Crochet Shawls in Stylecraft Cabaret - 9784 - Downloadable PDF

Crochet Shawls in Stylecraft Cabaret DK – Pattern 9784

This downloadable PDF pattern from Stylecraft presents two distinct crochet shawl designs worked in Stylecraft Cabaret DK yarn. Both shawls are one-size projects aimed at intermediate crochet makers who are comfortable working with post stitches and following multi-row stitch pattern repeats. The finished pieces are elegant, textured accessories that showcase the drape and sheen of the Cabaret DK yarn beautifully when blocked and pinned out.

Design 1: Rectangle Shawl

The first design in pattern 9784 is a rectangle shawl, a classic, versatile shape that can be worn draped over the shoulders, wrapped around the neck, or tied at the front. When pinned out and blocked, it measures approximately 146 cm wide by 30 cm deep (approximately 57 x 12 inches), making it a long, elegant wrap with a relatively narrow depth — ideal for a sophisticated, lightweight accessory.

Construction

The rectangle shawl is worked flat in rows, beginning with a long foundation chain. Using a 4mm crochet hook, makers cast on 206 chains, then work a foundation row of 205 double crochet stitches across. Subsequent rows introduce the main textured stitch pattern, combining treble crochet clusters with post stitches and chain spaces to create a repeating lace-like fabric.

Stitches and Techniques

• Double crochet (dc) — used in the foundation row to establish the base fabric
• Treble crochet (tr) — worked in groups of 9 stitches to form the solid panels of the pattern
• Post stitches (PF) — front post stitches that create raised, three-dimensional texture within the design
• Chain spaces (2ch) — used to create openwork gaps between post stitch clusters and treble panels
• Turning chains — 3 chains count as 1 treble crochet throughout the pattern

The stitch pattern repeat is established from Row 1 onward, alternating groups of 9 treble crochets with paired post stitches separated by chain spaces. Row 2 sets the ongoing pattern, and subsequent rows continue in the established post stitch and treble pattern. Post stitches in crochet are worked around the post (stem) of the stitch below rather than through the top loops, which gives the fabric a richly textured, almost ribbed or embossed appearance that is a hallmark of intermediate-level crochet work.

Materials

• Yarn: Stylecraft Cabaret DK, 3 x 100g balls
• Colour: Midnight Hour (2988)
• Hook: 4mm crochet hook

Design 2: Semi-Circular Shawl

The second design in pattern 9784 is a semi-circular shawl, a popular and flattering shawl shape that fans out from a central spine to create a graceful curved edge. When blocked and pinned out, it measures approximately 180 cm wide by 85 cm deep (approximately 71 x 33 inches), making it a generously sized wrap with substantial coverage — far larger than the rectangle shawl and a truly statement accessory piece.

Construction

Semi-circular shawls are typically constructed by working increases at regular intervals on every row or every other row, causing the fabric to fan outward symmetrically from the top centre point. The shaping creates the characteristic curved lower edge while the straight edge sits across the back of the neck and shoulders. This construction method requires careful attention to increase placement and stitch counts as the rows grow progressively longer.

Stitches and Techniques

• Treble crochet (tr) — forming the main body of the fabric
• Post stitches (PF) — adding surface texture consistent with the rectangle shawl design
• Chain spaces — creating openwork detail within the stitch pattern