Signs of Summer Shawl

Signs of Summer Shawl by Cindy Culbertson

What is Being Made

The Signs of Summer Shawl is a lightweight triangular shawl designed for warm-weather wear. This crocheted accessory features a top-down construction that creates a graceful silhouette with a wingspan of 51 inches and a depth of 26 inches from top to tip. The shawl is an ideal project for crafters seeking an elegant yet straightforward garment that requires only a single skein of yarn.

Crochet Techniques and Construction

This shawl employs fundamental crochet techniques suitable for beginners. The pattern is worked from the top down, beginning with a chain foundation that counts as a double crochet throughout the pattern. The design incorporates a repeating pattern sequence that alternates between open work sections and solid rows, creating visual interest and texture variation. The center tip of the shawl is marked by a chain-1 space within a V-stitch formation in the middle of each row, which can be highlighted with an optional stitch marker to help track progress.

Stitches Used

• Chain stitch (ch): Forms the foundation and creates openwork sections
• Double crochet (dc): The primary stitch used throughout the shawl for both solid and patterned rows
• V-stitch: Creates the decorative center point and contributes to the shawl's structured shape

Pattern Sequence

The shawl follows a repeating pattern cycle of rows 7-16, consisting of three rows of open work, followed by four solid rows, one row of open work, and two solid rows. This structured sequence can be extended by adding additional rows as desired to customize the finished size, offering flexibility for crafters who wish to adjust the dimensions.

Materials and Yarn Requirements

The Signs of Summer Shawl requires one skein of sport weight yarn with a yardage of approximately 365 meters (399 yards) per 100 grams. The pattern was originally created using Fyberspates Scrumptious yarn in colorway 333 Seafoam, a luxury blend containing 45% silk and 55% merino wool. However, any sport weight yarn is suitable for this project. The designer used 99 grams of yarn to complete the shawl at the specified dimensions, though additional yarn may be needed if adjustments are made to the pattern length.

Tools and Notions

• Size H crochet hook: The recommended hook size for working with sport weight yarn
• Stitch marker (optional): Helpful for tracking the center V-stitch location
• Tapestry needle: Used for weaving in yarn ends upon completion

Gauge and Sizing

While gauge is not critical for this particular pattern, crafters should be aware that variations in tension may affect yarn consumption. The standard gauge for reference is 20 stitches and 16 rows over 4 inches when worked in the pattern stitch. The finished shawl measures 51 inches across the wingspan and extends 26 inches from the top center point to the bottom tip.

Skill Level

This pattern is classified as beginner difficulty, making it an excellent choice for newer crocheters or those seeking a quick, satisfying project. The straightforward stitch combination of chains and double crochets, combined with a simple repeating pattern sequence, allows crafters to develop fundamental skills while creating a beautiful, wearable garment.