Easy Rectangular Crochet Shawl Pattern

This free, easy rectangular crochet shawl pattern is perfect if you’re in the mood for a relaxing project that’s simple to work and still looks beautiful when finished.

There’s no complicated shaping or endless counting, just easy, enjoyable crocheting you can settle into.

Crochet shawls come in all kinds of shapes, but rectangular ones are about as simple and stress-free as it gets. There’s no shaping involved and no increases or decreases to keep track of, as you’d have with different shapes.

You’ll crochet the same number of stitches in every row, which makes it easy to settle in, relax, and simply enjoy the process.

This crochet shawl pattern uses a simple two-row repeat. You’ll only need two basic crochet stitches to create the beautiful texture.

How to Crochet a Rectangular Shape

This rectangular crochet shawl is worked flat in back and forth rows, starting with a foundation chain.

For this pattern, I chose to chain for the width of the shawl, simply because I prefer working shorter rows. If you don’t mind longer rows, you can also chain for the length instead and keep crocheting until you reach the width you like.

One of the things I love about rectangular shapes is how simple they are. You’ll work one row, chain the required turning stitches, and then crochet the same number of stitches again in the next row. Just make sure each row has the same number of stitches! Easy.

This crochet shawl pattern uses a simple two-row repeat and only two stitches throughout, double crochets and puff stitches.

For this shawl, I used a 5 mm (H 8) hook, which is one size larger than recommended. This helps keep the puff stitches nice and fluffy and gives the fabric a softer, airier feel.

If you compare this to the puff stitches in my crochet Laptop Sleeve, where I used a much smaller 3 mm (D 3) hook, you’ll notice how much denser those stitches turn out.

Please scroll down for the free crochet shawl pattern, or get the ad-free & print-friendly version with step-by-step photos and written instructions for a small fee from my Etsy or Ravelry stores.

Or get the crochet Shawl & Scarf bundle that includes the Aquamarine Triangle Shawl, the Ocean Breeze Scarf and the Primavera Rectangular Crochet Shawl patterns! You can get it from Etsy here.

Easy Rectangular Crochet Shawl Pattern Notes

This rectangular shawl is worked widthwise. This means you need to determine the width of your shawl first in order to chain the right number of chains for the foundation chain.
You can make a wider or narrower shawl by chaining more or less (chain any odd number).
Always chain 2 at the beginning of a row.
Ch 2 at the beginning of DC rows counts as a stitch.
You can make a longer/shorter shawl by working more or fewer rows.

Materials:

Yarn: Caron Skinny Cakes from Yarnspirations, 2 skeins. Colour: Cookies & Strawberries (Weight: Light Worsted/DK/8ply)
Crochet hooks: H – 8 (5mm) and J-10 (6mm) for the foundation chain
Yarn needle
Scissors

Note: I recommend using a larger crochet hook for the foundation chain. Foundation chains have limited stretch. By using a larger crochet hook, you’ll create more space between the chains, allowing that side of your shawl to stretch better with the rest of your shawl.

Shawl Measurements:

19” x 64” (48cm x 163cm)

Gauge:

15 DC stitches x 9 rows = 4” (10cm) in pattern.

Abbreviations:

Ch = chain

St(s) = stitch(es)

DC = double crochet

Pf st = puff stitch

Sk = skip

Puff Stitch in this pattern: Yarn over, insert your hook in the specified stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop to the height of double crochet, yarn over, insert your hook into the same stitch and pull up another loop to the same height, yarn over and insert your hook again into the same stitch and pull up a loop. You should have 7 loops on your hook now. Yarn over and pull through all the loops on your hook. Ch 1 to secure the Puff stitch. (You can watch the video demonstration below)

Rectangular Crochet Shawl Instructions

Ch 73 (or any odd number if you like to make it wider or narrower, e.g. 71, 73, 75, 77 etc)
Row 1: Pf st in fourth Ch from hook, *sk 1, Pf st in next**, repeat from * to ** across the row. DC in last Ch. Ch 2 and turn. (35 Pf sts, not counting turning chain and last DC)
Row 2: DC in first st (on top of Puff St in the previous row) and into every stitch across the row (including the Ch 1 between the Puff stitches). Work the last DC into the turning chain. Ch 2 and turn. (71)
Row 3: Pf st in first st (on top of the second DC in the previous row), *sk 1, Pf st in next**, repeat from * to ** across the row. DC in last St (turning Ch). Ch 2 and turn. (35 Pf sts, not counting turning chain and last DC)
Continue repeating Rows 2 and 3 until you’re happy with the length of your shawl.

I have 143 rows and finished with the same stitch (Puff st row) and the same colour I started with.

Fasten off and weave in all ends with the yarn needle.

Easy Rectangular Crochet Shawl Pattern – Video Demonstration

https://youtu.be/xPNsvK4etEQ

Crochet Easy Rectangular Shawl | Puff Stitch (https://youtu.be/xPNsvK4etEQ)

Easy Rectangular Crochet Shawl – Free Pattern and Video Demonstration

Note: If you’re using Caron Skinny Cakes yarn, or any yarn with colour changes, it’s worth paying attention to how the colours flow when you start a new skein. If you like a more symmetrical look, try to begin the new skein with the same colour you just finished with.

This yarn follows a set colour order. In this case, you’ll see a few rows of dark grey, then light grey, followed by white, cream, and white again. If you started your first skein from the centre, starting the next skein from the centre as well will help keep the colour flow consistent.

The same idea applies to the finish of your shawl. If you started with white and would like to end with white too, keep an eye on the colour changes as you get closer to your desired length and plan ahead a little. Of course, this part is completely optional. As long as you’re happy with how your shawl looks, that’s what matters.

I hope you enjoyed making your rectangular crochet shawl. If you have any questions about the pattern, feel free to leave them in the comments below. 😊