By The Beach Wrap - Free Shawl Crochet Pattern for Women in Paintbox Yarns Cotton Mix DK by Paintbox Yarns

By The Beach Wrap – Free Crochet Shawl Pattern for Women by Paintbox Yarns

The By The Beach Wrap is a stylish, relaxed crochet shawl designed for women by Paintbox Yarns. Available as a free downloadable PDF, this pattern produces a generously sized rectangular wrap measuring 19¾in/50cm wide and 59in/150cm long — substantial enough to drape elegantly over the shoulders or wrap around the body for warmth and style. With its breezy coastal aesthetic, it makes an ideal accessory for layering in warmer months or adding texture to a casual outfit.

Skill Level and Who This Pattern Is For

This pattern is rated intermediate, making it a great next step for crocheters who are comfortable with basic stitches and are ready to explore more textured techniques. The repetitive stitch pattern means it is satisfying to work once the rhythm is established, though the puff stitch construction requires some familiarity with multi-loop crochet methods.

Construction and Techniques

The By The Beach Wrap is worked flat, meaning the fabric is crocheted back and forth in rows rather than in the round. This straightforward construction keeps the project accessible while producing a neat, even fabric with a clear right side. The design prominently features stripes, alternating between three carefully chosen yarn colors to create a fresh, layered color palette reminiscent of a seaside setting.

The stripe sequence is worked using two distinct colorway options provided in the pattern, allowing crafters to personalize the finished piece to their own taste. Both colorways use the same structural approach — a Color A as the dominant shade, with Color B and Color C used as accent stripes.

Stitches Used

The primary textural element of this wrap is the puff stitch, which gives the fabric a beautifully raised, cushioned appearance. Each puff stitch is constructed by working multiple loops into the same stitch — specifically, yarn around hook, insert hook into stitch, pull through a loop to the height of a double crochet, then repeat the insertion and loop-pulling process twice more, before drawing the yarn through all seven loops on the hook at once. This technique creates a rounded, bobble-like cluster that adds dimension and visual interest across the entire fabric.

Additional stitches used in this pattern include:

• Chain (ch) – used for foundation and turning
• Single crochet (sc) – referred to as double crochet (dc) in UK terminology
• Double crochet (dc) – referred to as treble crochet (tr) in UK terminology

Note: The pattern uses US crochet terminology throughout, with UK equivalents noted in the abbreviations section for international crafters.

Gauge and Tension

Achieving the correct gauge is important for this project to ensure the wrap reaches its intended dimensions. The recommended gauge is 16 stitches (8 puff stitches) and 12 rows over 4in/10cm, worked in pattern using a US G/6 (4mm) crochet hook. Crafters are encouraged to adjust hook size as needed to match this tension before beginning the main fabric.

Materials – Yarn and Hook

The pattern is designed specifically for Paintbox Yarns Cotton Mix DK, a DK weight yarn available exclusively at LoveCrafts.com. This yarn's cotton-blend composition gives the finished wrap a lightweight, breathable quality — ideal for a beach-inspired accessory. Two colorway options are provided:

• Colorway 1: 4 balls in Denim (Color A), 2 balls in Clear Sky (Color B), 2 balls in Paper White (Color C)
• Colorway 2: 4 balls in Paper White (Color A), 2 balls in Iron (Color B), 2 balls in Light Sage (Color C)

Each ball of Paintbox Yarns Cotton Mix DK weighs 3½oz/100g. The recommended hook is a US G/6 (4mm) crochet