Monsterra Mash

Monstera Mash Shawl by Lisa Cook

What is Being Made

The Monstera Mash Shawl is a crocheted triangular shawl featuring two distinct stitch patterns inspired by tropical foliage. The design combines a trellis pattern worked in a contrast colour with a monstera leaf pattern in the main colour, creating visual interest through colour blocking and textural variety. This finished piece measures 180 cm x 100 cm after blocking, making it a generous wrap suitable for layering or draping.

Crochet Techniques and Stitches

This intermediate-level crochet project employs multiple stitch patterns to achieve its botanical aesthetic. The shawl incorporates a trellis pattern section and a monstera leaf pattern section, demonstrating the designer's use of structured stitch work to create defined geometric and organic shapes. The pattern is worked using standard crochet abbreviations and US crochet terminology, allowing crafters to follow detailed row-by-row instructions. Stitch markers are used throughout the project to help track pattern repeats and construction points.

The construction method allows for customization based on crafter preference and yarn availability. Crafters can adjust hook size and modify the number of pattern repeats to create smaller or larger finished pieces, making this design adaptable to various skill levels within the intermediate category.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Monstera Mash Shawl calls for two distinct yarn types to achieve its layered colour effect:

• Contrast Colour (CC) - Trellis Pattern: 2 x 50g balls of Coop Knits Sock Yeah (212 metres per ball) in shade 127 Actinolite, totalling approximately 400 metres. This yarn is composed of 75% merino and 25% nylon, providing durability and elasticity.
• Main Colour (MC) - Monstera Leaf Pattern: 3 x 25g balls of Rowan Kidsilk (210 metres per ball) in shade 00684 Eve Green, totalling approximately 600 metres. This luxurious yarn blend contains 70% mohair and 30% silk, contributing softness and a subtle sheen to the finished shawl.

A 3.5 mm crochet hook is used to work these 4-ply and lace-weight yarns. Additional materials include one stitch marker for tracking pattern progress and a needle for weaving in yarn ends upon completion.

Yarn Substitution Guidelines

The pattern provides flexibility for yarn substitution. Crafters may use any 4-ply yarn totalling 400 metres for the contrast colour section and any lace weight or 4-ply yarn totalling 600 metres for the main colour section. The designer notes that any yarn weight can be accommodated by adjusting the crochet hook size accordingly and modifying the number of pattern repeats to achieve the desired finished dimensions. This adaptability makes the Monstera Mash Shawl accessible to crafters working with their existing yarn stashes.