Schaumburg

Schaumburg Crescent Shawl by Julie Blagojevich

What Is Being Made

Schaumburg is a generous, dynamic crescent-shaped stole designed by Julie Blagojevich for CrochetWorks. This intermediate-level crochet project creates a dramatic, wearable shawl featuring a distinctive crescent silhouette. The finished stole measures approximately 64 inches (162.6 cm) along the inner curve and 14 inches (35.6 cm) in depth, making it a substantial accessory suitable for layering and styling versatility.

Construction Techniques

Schaumburg employs a two-stage construction method that combines different directional approaches to achieve its distinctive shape and visual impact. The main body is worked using short rows, a technique that creates length and shaping by working back and forth across partial sections of stitches rather than completing full rows. This method allows the crafter to build the generous crescent curve efficiently. Once the short-row foundation is complete, the design transitions to a dramatic border that is worked in long rows along the outside edge, creating a finished frame that enhances the stole's dynamic appearance and adds textural interest to the perimeter.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch pattern used throughout Schaumburg is a repeating group of half double crochet (hdc) combined with chain-2 spaces (ch2). This stitch combination—(hdc, ch2, hdc)—creates an open, lacy fabric characteristic of lace-weight garment construction. The gauge for this pattern is established at 11 groups of (hdc, ch2, hdc) and 12 rows measuring 4 inches (10.16 cm) square, providing a clear reference for achieving proper fabric drape and finished dimensions. The final row of the project is worked with a smaller hook size to create a refined edge finish.

Materials and Tools

Schaumburg is designed to showcase the qualities of premium lace-weight yarn. The pattern calls for Isager Spinni Wool, a 100% wool yarn in lace weight, with two hanks each of two colors: Color 3 (Vintage Gold) and Color 47 (Charcoal Blue). Each hank provides 330 yards (302 meters) and weighs 1.8 ounces (50 grams). Crochet hooks required include a size F hook (3.75 mm) for the main construction and a size D hook (3.25 mm) for the final row. Additional notions include a darning needle for weaving in ends and blocking tools to set the finished shawl's shape and drape.

Design Context

Schaumburg was originally designed in celebration of the Yarn Bus premiering at the 2014 Stitches Midwest, created specifically for Nashville's Haus of Yarn. The pattern was tested and includes graphic design work by Gina Lynette, ensuring clarity and accuracy for crocheters working from the downloadable PDF format.