first st creates 1 increase with ch-3)
- Work lace pattern to center
- 3 dc in center st (center increase of 2 sts)
- Work lace pattern to end
- Increase 2 dc at end (2 dc in turning ch)
- Total increase per row: 6 stitches

**At end of Row 24**: Change to Color C.
**[Stitch count at end of Row 24: 151 sts]**
*Math check: 79 + (12 rows × 6 sts) = 151 sts ✓*

### Rows 25-36
Continue in established pattern with Color C.

**At end of Row 36**: Change to Color D.
**[Stitch count at end of Row 36: 223 sts]**
*Math check: 151 + (12 rows × 6 sts) = 223 sts ✓*

### Rows 37-48
Continue in established pattern with Color D.

**At end of Row 48**: Change to Color E.
**[Stitch count at end of Row 48: 295 sts]**
*Math check: 223 + (12 rows × 6 sts) = 295 sts ✓*

### Rows 49-60
Continue in established pattern with Color E.

**At end of Row 60**: Change to Color F.
**[Stitch count at end of Row 60: 367 sts]**
*Math check: 295 + (12 rows × 6 sts) = 367 sts ✓*

### Rows 61-72
Continue in established pattern with Color F.

**[Final stitch count at end of Row 72: 439 sts]**
*Math check: 367 + (12 rows × 6 sts) = 439 sts ✓*

### Edging (Optional)
For a more finished edge, work one round of single crochet around entire shawl:

**Round 1**: With Color F, ch 1, work sc evenly across top edge, 3 sc in corner st at point, work sc evenly up side edge working approximately 2 sc for every 3 row ends, 3 sc in top corner, sc evenly across second side edge, 3 sc in remaining corner. Join with sl st to first sc. Fasten off.

## FINISHING

### Weaving in Ends
Weave in all ends using tapestry needle. For color changes, weave ends along edge of shawl for approximately 3 inches (7.5 cm) and trim.

### Blocking Instructions
**Blocking is essential** for this shawl to achieve the proper drape and to open up the lace pattern.

1. **Wet Blocking Method**: 
   - Fill a basin with cool water and a small amount of wool wash (if using wool or wool blend).
   - Submerge shawl completely and let soak for 15-20 minutes.
   - Gently squeeze out excess water (do not wring).
   - Roll shawl in a clean towel and press to remove more moisture.

2. **Pinning**:
   - Lay shawl flat on blocking mats or clean carpet covered with towels.
   - Pin the center top point first.
   - Gently stretch the two top corners outward and pin.
   - Pin the bottom point, stretching gently downward.
   - Pin along all edges, spacing pins approximately 1-2 inches apart, gently stretching the lace to open up the chain spaces.
   - Pay special attention to the top edge, keeping it straight.

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

### Steam Blocking Alternative
If using acrylic or acrylic blend yarn, steam blocking may be preferred:
- Pin shawl to dimensions as described above while dry.
- Hold a steam iron 1-2 inches above the surface (do not touch yarn with iron).
- Allow steam to penetrate the fibers.
- Let cool and dry completely before unpinning.

## CARE INSTRUCTIONS
Hand wash in cool water with gentle wool wash. Lay flat to dry. Re-block if desired to refresh shape.

## DESIGN NOTES
This pattern creates a generous triangular shawl that drapes beautifully. The simple lace pattern is created by alternating rows of chain spaces with filled double crochet rows, making it perfect for beginners learning lace techniques. The six-color progression creates visual interest while the simple construction keeps the project approachable.

### Customization Options
- **Size**: Add or subtract rows in multiples of 2 (one lace row + one filled row) to adjust size. Each additional 2 rows adds approximately 1 inch to depth and 2 inches to wingspan.
- **Colors**: Fewer colors can be used by working more rows per color, or create an ombre effect by using different shades of the same color.
- **Yarn substitution**: Any worsted weight yarn will work. Adjust hook size if needed to achieve a fabric you like.

## ABBREVIATIONS REFERENCE CHART

| Abbreviation | Term |
|--------------|------|
| ch | chain |
| dc | double crochet |
| sc | single crochet |
| sl st | slip stitch |
| sp | space |
| st(s) | stitch(es) |
| RS | right side |
| WS | wrong side |

---

*Pattern designed for