Inside: Grab a ball of yarn and this lightweight crochet shawl pattern to create a triangle wrap that looks like it’s full of tiny ladders.
The yarn for this design was provided by Lion Brand. All opinions are my own.
This pattern was originally published on 9/28/2017. The most recent update was made on 12/8/2022.
Grab your favorite color of Shawl in a Ball by Lion brand to create this fun shawl that looks like it’s full of tiny ladders. All you need is one ball to make this pretty triangle. The pattern is a super-simple 2 row repeat, so once you get the hang of it, it’s a great project to travel with, or to just sit and make while watching TV or chatting with friends.
Use more or less yarn to make it larger or smaller. Ball of Ladders would make a wonderful oversized shawl for cool evenings!
Table of contents
Soon to be your go-to free pattern, the Ball of Ladders crochet shawl pattern is both easy to make and eye-catching to wear. Pair it with a casual day look or an evening outfit for a night our in style. Why not say warm and look stunning at the same time. You’re going to want to make this for all the fashionistas on your gift list.
Ball of Ladders is easy enough for a beginner and pretty enough for a finished project even an expert will be proud of. The lace stitch pattern creates a lovely subtle texture.
This easy crochet shawl is a great accessory for weddings. Try adding fringe or tassels to this crochet triangle shawl to give it some extra flare.
Bonus: It’s so quick and easy to make that you’ll be done with that list in a flash.
Ball of Ladders Video Tutorial
Ball of Ladders
Crochet Pattern
Easy Skill Level
Designed by Jessie Rayot
Supplies
Size
56″ x 25″
Yarn
Lion Brand Yarn Shawl In A Ball: (61% Cotton, 34% Acrylic, 5% Other), Size 4 – Medium/Worsted/Aran, 481 yds / 150 g, (3.21 yds/g)
Lotus Blossom 304 – 1 skein used in sample – When the sample was made the yarn contained 518 yds, now they contain 481. This is not a problem for the pattern, it just means your finished shawl will be a bit smaller than the sample if you only use one ball.
This pattern will work with nearly and weight yarn – though above 4 may get a little chunky.
Crochet Hook Size
US-J, 6.00mm
Gauge
Learn about gauge HERE
14 sts x 7 rows = 4” [10 cm] in dc
Other Supplies
Stitches and Abbreviations
click on highlighted sts for tutorials
ch – chain
dc – double crochet
dch2 – double chain 2
sp(s) – space(s)
st(s) – stitch(es)
( ) – work step in parentheses in indicated stitch
[ ] – work step in brackets number of times indicated
Get the Ad-Free Printable PDF at These Sites
- Showstopper Creations (that’s me!)
- Ravelry
- Etsy
- LoveCrafts
Special Stitches
Double Chain 2 (dch2): Insert hook into designated st (usually the first st), yo, pull through (2 loops on hook), yo, pull through both loops, insert hook in left vertical loop of st part just made, yo, pull through (2 loops on hook), yo, pull through both loops.
Dch2 can be replaced with a starting chain of ch 3.
Pattern Notes
- Read through all instructions before beginning.
- The stitch count is at the end of each row after the period, usually only if the count has changed from the previous row. {count here}
- Chs and sl sts are not included in stitch counts.
- Dch2 counts as dc in stitch counts
Lightweight Crochet Shawl Pattern
Row 1: Ch 2, (Dch2, dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in first ch made. {4 dc}
Row 2: Turn, (dch2, ch 1, dc) in first dc, ch 1, skip 1, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in ch-2, ch 1, skip 1, (dc, ch 1, dc) in last dc. {8 dc}
Row 3: Turn, (dch2, 2 dc) in first dc, dc in ch-1, dc in next dc, dc in ch-1, dc in each of next 2 dc, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in ch-2, dc in each of next 2 dc, dc in ch-1, dc in next dc, dc in ch-1, 3 dc in last dc. {20 dc}
Row 4: Turn, (dch2, ch 1, dc) in first dc, ch 1, skip 1, [dc in next dc, ch 1, skip 1] to ch-2 point, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in ch-2, ch 1, skip 1, [dc in next st, ch 1, skip 1] until 1 dc remains, (dc, ch 1, dc) in last dc. {16 dc}
Row 5: Turn, (dch2, 2 dc) in first dc, [dc in ch-1, dc in next dc] until 1 dc remains before ch-2, dc in next dc, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in ch-2, dc in each of next 2 dc, dc in ch-1, [dc in next dc, dc in ch-1] until 1 dc remains, 3 dc in next dc. {36 dc}
Repeat rows 4 and 5 to desired size, or until there is not enough yarn for another repeat. Each even row will have 8 more dc than the previous even row, each odd row will have 16 more dc than the previous odd row.
Finishing
Fasten off and weave in ends.
Happy Stitching!
FAQs
That’s totally fine, you can make it do that more or less with blocking. I like that aspect as it holds on your shoulders better that way.
Every odd row will have 8 more stitches on each side (16 stitches total) than the previous odd row.
Every even row will have 4 more dc on each side (8 dc total) than the previous even row.
Thankfully we had a very kind crocheter who has made this pattern with both yardages of the yarn answer this question. The finished shawl is only 1 or 2 rows shorter with the new yardage than the old, and is still a good size. She reports that people LOVE getting the shawl as gifts!
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How many chain to start?
4
Sweet pattern!
Have done a lot of crocheting and your pattern is very unclear.. Row 2in ch-2 what? space? Most patterns are VERY much more clear.
in the ch-2, yes that’s a space.
The YouTube video was very helpful…..
Thank you for doing the video. It is very clear and easy to follow!
Do you have an easy way to calculate how many stiches/DCs there should be at the end of each row? I am using a yarn that is very difficult to see actual stitches and the only way I will be able to make this accurately is to make sure my counts are correct at the end of each row.
Every odd row will be 16 sts longer than the previous odd row.
thanksfor the stitch count for dbl crochet stitches at the end of the odd rows. Sorry but could you also give me # of stitches for the even rows too?odd rows change by 16 more and even rows would change by ????
I haven’t done the math, but if your odd rows are right and you are following the pattern, you should be fine.
this pattern is NOT printer-friendly, I had to print 13 pages just to get the pattern!
Did you buy the printer friendly, ad-free PDF, or did you just try to print the blog post? The PDF is only 4 pages.
I had to laugh. I have that problem with many patterns, and have learned to count the pages that I want printed. Sometimes I do a copy and paste. However, WHERE IS THE VIDEO? The pattern should be easy with a two-row repeat, but a few places were confusing.
https://www.jessieathome.com/stitchopedia/ball-of-ladders-video/
Thank you so much, Jessie. Got it! I followed along, but I used velvet yarn, too thick. I’ll make your beautiful pattern with the velvet baby yarn, a 4-weight.
In case you didn’t know, Lion Brand has cut the size of their balls from 518 to 481 yards, nearly 120 feet less. You WILL run out of yarn!
Oh, dear!!!
Is there an easy way to adjust this pattern to compensate for the change in yardage?
If you read the pattern you will see that you can end it at any time, so you don’t need to worry if your yardage is different. Just know it will be bigger or smaller then mine if your yardage or gauge are different.
OMG! The pattern’s of shawl is sooo beautiful! I have a pink and grey colours angora yarn and this pattern will be the best for it! Thank you very much!
Marianne
How so you start?
With Row 1.
Man some of you guys…..like asking for a ride and wanting to drive…..enjoy the beautiful free pattern !
I am working on this pattern and figured it out after a couple tries, realizing no where does it say to “turn your work.” At first I thought it was worked in the round (the way it’s written) but it is meant to be worked in rows, right? It’s a great looking project. Thanks!
Yes, as it is Rows, not Rnds, you do turn. I write both knit and crochet patterns, and you write “turn” in crochet but not in knit, so sometimes I forget to write it in crochet. I’ll add it in. Thank you for pointing that out!
One thing I noticed when working this is that it is slightly unclear when it states to “dc in each st to ch 2” how to get the exact stitch count.
It wasnt until a little thinking that I realized you meant stitching into the chains from previous rows ch1 as well!
It may be a welcomed addition to the pattern just to clarify it (in a parenthesis perhaps?). Or maybe it’s just me, I’m a little new to reading patterns 🙂
Either way it’s beautiful and the only pattern I will ever use to create a shawl.
I just gave it a little TLC – it’s also still on my update list.
I’m starting my 2nd shawl this week with this pattern. The clarifications you just made are PERFECT. It’s a beautiful pattern. Thank you.
Thank you. I should have taken a good look at this pattern sooner. I’m still planning on giving it some TLC to be sure I didn’t miss anything else.
Your pattern makes such a pretty, simple shawl. I have made four so far for family and friends. My daughter suggested I should make some and try to sell them. Is it ok to sell items that I make with your pattern? Thank you.
Thank you so much! I’m glad you’re getting so much use from the pattern. You’re welcome to sell finished items made from my patterns, I just ask that you give me designer credit, and a link to the design if possible. I’m sure you know, but I always say it to be safe, my pattern can not be sold or copied for others, I keep that right, but selling finished items is all good. I hope you’re very successful with your sales! <3
I am finishing shawl #8 – so far all have been claimed! I was reading previous comments and this is what I did when I made my first shawl to help me keep my stitch count: Each solid dc row increases by 8 stitches on each side (18, 26, 34,etc) and each filet row by 4dc on each side (12, 16, 20, etc.). I have the numbers listed so I can easily see if my count is off. I found it easier to count each side to the middle, and if I had to correct, less unraveling! I don’t bother counting anymore unless the filet row doesn’t work (usually when I’m tired). Your pattern is so relaxing to work on and I can work a shawl quite quickly which is good for me since I usually crochet mornings before chores and evenings after dinner. I did change the first row to ch3 to start with since it seems to be the first solid dc row.
There was a comment about the Shawl in a Ball being only 481 yards now. I had some skeins that are 518yds and newer skeins that are 481 – I have enough yarn and still leftover with the smaller skeins. I end up on a solid row of 130 st (260 full row) the only difference is that with the larger skein I could get a filet row to end if I wanted but neither will let me get to another solid (276dc side) row.
I love your pattern and everyone who has received one does, too, and asked for other colors! I still do hope to try to sell some and will certainly credit you, they are so fun to make!
Thank you for this lovely pattern.
I love this! Thank you. 🙂
Row three is very unclear. I figured it out, but you should note that its a solid row.
I’ve got a situation where the corners are slowly edging back. That normal?
If you’re saying what I think you’re saying, yes. It holds on your shoulders better that way.
Hello Jessie,
Thank you for this pattern as it lends itself to Shawl in a Ball nicely. I read the above posts and I would like to make a few suggestions.
When you are demonstrating in a video, it helps to make the pattern with a different yarn especially with Shawl in a Ball’s texture. A plain worsted yarn would help with seeing the different stitches and spaces. If you take a look at other tutorials, some instructors use different yearns with lights colors. Flatting the piece on the table and counting the stitches is very helpful.
The pattern is confusing in parts particularly for beginners. Row 3 is confusing. Chain 3 then turn. I have not seen that written in other patterns. the direction to “turn” after instructions to make chains. That direction should be at the end of Row 2 to get ready for Row 3. It’s a clarification issue but for beginner crocheters, that little instruction is important. When writing patterns and teaching, it’s best not to assume that all your students have the same level of crochet knowledge.
One of my favorite designers includes a chart with her patterns – even the easy ones. You might want to consider writing up a chart. That not only helps the crocheter understand the pattern but it will help you clarify what you want to say. Working from a written pattern and a chart is a great way to learn crochet. When I see a crochet pattern that I am unsure of, I take the written patterns and make a chart so I can “see” what I am doing. I know there are programs to do the work for you and a graph is always appreciated by new and experienced crocheters.
In my experience, most crocheters are visual learners which makes sense because video tutorials are so popular. Thank you for doing this tutorial – there is a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes. Have a great day!