Rowan Marika Shawl Crochet Pattern

Rowan Marika Crochet Shawl by Lisa Richardson

What is Being Made

Marika is a crocheted wrap shawl designed by Lisa Richardson for Rowan. This finished garment measures approximately 150 cm (59 inches) wide and 160 cm (63 inches) deep when laid flat. The shawl features a lace construction with a geometric motif-based design that creates an elegant, draped accessory suitable for layering or wearing as a wrap.

Craft and Construction Method

This is a crochet project worked using seamless, flat construction techniques. The shawl is built using repeating lace motifs that expand outward, creating the finished dimensions through strategic increases and chain spaces. The pattern is worked in rounds, with each round building upon the previous to develop the overall shawl structure.

Techniques Used

• Lace construction – The primary technique, featuring open chain spaces and treble clusters that create decorative openwork throughout the design
• Seamless construction – The shawl is worked continuously in rounds without seaming
• Flat working – Despite being worked in rounds, the shawl lies flat when completed, creating a wrap-style garment
• Motif expansion – The basic motif measures 25 cm (9¾ inches) from straight side to straight side and 28 cm (11 inches) from point to point, and these motifs expand and connect throughout the pattern

Stitches Used

• Treble (tr) – The primary stitch used throughout, providing structure and height to the lace pattern
• Chain stitches (ch) – Used extensively to create the open lace spaces and connecting elements between treble groups
• Slip stitch (ss) – Used to join rounds and secure the construction at the end of each round

The pattern employs various chain space combinations, including 2 ch, 3 ch, 4 ch, and 5 ch spaces between treble stitches, creating the characteristic openwork lace effect. Treble clusters of varying sizes (such as 3 tr, 9 tr, and other groupings) form the solid elements that contrast with the open spaces.

Materials

Yarn: Rowan Summerlite DK, 12 x 50gm balls (photographed in Mushroom 454). This is a lightweight, breathable yarn suitable for a delicate lace shawl.

Crochet Hook: 3.50mm (US E4) crochet hook

Tension

The basic motif tension is 25 cm (9¾ inches) from straight side to straight side and 28 cm (11 inches) from point to point when worked with the specified yarn and hook size.