Salley Garden

Salley Garden Asymmetric Crochet Shawl by Jan Power

What Is Being Made

The Salley Garden is an asymmetric wrap shawl designed by Jan Power, featuring a unique construction method that creates visual drama through contrasting sections. The finished shawl measures 59 inches (150 cm) along its longest edge, making it a substantial accessory suitable for layering or wrapping. Despite its striking appearance, the design is approachable for intermediate-level crocheters.

Construction Technique

This shawl employs an unusual and innovative asymmetric construction that combines two primary techniques. Long wedge-shaped sections are created using the short row method, which involves working back and forth across a portion of stitches to build dimension and shaping. These structured wedge sections are then interspersed with long contrasting rows that extend across the full width, adding visual and textural drama to the finished piece. This combination of short rows and full-width rows creates the stunning asymmetric silhouette that defines the design.

Crochet Stitches Used

The Salley Garden pattern employs fundamental crochet stitches worked with precision to achieve the desired drape and structure:

• Double crochet (dc) – the primary stitch providing the main fabric structure
• Double crochet back loop only (dc blo) – creates textural variation by working into only the back loop of the previous row
• Half double crochet (hdc) – used for specific sections requiring a tighter gauge
• Half double crochet back loop only (hdc blo) – adds texture variation similar to dc blo
• Single crochet (sc) – likely used for finishing edges or specific structural elements
• Chain (ch) – foundational stitches for turning and shaping
• Chain spaces (ch-sp) – openwork elements that add visual interest

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The sample shawl is crafted using Townhouse Yarns Fade St 4 Ply, a fingering-weight yarn blending 70% superwash merino wool with 30% silk. This fiber combination provides both durability and luxurious drape. The pattern requires 2 skeins of 100g each (400m total), offering ample yardage for the full 59-inch wrap. While the sample features the Seafoam and Dubh Linn colorways, the designer notes that any favorite fingering-weight yarn can be substituted, allowing for personalization based on available materials and color preferences.

Gauge and Hook Size

The pattern is worked with a 3.50 mm crochet hook, or whatever hook size is necessary to achieve the specified gauge of 23 double crochets over 4 inches (10 cm). Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished dimensions and ensuring the shawl drapes as intended. Crocheters should swatch before beginning the main project to verify their personal gauge with their chosen yarn and hook combination.

Difficulty Level

Rated as intermediate, the Salley Garden is accessible to crocheters with foundational skills and some experience working with shaping techniques. The short row method requires attention to technique but is not overly complex, and the combination of basic stitches makes the pattern manageable for those ready to move beyond beginner projects. The dramatic visual result belies the straightforward construction, making this an excellent choice for intermediate crafters seeking an impressive finished garment.