Mokara

Mokara Crochet Shawl/Cape by Nancy L Drew

What Is Being Made

Mokara is a crochet shawl and cape design inspired by the beautiful Mokara orchid. This garment features five sections that radiate outward from a center circle, creating a stunning geometric pattern. The design drapes elegantly around the shoulders and remains securely in place without requiring pins or buttons, making it an ideal warm weather accessory. The shawl works equally well as a lightweight layering piece or standalone garment.

Design Structure and Construction

The five-section radiating design is the defining feature of Mokara, with each section extending from the central circle to create balanced, organic drape. This construction method ensures the shawl sits properly on the shoulders while maintaining its shape throughout wear. The pattern is suitable for crocheters with intermediate-level skills who are comfortable following written instructions and charts.

Crochet Techniques Used

• Reading and following written crochet instructions
• Reading and working from crochet charts
• Joining yarn for seamless construction
• Chain stitches to establish foundation and pattern structure
• Double crochet stitches as primary stitch throughout the design
• Slip stitches for joining rounds and finishing
• Working into a starting chain to begin the center circle

Stitches and Pattern Details

Mokara utilizes fundamental crochet stitches executed in a lace pattern construction. The heavy lace yarn creates an open, airy fabric that showcases the stitch definition while maintaining structural integrity. The pattern includes both written instructions and helpful charts, providing flexibility for crocheters who prefer different learning methods. The combination of chain and double crochet stitches creates the characteristic lacy appearance suitable for warm weather wear.

Materials and Yarn Requirements

The pattern calls for Zitron Filisilk, a premium heavy lace merino and silk blend yarn. You will need 650 to 700 yards from one skein of this yarn, though heavier weight yarns will require additional yardage beyond this estimate. The yardage requirement and final size are significantly affected by your yarn choice and how much the yarn relaxes during the blocking process.

Optional embellishment: 167 size #6 glass beads and tools for your preferred bead-application method are available for those who wish to add decorative beading to the design.

Tools and Gauge Information

A 3.75mm (F) crochet hook is required for this project. The pattern uses US terminology throughout. Unblocked, the shawl measures approximately 16 inches deep22 inches deep. The final dimensions of your completed Mokara will vary based on your specific yarn selection and how much the yarn relaxes during blocking.

Difficulty Level

Mokara is rated as an intermediate crochet project. This difficulty level assumes you have foundational crochet knowledge including the ability to read both written instructions and charts, join yarn, and execute basic stitches with consistency. The five-section radiating design and lace construction add complexity beyond beginner projects while remaining accessible to crocheters building their skills.