40th Anniversary 15 College Park Shawl - Crochet Pattern for Women in Valley Yarns Charlemont

40th Anniversary 15 College Park Shawl - Crochet Pattern

Project Overview

The College Park Shawl is a crocheted L-shaped accessory designed by Edie Eckman for Valley Yarns' Guest Designer Series. This advanced beginner crochet pattern creates a finished shawl measuring 12 inches wide by 38 inches long with edging, offering an elegant drape suitable for layering or wearing as a lightweight wrap.

Construction Method

This shawl is worked flat from the bottom up in a seamless construction, meaning the piece is created as a single continuous fabric without requiring seaming. The bottom-up approach allows crocheters to try on the shawl as it grows and adjust the final length to personal preference. The pattern emphasizes measuring the fabric while hanging vertically to account for the natural weight and drape of the finished piece, ensuring accurate length assessment.

Stitch Techniques and Lace Pattern

The College Park Shawl features an all-over openwork texture created using the Crossed Trebles Pattern, a lace stitch that adds visual interest and breathability to the design. This pattern repeats over multiples of 2 stitches and alternates between two rows:

• Row 1 (Right Side): Beginning with a chain-3 foundation (which counts as a double crochet), the pattern skips one single crochet, works one treble in the next single crochet, then works another treble in the previously skipped stitch while working behind the stitch just made. This crossing technique creates the distinctive texture. The row ends with a double crochet in the final stitch.
• Row 2: A simple row of single crochet stitches worked into each stitch across, plus one single crochet in the third chain of the foundation chain-3.

These two rows repeat throughout the pattern to build the openwork fabric. The shawl is finished with a decorative border that frames the L-shaped design.

Yarn and Materials

The College Park Shawl pattern calls for 2 skeins of Valley Yarns Charlemont, a hand-dyed yarn by Dream in Color. This 4-ply weight yarn is composed of 60% Fine Superwash Merino, 20% Mulberry Silk, and 20% Polyamide, with each skein providing 100 grams and 439 yards of yardage. The sample shown uses the color Day Lily. The blend of merino wool, silk, and polyamide creates a yarn with excellent drape, subtle sheen, and durability suitable for a lace shawl.

Tools and Gauge

The pattern is worked with a US size G/6 (4.00 mm) crochet hook, or the size needed to achieve the specified gauge. The target gauge is 17 stitches and 11 rows measuring 4 inches in the Crossed Trebles Pattern. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished dimensions and ensuring the lace pattern displays as designed.

Skill Level

This pattern is rated as advanced beginner difficulty, making it suitable for crocheters who have mastered basic stitches and are ready to explore more complex stitch patterns. The Crossed Trebles Pattern requires attention to stitch placement and the ability to work stitches in a specific order, but the repetitive nature of the two-row repeat makes it manageable for those with some crochet experience.