Go Your Own Way

Go Your Own Way Crochet Shawl by Rosina Northcott

What Is Being Made

Go Your Own Way is a large crocheted shawl designed by Rosina Northcott. This beginner-friendly project creates a generous wrap measuring approximately 55 x 136 inches (140 x 346 centimeters) when completed. The shawl is substantial enough to sweep the ankles of someone 5 foot 8 inches tall, making it a dramatic and functional accessory piece. The pattern encourages customization, allowing crafters to add or subtract rows to accommodate different heights and personal preferences.

Crochet Techniques and Construction

This shawl is constructed using fundamental crochet techniques suitable for beginners. The pattern employs a chain-based foundation and builds upward through repeated rows, creating an expansive rectangular wrap. The design utilizes a universal chart alongside written instructions, giving crocheters flexibility in how they follow the pattern. The pattern is written in UK crochet terminology, which uses different names for stitches than US terminology (for example, UK treble equals US double crochet). The repeating structure of the pattern means that once you establish the rhythm of a few rows, the work becomes meditative and straightforward to execute.

Stitches Used

The Go Your Own Way shawl incorporates several essential crochet stitches:

• Chain stitch (ch) – forms the foundation and appears throughout the pattern, with special attention to chain spaces (ch-sp)
• Double treble (dtr) – used in UK terms; the pattern notes that ch4 at the beginning of rows counts as 1 dtr
• Treble (tr) – used in UK terms; ch3 at the beginning of rows counts as 1 tr
• Slip stitch (sl st) – used for joining and finishing

The pattern relies on these fundamental stitches repeated in sequence, making it accessible for beginners while still producing an impressive finished garment.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The pattern calls for King Cole Embrace DK yarn, a fluffy blend composed of 60% nylon and 40% acrylic. The yarn is provided in 100-gram balls with a yardage of 245 meters or 267 yards per ball. The project requires 6 balls of yarn in the Ruby colorway. King Cole Embrace is noted for its soft, textured quality, though the pattern explicitly states that any DK weight yarn can be substituted if preferred. A 6mm crochet hook (US size J-10) is used throughout the project. DK weight yarn is a lightweight to medium yarn that works up quickly while still creating fabric with good drape, making it ideal for a shawl that needs to flow elegantly.

Pattern Format and Customization

Go Your Own Way is provided as a downloadable PDF pattern written in UK crochet terms. The pattern includes both written instructions and a universal chart, allowing crafters to choose their preferred method of following along. The classification of Easy difficulty makes this an excellent project for beginners looking to tackle a larger garment. The encouragement to customize the row count based on individual height demonstrates that this is a flexible, adaptable design rather than a rigid pattern, empowering makers to create a shawl perfectly suited to their own proportions and style preferences.