Hello everyone! I hope you're all keeping very well and managing all the changes which the pandemic has brought.
I confess I feel very productive now that I'm working from home. I divide my days between crocheting, writing patterns and making crochet video tutorials. After the initial resistance to speaking on camera, I find myself more interested in making helpful demonstrations than I am about being nervous. I think it all comes down to being of service - which I love.
Of course, being home for so long only made me want to shop... for more yarn. In the ensuing stockpiling, I realised I probably should do something about all the little balls at least. So even though I already had three shawls on the go, I decided to make this Big Multicolour Shawl.
It's an easy Stashbuster pattern. A two-row pattern repeat using only the UKdc and UKtr stitches. You change colour every two rows, starting with a very short row at the point and getting wider to the middle, before decreasing down again. This means you can use up the very small balls for the shortest rows at the ends, and use the bigger balls in the middle. Then, the tassels will use up whatever's leftover.
And I'm delighted to be able to share it with you here absolutely FREE! You can watch this video tutorial for how to get started and a separate video tutorial for how to add the tassels, meaning you don't have to sew in a single end.
Here's a 3min video introduction to the Big Multicolour Shawl - easy crochet pattern:
Watch this short video tutorial on how to get started on the first few rows!
MATERIALS:
- Approx 350g double knitting yarn in assorted colours
- 4.5mm hook
NOTES TO THIS PATTERN:
1. Pattern is written in UK terms
2. Change colour every two rows (the tails should always be on the slanted side
3. When changing colour, begin with a 12cm tail as this will form part of the tassel
4. All trebles should align vertically
5. Click this link for a video tutorial on how to make the tassels
BEGIN – please read all Notes to this pattern before you begin
Row 1 (using any colour): Ch4 (this counts as first treble), work 2trebles into 4th chain from the hook, turn [3trebles made]
Row 2: Ch1, 1dc in each treble across, working the last stitch into the TOP of the turning chain, fasten off, turn [3dc made]
Row 3: Join next colour to first dc (see Notes 2 and 3), ch4 (this counts as a treble and a chain), 1tr into very first dc, ch1, skip next dc, 1tr in last dc, turn [3 trebles and 2 spaces made]
Row 4: Ch1, 1dc into very first treble, *1dc in next space, 1dc into top of next treble, 2dc into last space (ignore the turning chain), fasten off, turn [5dc made]
Row 5 (Treble Row - INCREASING): Join next colour to first dc, ch4, 1tr into very first dc, *ch1, skip next dc, 1tr in next dc (see Note 4); repeat from * across, turn [4tr and 3 spaces made]
Row 6 (dc Row): Ch1, 1dc into very first treble, 1dc in next space, *1dc into top of next treble, 1dc in next space; repeat from * across, ending with 2dc into last space (ignore the turning chain), fasten off, turn [7dc made] Fasten off.
Repeat Rows 5 & 6 for a total of 90 Rows or until shawl measures approx 93cm ending on a dc Row, turn.
Next Row (begins the STRAIGHT middle section):
Ch4 (counts as first tr and ch1), skip the very first 2dc, 1tr in next dc (see Note 4), *ch1, skip next dc, 1tr in next dc; repeat from * across, turn
Next Row: As Row 5
Repeat these last two rows for a further 46 rows or until straight section measures approx 50cm
Next Row (begins the DECREASE section):
Ch4, 1tr into very first dc, *ch1, skip next dc, 1tr in next dc (see Note 4); repeat from * across, turn
Next Row: Ch1, 1dc into very first treble, 1dc in next space, *1dc into top of next treble, 1dc in next space; repeat from * to last “box”, ending with 1dc into penultimate treble, turn (DO NOT work into the last space – this will be your decrease)
Repeat these last two rows until shawl is tapered again to one box.
Fasten off.
TASSELS (watch Video Tutorial)
1) Make one tassel per each pair of rows, preferably in the same colour if possible, otherwise choose a yarn in a similar colour)
2) Attach tassels only to the angled side of the shawl (where the tails are)
3) Per each tassel: Cut 5 x 20cm lengths of yarn using a piece of 20cm card (or book for example)
4) Hold all 5 strands together in the middle, folding them in two to form a tassel loop. Insert your crochet hook underneath a treble row end where the tails are, pull the tassel loop through part way, then hook all the tassel strands through the loop and pull down tightly to secure.
5) Repeat across every treble row end
6) Make sure all tassels are secure then trim to tidy
IMPORTANT: Wear with pride and joy and know that Nancy loves you!
I think you'll love watching your stash transform from a bag of scraps into this gorgeous big shawl.
If you'd like a printable copy of the Big Multicolour Shawl, you can purchase one for instant download in my Etsy Shop. It'll cost you a few bob, but it will also buy me a packet of biscuits which you know I love to have with a cup of tea. (No pressure of course, but Mr Nancy is eating me out of house and home, as you can imagine).
Or have a browse around dozens more easy-to-read crochet patterns my Etsy Shop.
If you've still a few bits 'n bobs left over, you might also like this easy hat pattern for a colourful beanie - Click here.
Happy crocheting my lovely crafty friends. I miss you!
Nina x
