Duo Shawl

Duo Shawl by Susan Carlson

What is Being Made

The Duo Shawl is an intermediate-level crocheted shawlette designed by Susan Carlson. This downloadable crochet pattern creates a triangular shawl worked from the base upward, featuring a unique two-color construction that showcases the interplay between two distinct yarn colors throughout the piece.

Construction Method and Techniques

The Duo Shawl employs a distinctive directional construction technique that sets it apart from traditional shawl patterns. Rather than turning after every row, the shawl is worked in a continuous manner using two differently colored yarns simultaneously. The crocheter works across with Color A in one direction, then continues in the same direction with Color B before finally turning and repeating the sequence. This approach eliminates the need to cut yarn between color changes, creating a seamless integration of both colors throughout the garment.

The shawl begins at the base and is worked upward in turning rows to a specified height. Once the desired height is achieved, decreasing rows are worked at one edge to create a pointed finish. The pattern allows for flexibility in final dimensions—the shawl can be completed when a specified shell count is reached or when yarn runs out, whichever comes first. The sample version shown was completed at 3½ five-double-crochet shells across.

When changing between colors, the working yarn is dropped and secured with a locking stitch marker or safety pin placed in the working loop to prevent losing stitches, then picked up again when needed.

Stitches Used

• Double crochet (dc)
• Five-double-crochet shells (5-dc shells)

Materials Required

Yarn: The pattern calls for two coordinating yarns, each requiring one cake:

• Color A: Scheepjes Woolly Whirl in Chocolate Vermicelli #471 (30% Wool/70% Cotton; 1094 yards/1000 meters; 7.8 ounces/220 grams)
• Color B: Scheepjes Whirl in Tangerine Tambourine #554 (60% Cotton/40% Acrylic; 1094 yards/1000 meters; 7.8 ounces/220 grams)

Hook: 3.5mm crochet hook

Notions: Locking stitch marker or safety pin, and a tapestry or yarn needle for finishing

Yarn Weight and Difficulty

This pattern is worked with 4-ply yarn weight and is rated as an intermediate difficulty project. The intermediate classification reflects the unique two-color directional technique and the need to manage multiple working loops simultaneously, making it suitable for crocheters with foundational skills who are ready to explore more advanced construction methods.