Valley Yarns Arkose Shawl Crochet Pattern

Valley Yarns Arkose Shawl

What Is Being Made

The Arkose Shawl is an asymmetrical triangle shawl designed by Sara Delaney. This crocheted accessory measures 66 inches wide and 26 inches long at the point, making it a substantial wrap suitable for layering or draping. The shawl features an elegant lace construction that grows exponentially as you work from the top edge toward the finished point, creating visual interest and a dynamic silhouette.

Techniques and Construction Method

This shawl employs a top-down, seamless construction worked flat in rows. The design begins with a foundation chain and builds outward using a straightforward two-row repeat pattern that is easy to memorize, making it accessible for crocheters who want to work without constantly referencing instructions. The lace technique creates an open, airy fabric with decorative shell motifs that form the primary design element. The pattern accelerates as you progress, with each row containing fewer shells than the previous, which naturally creates the triangular shaping. A simple single crochet edging finishes the outer perimeter, with special attention paid to corner increases for a polished edge.

Stitches Used

The Arkose Shawl utilizes fundamental crochet stitches combined to create sophisticated lace effects:

• Treble crochet (tr): Forms the primary structural elements of the shell motifs
• Chain (ch): Creates the open spaces and lacy gaps between shells, as well as the foundation and turning chains
• Single crochet (sc): Used as connection points between shells and for the finishing edging
• Slip stitch (sl st): Joins shells and maintains shaping throughout the pattern

The core pattern repeats a shell structure: one treble crochet followed by four chain-one, treble crochet combinations, creating a fan-like or shell shape. This motif repeats across each row with strategic spacing created by chain stitches and slip stitches to maintain proper gauge and shaping.

Materials and Tools

The Arkose Shawl pattern calls for 2 skeins of Valley Yarns Pocumtuck, a luxurious 100% cashmere yarn with 165 yards per 50-gram skein. The sample shown is worked in color 015 Ocean Spray. A J/10 (6.00mm) crochet hook is recommended, though you should verify your hook size by checking gauge before beginning. The finished gauge is 1.5 shells and 3 rows measuring 4 inches in the pattern after blocking, which is essential to achieve the correct finished dimensions.

Difficulty Level and Customization

Rated as advanced beginner, the Arkose Shawl is suitable for crocheters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle lace patterns and shaping. The two-row repeat makes the pattern manageable and meditative to work. The design is also customizable: if you prefer a wider and deeper shawl, you can increase your foundation chain by 8 stitches for each additional shell you wish to add, allowing you to adjust the finished size to your preferences.

Finishing

After completing all rows and the edging, finishing involves weaving in all yarn ends and lightly blocking the shawl to even out the lace pattern and achieve the stated finished dimensions. The cashmere fiber responds beautifully to blocking, opening up the lace work and creating a refined drape.