Girls Iris Shawl

Girls Iris Shawl by Angela Plunkett

What is Being Made

The Girls Iris Shawl is a crocheted shawl designed for children in four size options: 3/5 years (10" × 36.25"), 6/8 years (11.5" × 38.5"), 10/12 years (13" × 40"), and 14/16 years (16" × 43"). This downloadable crochet pattern features a decorative flower accent and is suitable for beginner-level crocheters, making it an excellent introduction to shawl construction and decorative stitch work.

Techniques Used

The pattern employs fundamental crochet techniques appropriate for beginners while creating visual interest through the signature Iris Stitch, a repeating motif that forms the shawl's primary design element. The construction method allows for customizable sizing by adjusting the beginning chain length in multiples of four to increase or decrease width, and by repeating rows to modify length. The shawl is finished with an edging detail and features a decorative flower embellishment secured with a 1" button.

Stitches Used

• Chain (ch) – foundation stitch for beginning rows and spacing
• Single crochet (sc) – basic stitch for structure and edging
• Half double crochet (hdc) – medium-height stitch for body work
• Double crochet (dc) – taller stitch used in the Iris Stitch pattern
• Slip stitch (sl st) – joining and finishing technique
• Iris Stitch – signature pattern consisting of (2dc ch1, 2dc), with each repeat adding 1.5" in width and 0.75" in height

Materials

This pattern calls for worsted weight yarn (weight 4), classified as medium thickness ideal for children's garments. The designer used I Love This Yarn by Hobby Lobby for the sample. Additional materials include a size J crochet hook, one 1" button for the flower attachment, and a yarn needle for weaving in ends and assembly. The worsted weight yarn provides excellent stitch definition for the Iris Stitch pattern while remaining accessible for beginner crafters.