The Heather Shawl

The Heather Shawl is a crochet rectangle shawl pattern perfect for autumn. Simple to crochet yet elegant in design, this wrap uses basic stitches to create a beautiful, open texture. Pattern repeats draw the eye into the beautiful shells and long, detailed lines. A perfect accent piece for any outfit and a gorgeous way to stay warm on cool autumn nights.

This image shows the crochet rectangle shawl pattern sample laying draped on a wooden fence with trees and bushes in the background.

Love this crochet rectangle shawl pattern? Pin it to Pinterest!

I love simple crocheted items that can be dressed up or worn casually. Crochet rectangle shawls are beautiful accessories that do just that. With the ability to be styled just about any way you want, the Heather Shawl will be a wonderful addition to any wardrobe.

Worked in long rows, this crochet rectangle shawl pattern has a direct and simple construction. The long lines of shells and spaces create an elongating, visual interest that is both playful and classic. Using Fingering weight yarn, the shawl has a beautiful drape – though you could easily use a heavier weight of yarn if you’d like a bulkier and quicker make.

The Heather Shawl will look stylish with jeans and a simple tee or classic with a dress. The crochet shawl sample you see shown in pictures was finished with tassels for a classic, streamlined look but fringe would make it a little more boho and breezy.

DISCLAIMER: This post includes affiliate links. This means, should you decide to purchase a product via one of these links, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I use and love (Or products I know others love, have heavily researched, know have good ratings and plan to purchase myself). These small commissions help to support this blog and continue keeping most of my patterns free. You can read more on my Privacy Policy, if you prefer.

Inspiration for Crochet Rectangle Shawl Pattern

This image shows the crochet rectangle shawl in yellow, draped over a chair as if you had just set it down on your way into your home.

When RaeLynn and Sarah (Of Itchin’ for Some Stitchin’ and Ned and Mimi, respectively) reached out to see if I’d like to participate in their Fall into Autumn Blog Hop, I immediately knew I wanted to design a light weight shawl that would be perfect for autumn nights and cooler, fall days.

I had a total nostalgia trip when I received my yarn in the mail. The beautiful, shimmering tones of purple reminded me immediately of blackberries. When I was a kiddo, my sibling and I would hang out in a creek that fed the river we lived by and eat blackberries off the vine. In the late summer/early fall, these blackberries were huge, juicy and delicious. The colors of the berry would shimmer in similar tones to the yarn.

The long lines of open shells on this crochet rectangle shawl remind me of the movement of the water and how simple everything was when I was just a kid eating a blackberry off a vine.

All About the Yarn

For this design, I used We Crochet’s Hawthorne Tonal Hand Painted in the colorway Eugene. We Crochet was very kind to provide yarn support for this design and as soon as I saw the Hawthorne hanks, I knew I had to have one. Imagine my excitement when I noticed that all of the colors were named after towns in Oregon I spent quite a bit of time in. How could I not grab some of this yarn, right?

We Crochet’s Hawthorne Tonal Hand Painted is a Fingering weight yarn that is 80% Fine Superwash Highland Wool and 20% Nylon. The wool and nylon are a perfect blend for crocheted accessories like crochet rectangle shawls. This yarn is nice and sturdy while the weight provides a brilliant drape.

I must admit – when I ordered this yarn for this crochet rectangle shawl, I had a completely different design in mind. I had already started swatching and designing a completely different shawl. Once the yarn arrived, though, I completely changed my mind.

The Hawthorne Tonal Hand Painted is absolutely gorgeous because it has so many different color tones. You could say “that yarn is purple!” but that wouldn’t be doing the yarn justice. It has tones of purple, red, pink, black, and a goldish color. Because the yarn is so gorgeous on it’s own, a more complicated stitch pattern did not show off the beauty of it.

That’s why this shawl ended up having a simple yet beautiful design. Honestly, the yarn did most of the work for me!

The Heather Crochet Rectangle Shawl Pattern

This image shows the crochet rectangle shawl pattern sample laying draped on a wooden fence with trees and bushes in the background.

Overview and Details

This crochet rectangle shawl is worked in long rows to create elongating lines. By working long rows, the lines of double crochet spaces and shells accent the length and beauty of the shawl.

This shawl works up beautifully with a simple set of rows to repeat. To let the stitch work shine, this shawl is finished with a simple border and tassels on each corner. You could omit the tassels or add fringe instead, if you prefer.

This crochet rectangle shawl would be absolutely lovely with any yarn color whether solid or variegated. The stitch pattern works beautifully with “hand painted” dyed yarn that shifts color often and without pattern (as used in the product pictures). It would also look beautiful with an ombre yarn. 

Because the stitch pattern is “simple”, this shawl pattern will yield beautiful results regardless of what yarn color (whether solid, variegated, hand painted or ombre) you decide to use.

While this crochet shawl pattern was created and designed for fingering (1) weight yarn, you can certainly use a heavier weight if you’d prefer a heavier shawl or a quicker make.

The shawl will require blocking once complete to open up the stitches and maintain shape.

The pattern is tiled, so it can be worked longer/shorter or wider/thinner if you prefer. There are details on how to change the size below as well as detailed instructions in the PDF which you can purchase on Ravelry or Etsy.

If you prefer a premium, ad-free PDF version of this pattern, you can grab one on either my Ravelry or my Etsy shop by clicking the buttons below. The PDF is 10 pages long and includes pictures to help guide you from the foundation row until the pattern begins to repeat. The purchase will also come with a printer friendly version (only 1 picture) to help save on ink!

Skill Level

Easy/Advanced Beginner – This crochet rectangle shawl pattern uses mostly single crochet, double crochet and chains. This makes the crochet pattern accessible to advanced beginners. You will need to know how to create chain spaces and work into them. You will also need some endurance, as working with fingering weight for a beginner can be a little intimidating. You can do it, though! (And don’t forget, you could easily go up to a DK weight if you want).

The use of chain spaces and placing many stitches into them is for the Arcade Stitch, which creates beautiful fans in the work. If you’d like to review a photo tutorial for the Arcade Stitch, I have one right here on my blog! Click the button below to check out the tutorial.

Materials

For this crochet rectangle shawl pattern, you will need a Fingering (1) weight yarn of your choice.

You will need approximately 10.5 ounces/300 grams/1,071 yards.

I used We Crochet Hawthorne Tonal Hand Painted in colorway Eugene and used just under 3 hanks for the entire design.

You can use any fingering (1) yarn you prefer.

Tools

4 mm (G-6) hook (I used my favorite Furls Streamline Swirl)
Tapestry needle
Scissors

Gauge

Matching gauge perfectly isn’t a requirement for this pattern however, you may want to double check gauge to ensure that the shawl will be big enough.

To do so, change the foundation row of the pattern to this foundation row instead: Foundation Double Crochet 19 sts or ch 21, dc 3rd ch from hook and each ch across for 19 sts.

Then, work the pattern through Row 11. Your work should be approximately 4 inches x 4 inches. (You may have to stretch it a little to achieve this, but not a ton!)

NOTE: I am a tight crocheter, which means my tension is typically tighter than others. Because this shawl can be worked to your desired size and still be wearable, there’s no need to worry if your gauge is slightly off. 

Finished Size

Length: Approximately 56 inches.
Width: Approximately 15 inches.
Sizes are listed after blocking.

Abbreviations

  • Ch – Chain 
  • Sc – Single Crochet
  • Dc – Double Crochet
  • St(s) – Stitch(es)
  • Sk – Skip
  • Spc – Space
  • Dc Fan – This is a chain 3 space filled with 7 dc which looks like a fan.
  • Dc Half Fan – This is a chain 1 space filled with 4 dc and looks like ½ of a Dc Fan.
  • […] – Repeats are listed inside brackets 
  • (…) – Stitch counts are listed at end of row in ( ) and bold italics.

Notes

  • This crochet rectangle shawl is worked length wise, starting on a long base of foundation stitches (or chains) and then worked in rows to achieve width. 
  • Pattern is written to a specific width size however, if you want to make your shawl more or less wide, you can include or omit row repeats as instructed in the pattern.
  • If you’d like to change the length of the pattern, you’ll have to do a little math. The pattern requires a stitch multiple of 6 stitches +1 stitch (not including turning chains). So, as long as you have a multiple of 6 stitches plus 1 stitch, you’ll be fine (Don’t forget to add turning chains if you start from a chain foundation)!
    • For example, if you had 73 stitches, the pattern would work properly. 6 x 12 = 72 + 1 stitch = 73.
    • If, for example, you wanted to use 73 stitches to create your shawl, you’d want to make sure you Foundation Double Crochet 73 or chain 75, double crochet in the 3rd chain from the hook and each across.
  • Chain 1 to start a row doesn’t count as a stitch. Always place your first stitch in the same stitch you chained out of.
  • Chain 2 to start a row doesn’t count as a stitch. Always place your first stitch in the same stitch you chained out of.
  • Chain 3 to start a row counts as both a double crochet and a chain 1 space. Do not place the first stitch in the same stitch you chained out of (it counts as filled).
  • This shawl is written to use Fingering (1 – Super Fine) weight yarn which gives the finished piece a beautiful drape. You can use any weight of yarn you prefer. 
    • Keep in mind, the shawl’s dimensions will be larger if you decide to use a heavier weight yarn.
    • Yarn requirements are listed for Fingering weight. If you use a different yarn weight, your usage will be different.

Special Stitch – Foundation Double Crochet

This pattern begins with the option of using Foundation Double Crochet or chains. You can use either that you prefer. I find the Foundation Double Crochet’s to be faster and easier to work into when it comes time to work the border.

I have a photo tutorial and video tutorial on Foundation Double Crochet that you can check out if you’d like to learn how to use this technique! Click the button below to check out the tutorial, if you need it.

How to Make this Crochet Rectangle Shawl

Foundation Row: Foundation Double Crochet 271 sts OR Ch 273, dc in 3rd ch from hook and each across for 271 sts. 

Row 1 – Ch 2, turn. Place 1 dc in each st across (271)

Row 2 – Ch 1, turn. Place 1 sc in 2 sts. [ch 3, sk 3, 1 sc next 3 sts]. Repeat across the row until 5 sts remain. Ch 3, sk 3, 1 sc in next 2 sts. (45 ch 3 spcs, 136 sc)

Row 3 – Ch 1, turn. 1 sc first st, [sk 1 sc, 7 dc in ch 3 spc, sk 1 sc, sc next]. Repeat across the row to the end. Your last sc should be in the last st of the row. (45 Dc Fans, 46 sc)

Row 4 – Ch 3, turn. Sk first st and next 2 sts, 1 sc 3 sts [ch 3, sk 5 sts, 1 sc next 3 sts]. Repeat until 3 sts remain. Ch 1, sk 2, dc last. (44 ch 3 spcs, 135 sc, 2 dc, 2 ch 1 spcs – 271 total sts all together)

Row 5 – Ch 2, turn. 4 dc in first ch 1 spc. Sk 1 sc, sc next [sk 1 sc, 7 dc in ch 3 spc, sk 1 sc, sc next] Repeat across until ch 1 spc remains. Place 4 dc in ch 1 spc. (44 Dc Fans, 2 Dc Half Fans, 45 sc) 

Row 6 – Ch 1, turn. Place 1 sc 2 sts. [Ch 3, sk 5 sts, 1 sc 3 sts]. Repeat across the row until 7 sts remain. Ch 3, sk 5, 1 sc last 2 sts. (45 ch 3 spcs, 136 sc)

Row 7 Ch 2, turn. Place 1 dc in each sc and 3 dc in each ch 3 spc across the row. (271)

Row 8 – Ch 2, turn. Place 1 dc in each st across. (271)

Row 9 – Ch 2, turn. 1 dc first st.  [ch 1, sk 1, 1 dc next]. Repeat across the row to the end. Your last dc should be in the last st. (136 dc, 135 ch 1 spcs)

Row 10 – Ch 2, turn. Place 1 dc in each dc and ch 1 spc across. (271)

Rows 11 through 48 – Repeat Rows 1 through 10 in sequence. So, for example, Row 11 is a repeat of Row 1 and Row 12 is a repeat of Row 2. If worked properly, Row 48 should be a repeat of Row 8.

If you would like your shawl to be wider, continue repeating Rows 1 through 10 to your desired width. Make sure to end on a repeat of Row 8.

Do not cut yarn, move on directly to working the border.

Border

The border is a simple round of single crochet to clean up the edges and make everything look uniform.

To do this, you will: Ch 1 and turn. Place 1 single crochet in each stitch across to the end. Ch 2, turn your work 90 degrees to work along the short edge. Place 2 sc in the side of each dc and 1 sc in the side of each sc.

(Don’t worry if this isn’t perfect, just try to place them as evenly as possible. Check your work after working this side and make sure nothing pulls or ruffles. If it lays flat, you’re good to go!).

At the end, Ch 2, turn 90 degrees again and work 1 sc into each st across the second long edge. At the end, chain 2, turn and work the short edge the same as before. At the end, chain 2 and slip stitch to the first sc made to close.

Cut your yarn, weave in ends. 

Finishing

You will want to block your finished shawl so that the stitches open up and maintain shape. You can use whichever blocking method you prefer. I pinned my shawl into place on blocking boards, misted with water until damp and left it to dry overnight.

Once blocking is completed, you can add tassels to each corner (or fringe, if you prefer!) and you’re all done! Enjoy!


That’s it! You now have a beautiful, timeless crochet rectangle shawl to call your own!

If you loved this crochet pattern, why not Pin it to Pinterest?


I hope you enjoy The Heather Shawl pattern and I can’t wait to see all the projects! If you’d like to have your finished Heather Shawl featured in my newsletter or on my Instagram, you can email me a picture and I’d love to show it off! My email is [email protected]. Please state that you’d like to be featured! 🙂

One of my greatest joys is seeing your finished crochet projects from my patterns or tutorials, so when you post to Instagram, don’t forget to tag me so I can show you some love! I’m @theloopholefoxcrochet. You can also share pictures on my recent posts on Facebook or within my Facebook group!

And don’t forget to pin this to your Pinterest boards, so you can remember it for later!

Don’t forget to join my Facebook Group so we can chat all about your creations! We are a group for crocheters of all experiences, all interests and love to hang out together. Come join the fun!

Thanks so much for hanging out with me today. Enjoy!

Shannon | Designer & Editor

Shannon helps crocheters find their next project and build their skills with in depth tutorials and crochet patterns on her blog, theloopholefox.com.

With more than a decade of crochet experience, Shannon knows that understanding why we do something matters just as much as how we do it. She teaches new techniques and crochet stitches in depth so you can crochet with confidence.

Find More Free Crochet Shawl Patterns:

The Lumina Shawl
In Bloom Asymmetrical Triangle Shawl
The Thursday Shawl
Northern Coast Chevron Shawl
Melody Triangle Shawl
Melody Rectangle Shawl

Crochet Rectangle Shawl Pattern

5 Comments

Comments are closed.