Summer of Love Shawl

Summer of Love Shawl by MBT Creates

Project Overview

The Summer of Love Shawl is an intermediate-level crochet design that combines elegant construction with decorative beadwork. This crocheted shawl is worked from the center outward, creating a beautiful gradient effect using light fingering weight yarn. The finished piece is accented with beads that enhance both the drape and visual glamor of the garment, making it suitable for heirloom-quality wear while remaining practical for everyday use.

Construction Technique

This shawl employs a center-out construction method, a popular technique in crochet shawlette and shawl design. Working from the center outward allows the designer to create geometric expansion and control the final shape and dimensions. The gradient yarn adds visual interest and complexity to the finished piece, with colors transitioning throughout the work. The yarn will bloom and open up when blocked, creating a more refined and polished appearance.

Crochet Stitches and Techniques

The Summer of Love Shawl utilizes fundamental crochet stitches combined with beadwork integration. The pattern incorporates the following stitches:

• Chain (Ch) – the foundation stitch used to create the base of the pattern
• Single Crochet (Sc) – a basic short stitch for structure and detail
• Double Crochet (Dc) – a taller stitch used for drape and coverage
• Double Crochet Decreases (Dc2tog and Dc3tog) – used to shape and control the shawl's expansion
• Slip Stitch (Sl st) – used to join rounds and transition between sections

Beads are integrated throughout the design using specialized notation. When the letter B precedes a stitch abbreviation (such as Bdc, Bsc), it indicates that a bead is placed on that stitch during construction. This beading technique requires precision and adds both weight and movement to the finished shawl.

Materials Required

Yarn: The pattern calls for gradient light fingering weight yarn (CYCA 0, Lace weight classification). Two yardage options are provided: 1400 yards for the larger version or 700 yards for the smaller version. The model is shown in White Birch, a 50% camel and 50% silk blend light fingering weight yarn, requiring either 280 grams (140g for the smaller size) or one full skein. The light fingering weight and natural fiber blend create a luxurious drape and subtle sheen.

Tools: A Size D/3.25mm crochet hook is used for the main construction of the shawl. For bead placement, a Fleegle Beader or #10 steel crochet hook is recommended to facilitate threading beads onto the yarn before they are incorporated into stitches.

Beads: The design incorporates two types of beads for visual interest and dimension. The pattern requires 3 hanks (or 2 hanks for the smaller version) of 6/0 seed beads, along with one tube of Long Magatama beads. These beads can be customized in color to coordinate with different yarn choices, allowing for personalization of the finished shawl.

Customization and Versatility

The Summer of Love Shawl is designed with customization in mind. While the model showcases a specific color combination, crafters are encouraged to select different yarn colors and bead colors to create a personalized version. The intermediate difficulty level makes this pattern accessible to experienced beginners and intermediate crocheters who are comfortable with multi-step construction and beadwork integration.