Basalt

Basalt Crochet Shawl by Fay Dashper-Hughes

What Is Being Made

Basalt is an asymmetric crochet shawl inspired by the geometric beauty of hexagonal basalt columns found in natural formations such as Fingal's Cave and The Giant's Causeway in the UK. The shawl can be crocheted either bottom-up or top-down, offering flexibility in construction method. This intermediate-level design celebrates the striking visual patterns created by nature's columnar basalt formations.

Construction and Design Features

The shawl features an asymmetric silhouette that showcases the hexagonal geometric inspiration throughout its structure. The pattern includes instructions for both directional approaches—starting from the bottom and working upward, or beginning at the top and working downward. This dual-method approach allows crocheters to choose their preferred working direction.

Crochet Techniques and Stitches

Basalt employs treble stitches as a primary stitch element, which create the fabric's drape and visual texture. The pattern repeat structure is measurable from the beginning of each repeat, allowing crocheters to track progress and maintain consistency throughout the asymmetric design. The use of trebles contributes to the shawl's elegant flow and the geometric patterns that echo the basalt column inspiration.

Materials and Yarn Requirements

Yarn Specifications:

• Yarn A: 2 skeins of Knit By Numbers 4 ply by John Arbon Textiles (100% Organic Merino) in shade KBN 04, totaling approximately 195g and 780m
• Yarn B: 1 skein of Knit By Numbers 4 ply by John Arbon Textiles (100% Organic Merino) in shade KBN 02, totaling approximately 15g and 60m

Hook and Notions:

• 3mm crochet hook (US C/2 or D/3 equivalent)
• 3.5mm crochet hook (US E/4 equivalent)
• 2 place markers
• 1 stitch marker for securing stitches when setting the project aside
• Tapestry needle for weaving in ends

Yarn Weight and Specifications

This pattern uses 4 ply yarn weight, which creates a lightweight, drapable fabric suitable for shawl construction. The combination of two yarn colors—the primary shade KBN 04 and accent shade KBN 02—allows for visual interest and definition within the geometric hexagonal pattern. The organic merino fiber provides softness, breathability, and elegant drape characteristic of fine shawlettes.

Skill Level and Time Investment

Basalt is rated as an intermediate-level crochet project, appropriate for crocheters with foundational skills in basic stitches and pattern reading. The project requires approximately 30 hours of crochet time to complete, making it a substantial but achievable undertaking for dedicated fiber artists.

Tension and Finishing

The pattern specifies tension measurements of 24 stitches across trebles and 18 rows over 10cm when measured unblocked. Blocked tension specifications are also provided in the pattern, indicating that blocking is recommended to achieve the shawl's final dimensions and to enhance the geometric hexagonal pattern definition. Proper tension gauge is essential for achieving the intended finished size and drape.

Pattern Format

Basalt is provided as a downloadable PDF pattern from independent designer Fay Dashper-Hughes, using UK crochet terminology throughout. The pattern includes detailed instructions for both construction methods, making it accessible to crocheters with different preferences for working direction.