Inside: Create a timeless and elegant crochet shawl with this easy and free pattern for a triangle crochet shawl for beginners.
PinPinThis pattern was originally published on 9/9/2014. The most recent update was made on 12/15/2022.
Give your wardrobe an elegant touch with this crochet Unchained Shawl. This free crochet pattern is perfect for beginners – it uses basic crochet chains and single crochet, and the finished look is absolutely stunning.
The triangle shawl shape will envelop you in warmth and comfort, making it the perfect accessory for any outfit. Let your creativity run wild and customize this shawl any way you like for the perfect statement piece.
Table of contents
If you can make a chain stitch and a single crochet, you can make the Unchained Wrap! It is super simple, and utilizes the beauty of variegated yarn to create a stunning piece that will make everyone take notice. For those of you who like charts, I have created one for Unchained, in addition to writing out the pattern.
Unchained Shawl
Crochet Pattern
Easy Skill Level
Designed by Jessie Rayot
Supplies
Size
Any! Just keep going until you have reached your desired size.
Yarn
RED HEART® Boutique Unforgettable: 3 skeins (270 g)
Or more or less if you want to change the size
For the sample seen in the photos, I used the left over yarn from my Fall Leaves Wrap, plus 1 additional full skein. Here are the colors I used, in the order I used them, and the amount that I used:
9942 Cappuccino, 10 g
3956 Polo, 18 g
3950 Petunia, 30 g
3940 Echo, 36 g
3932 Springtime, 75 g
3935 Dragonfly, 100 g
Crochet Hook
US H/8, (5.0 mm)
Gauge
Learn about gauge HERE
Not really important in this pattern, as you can just go until you reach your desired size.
Other Supplies
Stitches and Abbreviations
click on highlighted sts for tutorials
ch – chain
sc – single crochet
St(s) – stitch(es)
Get the Ad-Free Printable PDF at These Sites
- Showstopper Creations (that’s me!)
- Ravelry
- Etsy
- LoveCrafts
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 unless specified.
Triangle Crochet Shawl for Beginners Pattern
Row 1: Ch 2, [(sc, ch 2, sc, ch 1) 2 times, sc, ch 2, sc], all in second ch from hook.
Row 2: Turn, ch 1, (sc, ch 2, sc) in the first ch-2 sp, ch 3, (sc, ch 2, sc) in the next ch-2 sp, ch 3, (sc, ch 2, sc) in the last ch-2 sp.
Row 3: Turn, ch 1, (sc, ch 2, sc) in the first ch-2 sp, ch 5, (sc, ch 2, sc) in the next ch-2 sp, ch 5, (sc, ch 2, sc) in the last ch-2 sp.
Row 4: Turn, ch 1, (sc, ch 2, sc) 2 times in the first ch-2 sp, ch 5, (sc, ch 2, sc) 3 times in the next ch-2 sp, ch 5, (sc, ch 2, sc) 2 times in the last ch-2 sp.
Row 5: Turn, ch 1, (sc, ch 2, sc) in the first ch-2 sp, ch 1, (sc, ch 2, sc) in the next ch-2 sp, ch 5, [(sc, ch 2, sc) in the next ch-2 sp, ch 1] 2 times, (sc, ch 2, sc) in the next ch-2 sp, ch 5, (sc, ch 2, sc) in the next ch-2 sp, ch 1, (sc, ch 2, sc) in the last ch-2 sp.
Row 6: Turn, ch 1, (sc, ch 2, sc) in the first ch-2 sp, ch 2, (sc, ch 2, sc) in the next ch-2 sp, ch 5, [(sc, ch 2, sc) in the next ch-2 sp, ch 2] 2 times, (sc, ch 2, sc) in the next ch-2 sp, ch 5, (sc, ch 2, sc) in the next ch-2 sp, ch 2, (sc, ch 2, sc) in the last ch-2 sp.
Row 7: Turn, ch 1, (sc, ch 2, sc) in the first ch-2 sp, ch 3, (sc, ch 2, sc) in the next ch-2 sp, ch 5, [(sc, ch 2, sc) in the next ch-2 sp, ch 3] 2 times, (sc, ch 2, sc) in the next ch-2 sp, ch 5, (sc, ch 2, sc) in the next ch-2 sp, ch 3, (sc, ch 2, sc) in the last ch-2 sp.
Row 8: Turn, ch 1, (sc, ch 2, sc) in the first ch-2 sp, ch 4, (sc, ch 2, sc) in the next ch-2 sp, ch 5, [(sc, ch 2, sc) in the next ch-2 sp, ch 4] 2 times, (sc, ch 2, sc) in the next ch-2 sp, ch 5, (sc, ch 2, sc) in the next ch-2 sp, ch 4, (sc, ch 2, sc) in the last ch-2 sp.
Row 9: Turn, ch 1, (sc, ch 2, sc) in the first ch-2 sp, *ch 5, (sc, ch 2, sc) in the next ch-2 sp, repeat from * to end of row
Row 10: Turn, ch 1, (sc, ch 2, sc) 2 times in the ch-2 sp, ch 5, *(sc, ch 2, sc) in the next ch-2 sp, ch 5, repeat from * until the center point is reached, (sc, ch 2, sc) 3 times in the center point ch-2 sp, ch 5, **(sc, ch 2, sc) in the ch-2 sp, ch 5, repeat from ** until the last ch-2 sp is reached, (sc, ch 2, sc) 2 times in the last ch-2 sp.
Row 11: Turn, ch 1, (sc, ch 2, sc) in the first ch-2 sp, ch 1, *(sc, ch 2, sc) in the next ch-2 sp, ch 5, repeat from * until the ch-2 sp before the center point is reached, [(sc, ch 2, sc) in the next ch-2 sp, ch 1] 2 times, **(sc, ch 2, sc) in the next ch-2 sp, ch 5, repeat from ** until only 2 ch-2 sps remain, (sc, ch 2, sc) in the next ch-2 sp, ch 1, (sc, ch 2, sc) in the last ch-2 sp.
Row 12: Turn, ch 1, (sc, ch 2, sc) in the first ch-2 sp, ch 2, *(sc, ch 2, sc) in the next ch-2 sp, ch 5, repeat from * until the ch-2 sp before the center point is reached, [(sc, ch 2, sc) in the next ch-2 sp, ch 2] 2 times, **(sc, ch 2, sc) in the next ch-2 sp, ch 5, repeat from ** until only 2 ch-2 sps remain, (sc, ch 2, sc) in the next ch-2 sp, ch 2, (sc, ch 2, sc) in the last ch-2 sp.
Row 13: Turn, ch 1, (sc, ch 2, sc) in the first ch-2 sp, ch 3, *(sc, ch 2, sc) in the next ch-2 sp, ch 5, repeat from * until the ch-2 sp before the center point is reached, [(sc, ch 2, sc) in the next ch-2 sp, ch 3] 2 times, **(sc, ch 2, sc) in the next ch-2 sp, ch 5, repeat from ** until only 2 ch-2 sps remain, (sc, ch 2, sc) in the next ch-2 sp, ch 3, (sc, ch 2, sc) in the last ch-2 sp.
Row 14: Turn, ch 1, (sc, ch 2, sc) in the first ch-2 sp, ch 4, *(sc, ch 2, sc) in the next ch-2 sp, ch 5, repeat from * until the ch-2 sp before the center point is reached, [(sc, ch 2, sc) in the next ch-2 sp, ch 4] 2 times, **(sc, ch 2, sc) in the next ch-2 sp, ch 5, repeat from ** until only 2 ch-2 sps remain, (sc, ch 2, sc) in the next ch-2 sp, ch 4, (sc, ch 2, sc) in the last ch-2 sp.
Row 15: Turn, ch 1, (sc, ch 2, sc) in the first ch-2 sp, *ch 5, (sc, ch 2, sc) in the next ch-2 sp, repeat from * to end of row.
Repeat rows 10~15: until there is not enough yarn to complete another row, or the desired size is reached.
Finishing
- Weave in ends
- Block finished piece
Happy Stitching!
Chart
FAQs
You chain 2, then you work all the rest of the stitches in row one into the first chain you made.
Just finish a row and cut the old color, then start the next row with the new color. Then weave in the ends when you are done.
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I’m fairly new to crochet. I understand the rows starting with row 2. I’m not sure about how to do row 1. Do you have a video?
No video for this one, sorry. You chain 2, then you work all the rest of the stitches in row one into the first chain you made.
I may be dense, but is this worked in the round or do we turn at each row?
Turn at each row.
Hi, I am confused on row 10. The beginning to the center says sc ch2 sc in first ch2 so twice, and repeat to center. After the center work, it says ch 5, the sc ch2 sc to the end, then sc ch2 sc twice in the end. Should it not be symmetrical with the pattern before the center work?
Oh, my, I seem to have missed some ch 5s in there, let me go fix that! Thank you so much.
OK, I fixed it! I fixed the printer friendly version as well. Thank you for catching that and letting me know, Nancy!
I am confused. Is there no row of sc? I feel like if I make sc and then chain 2, isn’t that just more sc that ends up making the starting chain? I’m sorry, I am new to reading patterns and directions. I really want to make this for my MIL for Christmas. It is so pretty.
There is no row of sc. You are making 2 chains, and then working row one into the first chain you made. Just try doing that and you will see it works. Make sure to read the “Getting Started” notes.
love the shawl and your creativity awesome color choice….I find that all colors go well together….they bring something out of each other….thanks again for sharing ….
Ok, so is there a chain that we work off of? I think I worded my original question wrong. Or is the pattern starting from the point end?
You start with a chain 2, you work row 1 into the first chain you made. Then each row begins with a (sc, ch 2, sc) worked into the ch 2 space that is at the end of the previous row. The pattern starts from the center back and the triangle grows from there. The best way to understand is to just start and follow the directions, it will work.
Beautiful. Thank you for sharing this beautiful pattern
This is absolutely gorgeous! Yet another pattern that puts the kibosh on the idea that you must have a lot of complicated stitches to produce a beautiful item. There is much beauty in simplicity and you have certainly proved it with this shawl. Kudos! And thanks so much for the pattern. I have some Red Heart Boutique that I hadn’t found the right pattern for yet. Lol! Problem solved!
Thank you! The yarn does so much of the work. When you find a yarn with such lovely color changes, why try to be complicated?
Lol! My sentiments exactly!
Lovely
I have been crocheting for many years but new to this site. Looking forward to making this shawl.
I love this! I was wondering how many rows of each did you use? I’m thinking on making it look like Tom Baker’s scarf in Doctor Who, but I’m not sure how to plan the colors.
Oh, my, that would be fun!!
I didn’t count the rows, but I did list the yarn amounts used in grams, and the colors are each around 4″.
What a wonderful pattern! I hope you don’t mind but I modified it to turn it into a ‘square’ to be used as an afghan. I’ve only completed 10 rows so far but I love it! Can’t wait to see it grow. Thanks so much for sharing.
That sounds like a wonderful idea! I bet it will be beautiful.
how do you change colors for the shaul
Just finish a row and cut the old color, then start the next row with the new color. Then weave in the ends when you are done.
hello! I love your pattern!
I have a lot of sock yarn to work with. Do you think this would be adaptable? Suggestions? Thank you
Leslie
Absolutely! Just use a hook size that works well with your yarn and follow the pattern. Once you get several rows in, the pattern is just “repeat the last row to desired size” so you should have no problem. Enjoy. 🙂
I love this. I am attempting to make it as I type this however I am getting stuck on row 5. If I am following the row prior correctly there are 3 ch2 sp at the “v” however row 5 only indicates to work into 2 ch2 spaces at the “v” (btw the ch5’s). Please help what am I doing wrong. Txs. 🙂
[(sc, ch 2, sc) in the next ch-2 sp, ch 1] 2 times, (sc, ch 2, sc) in the next ch-2 sp,
That has you working into all 3 of the chain 2 spaces. Did you miss the “2 times”? I’m not sure what else it could be.
Thanks. I just read it wrong and thought the 2x referred to working 2x in the first 2ch sp and not in reference repeating it in the next two 2ch sp. Txs for taking the time to respond and help me. Again, love how beautiful this is and can’t wait to finish mine.
I lost it on round 5, too, Amanda. Now I don’t fee so foolish.
This is totally gorgeous!!! and it’s just what I’ve been looking for – one of those: “I don’t know but I’ll know it when I see it.” I’m working on something for a friend now but THIS is going to the top of the list for when I get the other finished. Thank you so much!
That is awesome! Thank you. (and I know exactly what you mean!)
This is just gorgeous! Thank you so much for sharing! I want to start on this YESTERDAY! 🙂 Unfortunately have to get through some other projects first, but then this is going to be for me! Thanks again!
Hi,
This is a beautiful project, but I’m not quite sure I understand the pattern. In Row 1 do you go back into the original stitch with all the ‘sc, ch 2, sc, ch 1’ ?
yes
thank you, it’s beautifull 🙂
What is the average size shawl from the maps of the neck to the point at the bottom?
I really don’t know if there is an average for that, they vary so much! When I am trying to decide on a size, sometimes I go to Ravelry and look at what other people have made, see what looks like a size I like, and check the measurements.
I just found this pattern for the unchained wrap. How many rows of each color did you use? I can’t tell by looking at the picture. The yarn is so pretty that I don’t want to mess it up!!
I’m sorry, I did not count the rows, but I did list the amounts of each color used by weight. That should help if you want to duplicate the sample. 🙂
I’m a wandering jewelry maker. I haven’t crocheted for years due to arthritis. This pattern is so delightful, it might just get me to pick up the hook again. I live in the desert (Tucson). Is this a lightweight yarn or can you recommend something that would be more for warmer weather?
It might work nicely with a crochet cotton. Use the same size hook to get a real lacey look! Just give it a go for a bit and see if it looks good, it might not.
Otherwise, you can use the same weight yarn in a cotton or bamboo/cotton mix. Maybe even a linen.
Thanks. I have some crochet cotton I can experiment with. I’ll let you know. Otherwise, bamboo / cotton mix sounds glorious to me.
Hi,just saw your shawl pattern but I’m confused, is the starting point at the top or bottom. The pattern doesn’t indicate when to turn after so many Sts are done.
Thanks for your response
You are starting in the center of the top. You turn at the beginning of each row.
Jessie, you’ve done it again! I was a bit confused at first and had to start it 2 or 3 times, but then suddenly it “clicked” with my brain – one reason I enjoy your patterns/instructions – and I was off! Once I figured out the pattern repeat, I was moving right along and could even close out the pattern and keep going by memory. I used some of your Unforgettable color combos and some different ones, and it looks pretty good. I like that you use the Unforgettable yarn, as I have skeins and skeins of it so your projects are very helpful to me. I also tried this wrap on a smaller scale using Bamboo Pop variegated yarn, and it worked well though resulting in a smaller scarf because it is a smaller-gauge yarn (#3) and I needed to use a smaller hook to accommodate that; I think I used an F or G. If you can come up with some projects using Bamboo Pop or a similar yarn, I’d be glad to try them. Thank you so much for sharing your creativity with us, particularly for free (I’m on a fixed income so truly appreciate free patterns) and PLEASE keep creating!! FYI, for those of you who crochet more loosely as I seem to, you may have better results using a hook one size smaller than Jessie recommends; I used a smaller hook on the Skylark Scarf pattern and liked how it turned out. The stitches were better defined and it had a better cohesion to my eyes. Everybody’s technique is different, but Jessie’s projects that I’ve tried so far seem very “forgiving” of slight changes and still come out well.
Thank you, Allie!
I haven’t tried Bamboo Pop, but I do like the yarns from Universal that I have tried in the past. It looks like it is a DK weight, and quite a few of my patterns are made with DK weight yarn.
Here is a search of my DK patterns: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/search#view=captioned_thumbs&weight=dk&designer=Jessie%20Rayot&sort=date
I downloaded your PDF file for the pattern, but the first line of the directions is different from what’s on your web page: Row 1: Ch 2, (sc, ch 2, sc, ch 1) 2 times, sc, ch 2, sc, all in second ch from hook. The brackets are missing. I was having a terrible time figuring out what to do until I saw the pattern on this page: Row 1: Ch 2, [(sc, ch 2, sc, ch 1) 2 times, sc, ch 2, sc], all in second ch from hook. Could you fix please? Love the shawl and looking forward to making it.
I fixed it, thank you. I would recommend saving yourself some ink and just putting the brackets in with a pen, as it’s only the one line that needs to be fixed so you don’t really need to print it again.
I’ve made three of these. Love the sold colors for evening wear. The only problem I have is that they all seem to have hoods. Works out, as I just fold at the collar. The photos don’t appear to have hoods, am I missing something in the directions?
If you don’t block it, they do pull up a bit at the center back, but not enough to be called a hood.
What color do you start with and when / what colors do you change to at which point in the pattern?
The details are listed at the top of the pattern
Issue with ROW 5:
Row 5: Turn, (sc, ch 2, sc) in the first ch-2 sp, ch 1, (sc, ch 2, sc) in the next ch-2 sp, ch 5, [(sc, ch 2, sc) in the next ch-2 sp, ch 1] 2 times, (sc, ch 2, sc) in the next ch-2 sp, ch 5, (sc, ch 2, sc) in the next ch-2 sp, ch 1, (sc, ch 2, sc) in the last ch-2 sp.
I have tried this 4 times (#4 was with another pair of eyes, <3 my Hunny!) It is NOT symmetrical. It seems that the 2nd "Ch 5" is in the incorrect place.
Can you Please Advise on this row? Thanks OODLES!!!
I don’t know what to tell you, it is symmetrical, and it has been made many times by many people. You may want to be sure that your row 4 is correct, and refer to the chart if you are still having troubles.
I do not have printer how do I keep pattern or save.
Just come back to this post.
Can I sell finished items from your patterns? I make them, give you credit for the pattern and sell what I make. Using my own photos of course and linking to your site? Thanks!
That is fine, thank you for asking. I hope you sell lots!!
Thank you so much for this beautiful pattern, I will post a comment again when I finish it.
But I really wanted to thank you for allowing us to download a free printer friendly pattern. It is almost unheard of to be able to get this for free and I wanted to thank you for your very kind heart!
I can’t wait to try this, I will definitely post a picture when I am done. Thank you again.
Have beautiful days!
I am just too simple-minded or just plain dumb to get this. I have tried and tried to work it up. I love the pattern and the finished product is beautiful. I just can’t do it.! 🙁
You can join my Facebook group linked at the end of the pattern. Then post pictures and ask questions and we can help you through it.
I can’t get the link for the printer friendly version to work. Any ideas?
I don’t use that app, so I don’t know. I’ll put this on my list of patterns that need a PDF on Ravelry and Etsy. Check back in a week to see if those links have been added.
This is a wonderfil pattern, I^ve made a few of them for friends and they absolutely love them. Thank you so much for sharing these patterns ,
Jessie,
I have never ever worn a wrap and to be honest I have never liked them BUT this one! I am going to make this one and I think I am will have something much nicer to replace my always wearing sweatshirts.
The sweatshirts are too hot all too often but I like to feel “held” and have my arms covered~
Thank you for this wonderful pattern! <3
Thank you! This is one of my very first patterns and it’s still one of my most popular. I’m super proud of it and LOVE when others make it and love it as well.