Inverse shawlette

Inverse Shawlette by ACCROchet

What is Being Made

The Inverse Shawlette is a no-frills crochet shawlette designed by Julie Desjardins. This is a versatile triangular wrap perfect for pairing with lacey or highly detailed garments, allowing both pieces to showcase their individual beauty without competing for visual attention. The finished shawlette measures 48 inches (119 cm) wide by 25 inches (62 cm) high before blocking, making it an ideal accessory for layering or draping.

Crochet Techniques Used

This intermediate-level project employs fundamental crochet construction methods worked in rows rather than in the round. The pattern utilizes staggered increases throughout the design to create a symmetrical shawlette shape. The increases are strategically placed at varying intervals to ensure balanced shaping across the piece. The pattern begins with a foundation chain and builds upward using row-by-row construction, with chain-3 stitches at the beginning of double crochet rows serving as stitch replacements to maintain proper gauge and structure.

Stitches Used

The Inverse Shawlette incorporates the following crochet stitches:

• Single crochet (sc) – the primary stitch used throughout the pattern for creating a dense, structured fabric
• Single crochet through back loop only (sc-blo) – used for gauge measurement and texture variation
• Double crochet (dc) – incorporated in rows with chain-3 replacements at the beginning
• Increases – created by working multiple stitches into single stitches, with increases staggered for symmetrical shaping

Materials and Tools

This pattern calls for Riverside Studio MCN Lace yarn, a premium blend composed of 80% superwash merino, 10% cashmere, and 10% nylon. One skein provides 575 yards (525 meters) per 4 ounces (115 grams), offering ample yardage for the complete shawlette. The lace weight yarn creates an elegant, delicate drape ideal for a refined accessory piece.

Construction requires a size E/4 (3.5 mm) crochet hook, or the size needed to achieve proper gauge. Additional tools include a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and finishing, and stitch markers to track pattern repeats and increases throughout the rows.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 18 single crochet through back loop stitches and 14 rows equals 4 inches (10 cm) when measured in the working stitch. Achieving accurate gauge is essential for obtaining the finished measurements of 48 inches wide by 25 inches high before blocking, ensuring the shawlette drapes properly and maintains its intended proportions.

Pattern Notes

The pattern is worked in rows from the bottom up, building the triangular shawlette shape through strategic staggered increases. The symmetrical placement of these increases ensures an even, balanced silhouette. This intermediate-difficulty project is suitable for crocheters with foundational skills in basic stitches and increase techniques.