Wisteria

Wisteria Crocheted Lace Shawl by Berniolie

Project Overview

Wisteria is an intermediate-level crocheted shawl designed by Berniolie, a downloadable PDF pattern ideal for crafters with foundational crochet experience. This elegant wrap combines delicate lace-weight yarn with sophisticated stitch techniques to create a finished garment measuring approximately 185 cm (73 inches) long and 60 cm (24 inches) wide after blocking—a generous size suitable for layering or draping.

Materials Required

Yarn: The pattern calls for 6 skeins of Rowan Kidsilk Haze, a luxurious lace-weight yarn. Each skein contains 25 grams (0.88 ounces) and yields 210 meters (229 yards), providing ample yardage for the full shawl dimensions.

Tools: A 4mm (size G) crochet hook is used throughout the pattern to work with the delicate lace-weight yarn.

Gauge and Blocking

The pattern specifies a gauge of 18 double crochet stitches over 9 rows, measuring 4 inches by 4 inches (10 cm by 10 cm). Blocking is essential for this project, as it opens up the lace structure and allows the shawl to reach its intended finished dimensions of 185 cm length and 60 cm width.

Crochet Stitches and Techniques Used

Wisteria employs a range of fundamental and intermediate crochet stitches to build texture and visual interest:

• Chain (ch): The foundation stitch used to create the base of the pattern
• Chain space (ch-sp): Openings created by chains that allow the lace to breathe and create decorative gaps
• Single crochet (sc): A short, tight stitch used for shaping and detail work
• Double crochet (dc): A medium-height stitch that forms the primary structure of the shawl
• Treble crochet (tr): A taller stitch that adds height and elegance to the design
• Double treble crochet (dtr): An even taller stitch used for dramatic vertical elements
• Double crochet 3 together (dc3tog): A decrease technique that reduces stitch count and creates shaping
• Picot: A decorative edging technique created by chaining 3 and single crocheting into the first chain, adding a delicate finished border
• Popcorn (P): A textured stitch created by working 5 double crochet stitches into the same stitch, dropping the loop, then pulling the loop through the first stitch of the group to create a dimensional bobble effect

Pattern Construction Details

The pattern uses standard crochet abbreviations and directional notation. Crafters will encounter turning chains (tc) to transition between rows, and will work across right side (RS) and wrong side (WS) sections. The pattern includes repeat (rep) sections that are worked multiple times, and skip (sk) instructions to create the lace openings characteristic of shawl design. The popcorn stitch appears on the right side, adding dimensional texture that catches light beautifully in the delicate Kidsilk Haze yarn.

Skill Level Considerations

Classified as intermediate difficulty, this pattern assumes familiarity with basic crochet techniques and the ability to read stitch abbreviations and pattern repeats. The combination of multiple stitch heights, decrease techniques, and decorative elements like picots and popcorns requires attention to detail and consistent tension, making it suitable for crocheters ready to expand beyond beginner projects.