Autumn Stripes Triangle Shawl: Free Crochet Pattern
Introduction
The Autumn Stripes Triangle Shawl is a cozy, beginner-friendly project that looks far more complicated than it is. Worked top-down in one piece with simple double crochet increases, it's perfect for anyone who has mastered the basic stitches and wants a satisfying, drapey wrap. The bulky self-striping yarn in harvest gold, rust, and chocolate brown creates bold horizontal bands that feel like a walk through falling leaves. The result is a warm, generous 70s-style triangle that sits beautifully over the shoulders and reaches 30 inches deep at the center point.
Materials Needed
- Yarn: Bulky weight (size 5), acrylic or wool blend, in a self-striping autumn colorway (harvest gold, rust, chocolate brown). Approximately 400 yards total.
- Hook: 8 mm (US L-11)
- Notions: Tapestry needle for weaving in ends, scissors, stitch markers (optional), blocking mats and pins
- Finished size: Approximately 60 inches wide across the top edge and 30 inches deep at the center point
Abbreviations
- ch – chain
- dc – double crochet
- sc – single crochet
- sl st – slip stitch
- sp – space
- st(s) – stitch(es)
Gauge
8 double crochet and 4 rows = 4 inches (10 cm). Work a small swatch in double crochet and measure it before starting; if your stitches are larger or smaller, adjust your hook size so the finished shawl matches the measurements.
Tips Before You Start
- Count your stitches at the end of every row. The center increase adds 4 stitches each row, so the totals should climb steadily (6, 10, 14, 18...).
- Use a stitch marker in the center ch-2 space so you never miss the increase point.
- Let the self-striping yarn do the color work for you; if your colorway stripes differently, simply change colors every 6 rows to keep the banded look.
- Keep your turning chains relaxed so the top edge stays straight and doesn't pucker.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Shawl Body
The shawl is worked top-down in one piece, turning at the end of each row. Color A = harvest gold, B = rust, C = chocolate brown.
Setup: With A, ch 4, join with sl st to form a ring.
Row 1: Ch 3 (counts as first dc), work 2 dc in ring, ch 2, work 3 dc in ring. Turn. (6 dc, 1 ch-2 sp)
Row 2: Ch 3, dc in each of next 2 dc, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in ch-2 sp, dc in each of next 3 dc. Turn. (10 dc)
Row 3: Ch 3, dc in each dc to ch-2 sp, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in ch-2 sp, dc in each dc to end. Turn. (14 dc)
Rows 4-6: Repeat Row 3. (26 dc at end of Row 6)
Change to B.
Rows 7-12: Repeat Row 3. (50 dc at end of Row 12)
Change to C.
Rows 13-18: Repeat Row 3. (74 dc at end of Row 18)
Change to A.
Rows 19-24: Repeat Row 3. (98 dc at end of Row 24)
Change to B.
Rows 25-30: Repeat Row 3. (122 dc at end of Row 30)
Change to C.
Rows 31-36: Repeat Row 3. (146 dc at end of Row 36)
Change to A.
Rows 37-42: Repeat Row 3. (170 dc at end of Row 42)
Change to B.
Rows 43-48: Repeat Row 3. (194 dc at end of Row 48)
Change to C.
Rows 49-54: Repeat Row 3. (218 dc at end of Row 54)
Fasten off.
Edging
With right side facing, join C at the top right corner.
Rnd 1: Ch 1, sc evenly around the entire outer edge, working (sc, ch 2, sc) in the center point and in each corner. Join with sl st to first sc. Fasten off.
Assembly and Finishing
This shawl is worked as a single piece, so no seaming is required. Weave in all ends neatly on the wrong side, threading them through several stitches to secure. Block lightly to measurements: mist with water, pin to a 60-inch width and 30-inch depth on blocking mats, and let dry completely to open up the stitches and even out the edges.
Pro Tips and Variations
- Add fringe along the two lower edges for extra 70s flair, cutting 8-inch strands and attaching them in groups of two.
- Make a lighter version by switching to worsted weight yarn and a 6 mm (US J-10) hook, adjusting rows until you reach your desired size.
- Try a solid color for a minimalist look, or alternate two colors every 3 rows for finer stripes.
