Sue's Shawlette

Sue's Shawlette by Julie Blagojevich

Project Overview

Sue's Shawlette is an intermediate-level crochet shawl design created by Julie Blagojevich. This downloadable PDF pattern produces a beautiful triangular shawlette that works up to impressive dimensions, making it an ideal project for crocheters looking to expand their skills beyond basic garments.

What Is Being Made

This pattern creates a shawlette—a smaller, more wearable version of a full shawl. The finished piece measures 60 inches from point to point and 16 inches wide at the deepest point before blocking. After blocking, the shawlette expands to 69 inches from point to point and 20 inches deep (or 22 inches deep when measured from the top "humps"). The triangular shape and generous dimensions make this shawlette suitable for layering over shoulders or wearing as a decorative wrap.

Crochet Techniques and Stitches

Sue's Shawlette employs fundamental crochet stitches and techniques appropriate for an intermediate crocheter:

• Single Crochet (sc)—the foundation stitch used throughout the pattern
• Half Double Crochet (hdc)—used to create varied texture and stitch height
• Chain Stitches (ch)—used for foundation and shaping
• Slip Stitches (sl st)—used to join rounds or sections
• Color Changes—the pattern incorporates a specific technique for changing colors mid-row, requiring crocheters to work the final yarn over and pull through of the last stitch in the new color to create seamless transitions

The pattern uses these basic stitches in combination to build the shawlette's structure, with color changes creating visual interest and design definition.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

Sue's Shawlette is designed to be worked in lace-weight yarn, specifically Zitron Filisilk Lace de Luxe, a premium blend of 70% Merino Wool and 30% Silk Superwash. This yarn composition provides both warmth and drape, essential qualities for a shawlette.

The pattern calls for three coordinating colors:

• Color A (#3016)—approximately 450 yards
• Color B (#3006)—approximately 450 yards
• Color C (#3008)—approximately 525 yards

Total yardage needed is approximately 1,425 yards. The yarn specified yields 600 meters (656 yards) per 100-gram skein, allowing crocheters to calculate how many skeins of each color are required.

Tools and Equipment

The pattern specifies a Size G crochet hook (4.25 mm), with a note that most standard hooks measure 4.00 mm at this size. The designer used a Brittany brand hook for this project. A darning needle is the only additional notions required, used for weaving in yarn ends after completion.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern establishes a gauge of 5 single crochets by 6 rows of single crochet equals 1 square inch. Achieving proper gauge is important for obtaining the intended finished dimensions. The pre-blocking measurements provide a baseline for sizing, while post-blocking dimensions demonstrate the significant growth that occurs when the shawlette is wet-blocked—a critical finishing step for lace-weight projects that enhances drape and opens up stitch definition.

Skill Level Considerations

Rated as intermediate difficulty, Sue's Shawlette is accessible to crocheters with foundational skills but offers enough complexity to provide a satisfying challenge. The color-change technique and the coordination of multiple yarn colors require attention to detail and understanding of how to manage yarn transitions within rows. The lace-weight yarn and resulting delicate fabric demand patience and careful stitch counting, making this an excellent project for developing precision and finishing skills.