Denver Sunset Shawl

Denver Sunset Shawl by Moogly

Project Overview

The Denver Sunset Shawl is an intermediate-level crochet shawl pattern originally published in I Like Crochet magazine in October 2017. Designed by Tamara Kelly of Moogly, this downloadable PDF pattern creates a generous triangular shawl measuring 68 inches wide by 26 inches long. The shawl is constructed from the bottom up using a structured stitch pattern that builds in width as you progress through the rows, making it an ideal project for crocheters looking to expand their skills beyond basic techniques.

What You'll Create

This shawl pattern produces a warm, cozy wrap suitable for layering during cooler seasons. The finished piece features an elegant silhouette with decorative stitch details that create visual interest and texture. The shawl's generous dimensions provide ample coverage while remaining lightweight enough for comfortable wear.

Crochet Techniques and Stitches

The Denver Sunset Shawl employs several fundamental and decorative crochet techniques to achieve its finished design. The pattern utilizes the following stitches and stitch combinations:

• Double Crochet (dc) – The primary stitch used throughout the pattern, forming the foundation of the shawl's structure
• Single Crochet (sc) – Used strategically to join elements and create texture
• Chain Stitches (ch) – Used to create openwork sections and spacing between stitch groups
• V Stitch – A special stitch defined as (dc, ch 1, dc) worked into a single indicated stitch, creating a decorative V-shaped motif
• Big Shell Stitch – A special stitch defined as (4 dc, ch 1, 4 dc) worked into a single indicated stitch, creating larger shell-like fan formations

The pattern notes that the chain-3 at the beginning of each row counts as the first double crochet of that row, a common technique in crochet construction that maintains consistent stitch counts and creates clean edges.

Materials and Tools

The Denver Sunset Shawl requires approximately 700 yards of Aran weight yarn (US weight category "4"). The pattern shown uses Lion Brand Landscapes, a 100% acrylic yarn in the colorway Desert Spring, requiring 5 balls of yarn. A US M/N size 9.0mm crochet hook is needed to work this project.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 10 stitches and 5 rows measuring 4 inches (10 centimeters) when worked in double crochet stitch. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the finished dimensions of 68 inches wide by 26 inches long. Crocheters should take time to crochet and measure a gauge swatch before beginning the full project to ensure accurate sizing.

Difficulty Level

Classified as an intermediate-level pattern, the Denver Sunset Shawl is suitable for crocheters with foundational knowledge of basic stitches and comfortable reading pattern instructions. The special stitches (V stitch and Big Shell) require understanding how to work multiple stitches into a single stitch, a technique that intermediate crafters typically have experience with. The bottom-up construction method provides a logical progression as the shawl expands with each row.