Patterns
Top-Down & Asymmetrical Triangle Shawl Pattern Generator
A triangle shawl is the most versatile accessory you can crochet. Choose a classic top-down shawl that grows from the centre of the neck, or an asymmetrical shawl worked from one tip, and get the rows, increases and yarn for your wingspan.
Free · No sign-up · Runs in your browser
- Foundation
- Magic ring
- Stitches
- 318
- Rows / rounds
- 40
- Finished size
- 64 × 32 in (162 × 81 cm)
Row-by-row instructions
Suggested hook: 5.5–6.5 mm (CYC range for this weight).
- Row 1: Magic ring, ch 3 (counts as dc), 2 dc in the ring, ch 2, 3 dc in the ring; turn. (3 dc on each side of the ch-2 spine)
- Row 2: Ch 3 (counts as dc), 2 dc in first st, dc in each st to the ch-2 space, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in the ch-2 space, dc in each st to the last st, 3 dc in the top of the turning ch; turn. (7 sts on each side: every row adds 4 sts per side)
- Rows 3–40: Repeat Row 2. Row 40: 159 sts on each side (318 sts in total). Wingspan ≈ 64 in (162 cm), depth ≈ 32 in (81 cm).
- Edging (optional): Ch 1, sc evenly along the straight top edge (about 2 sc in the side of each row). Fasten off, weave in the ends and block flat.
Abbreviations: ch = chain · sl st = slip stitch · sc = single crochet · dc = double crochet · FPdc = front post double crochet · BPdc = back post double crochet.
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The stitch: double crochet with a central spine
The top-down shawl starts with 6 double crochets in a magic ring. Every row adds 2 stitches at each outer edge and 2 at each side of the chain-2 spine, 4 per side in total, which keeps the bottom point at about 90°. The asymmetrical version increases only along one edge at the rate needed for the depth you chose.
How this generator calculates the pattern
The generator converts your target size into stitches and rows with your gauge (stitches and rows per 10 cm). The foundation chain is then rounded to the nearest count that respects the stitch multiple of the pattern (Magic ring), so the repeat always ends exactly at the edge of the row. The number of rows is rounded to the nearest whole row, and the finished size shown in the schematic is recalculated from those whole numbers, so what you see is what you will crochet.
Construction
For a top-down shawl the wingspan is about 2 × √2 × rows × row height and the depth is half of the wingspan. Blocking opens up double crochet considerably, so measure your swatch after blocking.
Why your gauge matters
Two crocheters using the same yarn and hook can easily differ by 10–15 % in tension. When you choose a yarn, the gauge is pre-filled with an estimate from the Craft Yarn Council standard for its weight category; it is only a starting point. Crochet a swatch of at least 12 × 12 cm in the pattern stitch, block it as you will block the finished piece, count the stitches and rows in the central 10 cm and type them in: every number in the pattern follows.
How much yarn you need
Yarn length is estimated with our calibrated model: metres = area ÷ 100 × 0.82 × √(metres per 100 g) × stitch factor, plus a 10 % safety margin. The stitch factor comes from our stitch database (for example, single crochet 1.30, double crochet 1.00, waffle stitch 1.85). Buying all the balls from the same dye lot avoids visible colour bands.
Reference: sizes with a worsted-weight yarn
| Size | Finished size | Foundation | Rows / rounds | Yarn |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shawlette | 48 × 24 in (121 × 61 cm) | Magic ring | 30 | 255 g · 432 m · 3 × 100 g |
| Medium shawl | 64 × 32 in (162 × 81 cm) | Magic ring | 40 | 452 g · 768 m · 5 × 100 g |
| Large wrap | 78 × 39 in (198 × 99 cm) | Magic ring | 49 | 678 g · 1,153 m · 7 × 100 g |
Calculated with the CYC #4 reference ball (170 m per 100 g) and the estimated gauge for that weight. Your numbers will differ with your own yarn and gauge.
Frequently asked questions
How many rows does a crochet triangle shawl need?
For a top-down double-crochet shawl, divide the wingspan by 2 × √2 × the height of one row. With a typical worsted double crochet row of 1.25 cm, a 160 cm wingspan needs about 45 rows.
What if my gauge is different from the pattern?
Type your own stitches and rows per 10 cm in the gauge fields. The generator recalculates the foundation chain (keeping the stitch multiple), the number of rows and the amount of yarn, so the piece still comes out at the size you chose.
Can I use a different yarn than the one suggested?
Yes. Choose any yarn from our database or enter your gauge for an unlisted yarn. The yarn kit box shows how many balls you need and the two closest substitutes from our database, matched by thickness, fibre and texture.
Gauge estimates and hook ranges: Craft Yarn Council · Standard Yarn Weight System. Stitch yarn factors: CrochetMetrics stitch database.