Friendship Shawl in Caron Simply Soft - Downloadable PDF

Friendship Shawl in Caron Simply Soft — Crochet Pattern by Kim Guzman

The Friendship Shawl is a beautifully detailed triangular crochet shawl designed by Kim Guzman and worked in Caron Simply Soft yarn. This intermediate-level pattern combines the airy, textural quality of broomstick lace with a decorative floral crochet edging, resulting in a finished piece that is both elegant and wearable. The pattern is available as a free downloadable PDF, making it an accessible project for crocheters looking to expand their skills into more advanced surface textures and construction techniques.

Finished Measurements

The completed Friendship Shawl measures approximately 61 inches (155 cm) wide at the top edge (the widest point) and 27 inches (68.5 cm) long. The shawl base alone, worked without the motif strip edging, measures approximately 53 inches (134.5 cm) wide and 20 inches (51 cm) long. These generous dimensions make the shawl a substantial wrap suitable for year-round wear.

Materials Required

• Yarn: Caron Simply Soft in Plum Wine (9722) — 3 skeins of the Main Color (MC). Each skein is 170 g / 6 oz and 288 m / 315 yds, placing this yarn in the aran weight category.
• Crochet Hook: US size H-8 (5 mm), or the size needed to obtain gauge.
• Knitting Needle: Size 35 (19 mm) — used as the "broomstick" in the broomstick lace technique.
• Yarn needle for finishing.

Gauge

Working in single crochet in front loops only with the US H-8 (5 mm) hook, the gauge is 11 stitches and 8 rows = 3 inches (7.5 cm). Each completed floral motif measures 4 inches (10 cm). Achieving accurate gauge is important for matching the stated finished dimensions.

Techniques and Construction

The Friendship Shawl is constructed in two main sections: the triangular shawl base and a floral motif strip edging. The base is built from a small chain foundation and shaped with incremental increases on every row, creating the classic triangular silhouette. Throughout the base, stitches are worked predominantly in the front loops only, which creates a subtle ridged texture along the fabric surface.

The defining feature of this shawl is the broomstick lace technique, also referred to in the pattern as Jiffy lace. Broomstick lace is a two-step process: first, loops are drawn up from existing stitches and extended onto a large-diameter knitting needle — in this case the Size 35 (19 mm) needle — which acts as the "broomstick." Once a full set of loops has been placed on the needle, they are then worked off the needle in groups using single crochet, creating the characteristic elongated, clustered lace effect. Kim Guzman notes in the pattern that there are many ways to hold the large knitting needle during this process, and crocheters are encouraged to experiment with grip and placement to find what works best for them.

The floral motif strip is worked separately and applied as an edging, adding a dimensional, decorative border that elevates the overall design. The combination of the open broomstick lace body with the structured floral edging gives the Friendship Shawl a layered, heirloom-quality appearance.

Stitches Used

• Single crochet (sc) — the primary stitch used throughout the shawl base, worked in front loops only
• Single crochet two or three together (sc2tog / sc3tog) — decrease stitches used