Ilvy

Ilvy Crochet Shawl by Berniolie

What Is Being Made

Ilvy is a crescent-shaped crochet shawl designed by Berniolie. This downloadable PDF pattern creates a triangular wrap with a curved silhouette, measuring approximately 70 inches across the top width, 108 inches at the bottom width, and reaching a highest point of 20 inches. The shawl is worked in a single piece using fundamental crochet construction techniques, making it an ideal project for intermediate-level crocheters seeking to expand their skills.

Crochet Techniques Used

The Ilvy shawl employs several essential crochet techniques that build upon basic stitchwork. The pattern uses chain spaces (abbreviated as ch-sp) to create openwork sections that contribute to the shawl's drape and visual interest. Cluster stitches (treble crochet 3 together, or tr3tog) are incorporated to add texture and shaping to the garment. The construction relies on systematic increases and stitch placement within chain spaces to achieve the characteristic crescent shape that widens from the top edge to the bottom edge. Slip stitches are used for joining, and turning chains maintain proper stitch height throughout the rows.

Stitches Used

• Slip stitch (sl st) – used for joining rounds or securing yarn
• Chain (ch) – the foundation stitch for creating chain spaces and increasing width
• Chain space (ch-sp) – openwork sections created by chains, with variations such as ch2-sp indicating the specific number of chains in each space
• Single crochet (sc) – a fundamental short stitch used for structure and gauge reference
• Double crochet (dc) – a medium-height stitch providing balanced fabric density
• Treble crochet 3 together (tr3tog/cluster) – a decorative decrease stitch that creates textured clusters

Materials and Specifications

The Ilvy shawl is constructed using Drops Alpaca yarn in a 4-ply weight. The pattern calls for 5 skeins, with each skein containing 1.76 ounces (50 grams) and providing 183 yards (167 meters) of yardage. A 4 mm crochet hook (size G) is required for this project. The recommended gauge is 16 single crochet stitches and 24 rows measured over a 4-inch by 4-inch (10 cm by 10 cm) swatch. These specifications ensure proper drape and finished dimensions after blocking, which is essential for achieving the shawl's intended measurements and elegant crescent shape.

Pattern Format

This is a downloadable PDF pattern created by independent designer Berniolie (Bernadette Ambergen), with copyright dating to 2014. The pattern uses standard crochet abbreviations and notation, including parentheses to indicate repeated instructions and square brackets to show stitch counts at the end of each row. This format makes it accessible for intermediate crocheters who are comfortable reading written crochet patterns and following multi-row instructions.