Hinterland

Hinterland Crochet Shawl by Rosina Northcott

What Is Being Made

Hinterland is a cosy, snug triangular shawl designed for crisp autumn days and long winter nights. This downloadable crochet pattern creates a finished shawl measuring 220 x 88 cm (86.5 x 34.5 inches), making it a generous wrap suitable for layering over shoulders or draping across the back during cooler seasons.

Construction Method

The shawl is constructed in one piece, worked from the top down in rows to form a triangle shape. This top-down construction allows for easy customization of length and provides a logical progression as the garment grows. The pattern includes both written instructions and a chart, making it accessible for different learning preferences.

Crochet Stitches Used

• Treble stitch (tr) – the primary stitch used throughout the main body, creating the classic crochet fabric
• Double crochet (dc) – used in the border and shaping elements
• Chain stitch (ch) – used for foundation and shaping increases
• Chain spaces (ch-sp) – used to create openwork elements and structure
• Slip stitch (sl st) – used for joining and finishing details

Techniques and Features

The pattern employs simple, beginner-friendly crochet techniques throughout. The border is worked using a larger crochet hook size than the main body, a deliberate technique choice that creates better drape and a more refined finished edge. The pattern notes that the chain-3 at the beginning of rows counts as one treble stitch, a standard convention in crochet construction that maintains stitch count consistency.

Yarn and Materials

Hinterland is designed to be worked in Aran weight yarn, a medium-weight yarn that creates a fabric with good structure and warmth. The pattern specifies King Cole Fashion Aran, a blend of 70% acrylic and 30% wool, with each 100g ball providing 200 metres of yarn. The colourway combination uses three balls of Kintyre (318) as Yarn A and two balls of Shetland (437) as Yarn B, creating a two-tone design.

Crochet Hooks

Two hook sizes are required for this project. A 5.0 mm hook (UK size 6, US size H/8) is used for the main body of the shawl, while a slightly larger 5.5 mm hook (US size I) is used for the border to achieve the desired drape and finish.

Tension and Gauge

The pattern specifies a pre-blocking tension of 10 cm equalling 16 stitches and 8 rows when working in treble stitch. Achieving correct tension is important for obtaining the finished dimensions and ensuring the shawl drapes properly.

Skill Level

Hinterland is rated as a beginner difficulty pattern, making it an excellent project for those new to crochet or looking to build confidence with fundamental techniques. The use of simple stitches and straightforward construction methods ensures accessibility while still creating a beautiful, wearable finished garment.