Hydrangea Shawl

Hydrangea Shawl: Asymmetrical Crochet Wrap Pattern

Design Overview

The Hydrangea Shawl is an intermediate-level crochet pattern for a large asymmetrical wrap designed by annelies baes. This downloadable PDF pattern provides detailed instructions for creating a substantial crocheted wrap that showcases beautiful stitch work and shaping techniques suitable for crocheters with some experience.

What You'll Create

This pattern produces a large asymmetrical wrap—a versatile garment that drapes elegantly and can be worn in multiple ways. The asymmetrical design adds visual interest and modern styling to a classic wrap silhouette, making it suitable for various occasions and seasons.

Yarn Requirements and Materials

The Hydrangea Shawl uses Wol Met Verve Basic Sock yarn, a durable blend of 75% superwash wool and 25% nylon. The total yardage required is 1300 meters (1422 yards). The pattern calls for four yarn colors:

• Yarn A: Color 466, 60 grams
• Yarn B: Color 462, 73 grams
• Yarn C: Color 500, 83 grams
• Yarn D: Color 481, 92 grams

The yarn comes in 100-gram skeins with 420 meters (459 yards) per skein. Beyond yarn, you'll need scissors, a ruler, a tapestry needle for weaving in ends, pins, a blocking mat, and stitch markers to complete your project.

Crochet Hooks and Gauge

This pattern uses three different crochet hook sizes: 3.5 mm, 3.75 mm, and 4 mm, allowing you to adjust your hook size as needed to achieve the correct gauge. The working gauge is 19 stitches and 14 rows in the pattern stitch, measured over a 10 x 10 centimeter (4 x 4 inch) square. Achieving proper gauge is essential for the wrap to reach its intended finished size and drape.

Crochet Stitches and Techniques

The Hydrangea Shawl employs a variety of intermediate crochet stitches and techniques to create its textured appearance. The pattern uses chain stitches for foundation and shaping, double crochet as a primary structural stitch, half treble crochet for varied texture, and double treble crochet for taller stitch elements. Advanced shaping techniques include working stitches in back loops only (dcbl), which creates distinctive ridged textures. The pattern also incorporates decreasing methods such as dcbl2tog (working 2 double crochet stitches together in back loops) and dcbl3tog (working 3 double crochet stitches together in back loops), allowing for precise shaping of the asymmetrical silhouette.

Pattern Structure and Charts

The pattern includes multiple crochet charts that provide visual guidance for stitch placement and pattern repeats. These charts work in conjunction with written instructions and use standard abbreviations including chain-space (ch-sp) for openwork sections. The pattern is organized into sections, with Section 1 serving as the gauge reference point. Stitch markers play an important role in tracking your progress through pattern repeats and shaping sequences.

Skill Level

Rated as intermediate difficulty, this pattern is suitable for crocheters who have mastered basic stitches and are comfortable following charts and managing multiple color changes. The combination of stitch variations, decreasing techniques, and asymmetrical shaping makes this an engaging project for developing crochet skills.