The Ember Dune Crescent Shawl: A Free Pattern for a Textured, Modern Wrapped Stitch Design
Wrap Yourself in Desert Warmth: The Ember Dune Crescent Shawl
Imagine the shifting sands of a desert landscape, captured in a soft, wearable crescent shawl. The Ember Dune Crescent Shawl is a modern, textured design that uses a clever combination of treble crochet 3 together (tr3tog) stitches and chain spaces to create a stunning, undulating fabric. This free pattern is perfect for adventurous beginners and experienced crocheters alike, offering a rhythmic, meditative project that results in a lightweight yet cozy accessory. The dramatic stitch pattern mimics the rolling dunes, while the two-color palette—a warm terracotta and a soft cream—evokes the feeling of a sunset over the desert. Whether you're a seasoned maker or just starting your crochet journey, this shawl will become a cherished handmade piece.
Materials Needed
To create your own Ember Dune Crescent Shawl, gather the following supplies. The exact gauge is not critical, but consistency is key for the beautiful drape.
- Yarn: Worsted weight (#4) yarn in two colors:
- Main Color (MC): 600 yards of a warm terracotta or burnt orange (e.g., Lion Brand Heartland in 'Grand Canyon')
- Contrast Color (CC): 400 yards of a soft cream or sand (e.g., Lion Brand Heartland in 'Yosemite')
- Hook: Size J-10 (6.0 mm) crochet hook, or size needed to obtain gauge.
- Gauge: 14 sts and 8 rows of pattern (one repeat of the 4-row pattern) = 4 inches (10 cm).
- Other: Yarn needle for weaving in ends, scissors, blocking mats and pins (optional, for finishing).
Step-by-Step Instructions
This shawl is worked from the top center point outwards, increasing at the center and both ends to create a crescent shape. The pattern uses a 4-row repeat that incorporates the tr3tog stitch. Read all notes before beginning.
Notes
- Ch 3 at the beginning of a row counts as a dc.
- Ch 5 at the beginning of a row counts as a dc + ch 2.
- The shawl is worked flat, turning at the end of each row.
Special Stitch: Tr3tog (Treble Crochet 3 Together)
This stitch creates a cluster that decreases 2 stitches. Here's how to do it:
- Yarn over twice, insert hook into next stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through 2 loops (2 loops on hook).
- Repeat from * once more in the same stitch (3 loops on hook).
- Yarn over and pull through all 3 loops on hook.
Tip: Work the tr3tog in the dc from the previous row, not the ch-2 space.
Pattern
Foundation: With MC, ch 4, join with sl st to form a ring.
Row 1 (RS): Ch 5 (counts as dc, ch 2), (dc, ch 2, dc) in ring, ch 2, dc in ring. Turn. (4 dc, 3 ch-2 spaces)
Row 2: Ch 5 (counts as dc, ch 2), dc in first dc, ch 2, (dc, ch 2, dc) in next dc, ch 2, dc in last dc, ch 2, dc in top of turning ch. Turn. (6 dc, 5 ch-2 spaces)
Row 3: Ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in first ch-2 space, *ch 2, tr3tog in next dc (work the tr3tog in the dc from the previous row, not the ch-2 space)*, ch 2, dc in next ch-2 space. Repeat from * across, ending with dc in last ch-2 space, dc in top of turning ch. Turn. (4 dc, 3 tr3tog, 6 ch-2 spaces)
Row 4: Ch 5 (counts as dc, ch 2), dc in first dc, *ch 2, dc in next ch-2 space, ch 2, dc in top of next tr3tog*, repeat from * across, ending with ch 2, dc in last dc, ch 2, dc in top of turning ch. Turn. (10 dc, 9 ch-2 spaces)
Row 5 (Increase Row): Ch 5 (counts as dc, ch 2), dc in first dc, ch 2, dc in next ch-2 space, *ch 2, (dc, ch 2, dc) in next dc (increase made)*, ch 2, dc in next ch-2 space, repeat from * across, ending with ch 2, dc in last dc, ch 2, dc in top of turning ch. Turn. (14 dc, 13 ch-2 spaces)
Row 6: Ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in first ch-2 space, *ch 2, tr3tog in next dc, ch 2, dc in next ch-2 space*, repeat from * across, ending with dc in last ch-2 space, dc in top of turning ch. Turn. (8 dc, 7 tr3tog, 14 ch-2 spaces)
Row 7: Ch 5 (counts as dc, ch 2), dc in first dc, *ch 2, dc in next ch-2 space, ch 2, dc in top of next tr3tog*, repeat from * across, ending with ch 2, dc in last dc, ch 2, dc in top of turning ch. Turn. (18 dc, 17 ch-2 spaces)
Row 8 (Increase Row): Repeat Row 5. (22 dc, 21 ch-2 spaces)
Rows 9-12: Repeat Rows 6-8 once more, then work Rows 6-7 again. (After Row 12: 26 dc, 25 ch-2 spaces)
Begin Color Pattern
Now you will alternate colors every 3 rows. Follow the sequence below, repeating the pattern until the shawl reaches your desired size. The sample was worked until 90 dc across the top edge (after an increase row).
Row 13 (Increase Row, CC): With CC, repeat Row 5. (30 dc, 29 ch-2 spaces)
Row 14: With CC, repeat Row 6. (16 dc, 15 tr3tog, 30 ch-2 spaces)
Row 15: With CC, repeat Row 7. (34 dc, 33 ch-2 spaces)
Row 16 (Increase Row, MC): With MC, repeat Row 5. (38 dc, 37 ch-2 spaces)
Row 17: With MC, repeat Row 6. (20 dc, 19 tr3tog, 38 ch-2 spaces)
Row 18: With MC, repeat Row 7. (42 dc, 41 ch-2 spaces)
Row 19 (Increase Row, CC): With CC, repeat Row 5. (46 dc, 45 ch-2 spaces)
Row 20: With CC, repeat Row 6. (24 dc, 23 tr3tog, 46 ch-2 spaces)
Row 21: With CC, repeat Row 7. (50 dc, 49 ch-2 spaces)
Row 22 (Increase Row, MC): With MC, repeat Row 5. (54 dc, 53 ch-2 spaces)
Continue in this manner, alternating colors every 3 rows (1 increase row, 1 tr3tog row, 1 plain row) until the shawl reaches your desired size. The sample was worked until 90 dc across the top edge (after an increase row).
Finishing
Fasten off. Weave in all ends with a yarn needle. Block the shawl gently to open up the stitch pattern and shape the crescent. Lay flat to dry.
Optional Edging: With CC, work a round of single crochet evenly around the entire outer edge, working 3 sc in each corner point to keep the edge flat. Join with sl st, fasten off.
Your Ember Dune Crescent Shawl is now complete! Enjoy the beautiful texture and the warmth of the desert-inspired colors.
