Valley Yarns Cordoba Shawl Crochet Pattern

Valley Yarns Cordoba Shawl

What is Being Made

The Valley Yarns Cordoba Shawl is a triangular lace shawl designed by Sara Delaney. This crocheted accessory measures 66 inches wide across the top with a 30-inch length at the point, making it a versatile wrap suitable for layering over shoulders or draping elegantly for special occasions and casual evenings.

Construction Method

This shawl is worked seamlessly from the center back in a top-down approach, meaning you begin from a small foundation ring and expand outward as you progress through each row. The flat construction eliminates the need for seaming, creating a unified, polished finished piece. The design grows symmetrically from a central point, with strategic increases that shape the triangular silhouette.

Crochet Stitches and Techniques

The Cordoba Shawl employs a granny-inspired stitch pattern that combines several fundamental crochet stitches to create visual interest and delicate lacework:

• Double crochet (dc) forms the primary fabric in the central sections, typically worked in groups of four stitches separated by chain spaces
• Treble crochet (tr) appears in the later rows, particularly in rows 25 and onward, creating taller stitches that add dimension to the lace border
• Chain stitches (ch) create the open spaces characteristic of lace patterns, with chain-1 and chain-3 spaces distributed throughout to establish the geometric structure
• Slip stitch (sl st) joins the initial foundation chain into a ring to begin the project
• Varied stitch heights are strategically introduced through alternating rows of double crochet and single crochet variations (noted as "dcv" and "trv" in the pattern), adding textural contrast and preventing the fabric from becoming too dense

The pattern incorporates lace techniques through the strategic placement of chain spaces that create openwork sections, allowing the shawl to drape beautifully while remaining lightweight. The granny-inspired construction uses repeating stitch groups that build upon each other, making the pattern intuitive to follow despite its elegant appearance.

Materials Required

The Cordoba Shawl calls for 2 skeins of Valley Yarns Franklin yarn in the colorway Burnished Amber. This yarn is composed of 75% wool and 25% nylon, providing durability and elasticity, with each skein containing 450 yards at a 4-ounce weight. The nylon content ensures the finished shawl maintains its shape and resists stretching over time.

A US size F/5 (3.75mm) crochet hook is used to work the yarn to the specified gauge. The pattern recommends adjusting hook size as needed to achieve the correct gauge of approximately 4 granny groups and 9 rows measuring 4 inches in the center double crochet section.

Skill Level

This project is rated as beginner-friendly, making it an excellent choice for crocheters new to shawl construction. The straightforward stitch pattern, combined with the simple top-down structure, allows beginners to build confidence while creating a sophisticated finished garment. The repetitive nature of the granny-inspired pattern means once you establish the rhythm, the work becomes meditative and enjoyable.