Easy Rectangular Crochet Shawl Pattern

Are you looking for an easy crochet shawl pattern that is both easy to make and looks beautiful? If so, then try this Primavera Shawl – it’s an easy rectangular crochet shawl pattern! While there are many different shapes and sizes of crochet shawls and wraps out there, rectangular crochet shawls are much easier to crochet, especially for beginners.

A rectangular shape is easy to crochet as there are no increases or decreases involved like you have in a triangle shawl. You’ll just crochet the same number of stitches in every row! So, you can sit back, relax and just focus on the stitches.

This rectangular crochet shawl pattern is an easy two-row-repeat, which means it’s also not boring and you’ll have some variety. And to create this beautiful texture, you’ll only need to use two crochet stitches. So, simple enough! Follow the free and easy crochet shawl pattern below.

How to Crochet a Rectangular Shape

A rectangular shape is worked flat in back-and-forth rows. To start, you need to chain a number of chains. In this pattern I decided to chain for the width, this way you’ll have shorter rows. But it’s also possible to chain for the length and work longer but with fewer rows.

To make a rectangle, there is no need for increasing or decreasing stitches at any time. So, just complete one row, chain a number of chains specified in the pattern for the height and work the same number of stitches in the next row. The rectangular shape (or a square) is most likely the simplest shape to work with and you can create many crochet projects using this shape!

This crochet shawl pattern is a two-row repeat and only two types of stitches are used throughout the whole pattern – Double Crochets and Puff Stitches. I love using Puff stitches for extra texture and warmth.

I’m using a hook size (5mm/ H-8) that is one size larger than the recommended size. This creates fluffier and airier puff stitches.

In comparison to the puff stitches in my crochet Laptop Sleeve, where I used a much smaller size hook (3mm/D-3) the puff stitches there are quite dense and smooth.

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 widthways. This means you need to determine the width of your shawl first in order to chain the right amount 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)
Repeat rows 2 and 3 until you reach the desired 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 other yarn that changes colour – pay attention to those colour changes when you start a new skein. If you like a symmetrical flow of colour, then make sure you start from the same colour you have just finished with.

There is an order to the colour change in this yarn – a few rows of dark grey followed by a few rows of light grey, then white followed by cream and white again. If you started the first skein from the centre, then you should start the second one from the centre too, in order to maintain the same flow of colours.

The same goes for the finish of your shawl: if you started with white and would like to finish with white, then make sure to look for that colour change when you get closer to your desired length and plan ahead. But of course, you don’t have to! As long as you’re happy with the way your shawl looks 🙂

I hope you enjoyed making your rectangular crochet shawl! Let me know in the comments below if you have any questions about the pattern 🙂