Berroco Shawl Crochet Pattern

Berroco Kassel Crochet Shawl

What is Being Made

The Kassel is a rectangular crochet shawl designed by Åsa Buchta. This intermediate-level project measures approximately 18¼ inches wide by 69½ inches long (not including fringe), making it an elegant accessory suitable for layering or draping. The shawl is worked flat from end to end in a single piece, with fringe added to the short ends for a finished look.

Construction Method

This shawl uses a straightforward flat construction technique. The crocheter begins by chaining 85 stitches, then works a set-up row of double crochet stitches across the foundation chain. From there, the pattern is worked in rows, building the rectangular shape through repeating stitch sequences. The fringe is added after the main body is complete, attached to the short ends of the finished piece.

Crochet Stitches and Techniques

The Kassel pattern employs fundamental crochet stitches worked in a repeating pattern structure. The primary stitch used throughout is the double crochet, which creates a fabric with good drape and structure suitable for a shawl. The pattern incorporates chain spaces (abbreviated as ch-1 sp) created by chaining and skipping stitches, which add openwork elements and visual interest to the design.

The pattern repeat measures 8 stitches wide and creates a textured, dimensional fabric when worked across the width. The repeating rows build upon each other, with chain spaces strategically placed and filled in subsequent rows to create the pattern's characteristic look. This technique of building pattern complexity through layered rows is typical of intermediate crochet design.

Yarn and Materials

This pattern calls for Berroco Tillie yarn, requiring 3 hanks of 100 grams each in colorway #10950 Panbah. The yarn is worked with a US size 7 (4.5 mm) crochet hook, or a size adjusted to match the specified gauge. The gauge for this project is 18 double crochet stitches and 7 rows measured over 4 inches in the pattern stitch, with the 8-stitch pattern repeat measuring 1¾ inches wide. Gauge is measured after blocking, making it essential to swatch and block before beginning the full project to ensure accurate finished dimensions.

Skill Level

Rated as an intermediate project, the Kassel shawl is suitable for crocheters with foundational knowledge of basic stitches and pattern reading. The repeating stitch sequences and use of chain spaces require attention to detail and familiarity with following written crochet instructions, but do not involve complex techniques such as color changes or advanced stitch variations.