Classic Elite Yarns Cathleen Shawl Crochet Pattern

Cathleen Crochet Shawl by Classic Elite Yarns

What Is Being Made

Cathleen is a summery wrap shawl designed by Susan Mills and originally published in Calista 1602. This intermediate-level crochet project creates an elegant, lightweight accessory measuring approximately 15 inches wide and 72 inches long. The shawl features an open, airy construction that makes it ideal for warm-weather wear.

Construction Method

The Cathleen shawl is worked flat in two separate pieces that are joined at the center. This two-piece construction allows for manageable working sections while building the full length of the wrap. The shawl begins with a foundation chain of 81 stitches, with each half worked independently to approximately 36 inches before the pieces are joined together.

Signature Techniques and Stitch Pattern

The defining characteristic of this design is its lace construction covered with eyelets. The pattern features a repeating Eyelet Pattern that works over a multiple of 5 stitches, creating an open, decorative fabric with strategic chain spaces and stitch groupings.

The Eyelet Pattern repeats over 4 rows:

• Row 1 (Right Side): Double crochet stitches separated by chain-2 spaces and groups of 3 double crochets, creating the foundation of the eyelet design
• Row 2 (Wrong Side): Single crochets worked in the center of stitch groups with 5 double crochets worked into chain spaces, building dimensional texture
• Row 3: Chain-4 spaces and double crochet groups creating additional openwork
• Row 4: Varying numbers of double crochets in spaces with single crochets anchoring the pattern centers

This four-row repeat creates a consistent lace pattern throughout the shawl, with the chain spaces and stitch groupings working together to produce the characteristic eyelet openings that define the design.

Materials and Gauge

The Cathleen shawl is crocheted with Calista by Classic Elite Yarns, a 100% mercerized cotton yarn. The project requires 11 balls of yarn in the colorway Powder Blue (color 3404), with each ball containing approximately 142 yards from a 50-gram skein.

The pattern is worked with a US F/5 (3.75 mm) crochet hook, or the size needed to obtain proper gauge. The finished gauge is 7 repeats (35 stitches) of the Eyelet Pattern measuring 6½ inches when blocked. Checking gauge before beginning is essential for achieving the correct finished measurements.

Finishing

After completing both halves and joining them at the center, the shawl is finished by weaving in all ends. Blocking is recommended to even out the lace pattern and achieve the specified finished measurements of approximately 15 inches wide by 72 inches long.