The Cedar Arches Easy Rectangular Crochet Shawl Pattern – A Cozy Forest Retreat
The Cedar Arches Easy Rectangular Crochet Shawl Pattern – A Cozy Forest Retreat
Wrap yourself in the quiet beauty of a forest with this rectangular crochet shawl, featuring a rhythmic arch stitch that mimics layered pine boughs. The soft, heathered yarn and gentle drape make it a perfect companion for cool evenings and mindful moments. This beginner-friendly pattern uses simple stitches—double crochet and chains—to create a stunning textured fabric that looks far more complex than it is. Whether you're curling up with a book, gifting a handmade treasure, or simply enjoying the meditative rhythm of crochet, this shawl is your cozy escape into the woods.
Materials Needed
Before you begin, gather these supplies to ensure a smooth and enjoyable crochet session:
- Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in three heathered shades:
- Deep Forest Green (MC) – 400g
- Mossy Taupe (CC1) – 200g
- Warm Bark Brown (CC2) – 200g
- Hook: 5.5mm (I-9) crochet hook
- Other: Yarn needle for weaving in ends, scissors, blocking mats and pins (optional but recommended)
Gauge
14 stitches x 8 rows = 4 inches in arch pattern (after blocking). While gauge is important for size, this shawl is forgiving—you can adjust the foundation chain to your desired width.
Step-by-Step Instructions
This rectangular shawl is worked flat, from the bottom edge up, with a repeating two-row arch pattern that creates a beautiful textured fabric. The color changes are worked in wide stripes to mimic the layers of a forest canopy. Follow along carefully, and you'll have a stunning shawl in no time.
Foundation Row
With MC (Deep Forest Green), chain 120. (Adjust chain length for desired width; the chain must be a multiple of 4 + 2.) This foundation chain will become the bottom edge of your shawl.
Row 1 (Right Side)
Work 1 double crochet (dc) in the 4th chain from the hook (this counts as your first dc). Now, follow this repeating sequence across the row:
- Skip 3 chains
- Work 5 dc in the next chain (this creates a "shell" – the foundation of your arch pattern)
- Skip 3 chains
- Work 1 dc in the next chain
Repeat from * across the row, ending with 1 dc in the last chain. Turn your work. (You should have 15 shells and 16 single dc posts.)
Row 2 (Wrong Side)
Chain 3 (counts as your first dc). Now work the V-stitch pattern:
- Work 1 dc in the center dc of the next shell (this is the 3rd dc of the 5-dc group)
- Chain 2
- Work 1 dc in the same center dc (this forms a V-stitch)
Repeat from * across the row, ending with 1 dc in the top of the turning chain from the previous row. Turn your work.
Row 3 (Right Side)
Chain 3 (counts as first dc). Now work the shell pattern into the V-stitches:
- Work 5 dc in the chain-2 space of the next V-stitch
- Work 1 dc in the next dc (the one between V-stitches)
Repeat from * across the row, ending with 1 dc in the top of the turning chain. Turn your work.
Row 4 (Wrong Side)
Repeat Row 2 exactly. This completes one full repeat of the arch pattern.
Color Stripe Sequence
Continue repeating Rows 3 and 4, changing colors according to the sequence below. This creates the beautiful forest canopy effect:
- Work Rows 1-4 in MC (Deep Forest Green)
- Work Rows 5-12 in CC1 (Mossy Taupe)
- Work Rows 13-20 in MC
- Work Rows 21-28 in CC2 (Warm Bark Brown)
- Work Rows 29-36 in MC
- Work Rows 37-44 in CC1
- Work Rows 45-52 in MC
- Work Rows 53-60 in CC2
- Work Rows 61-68 in MC
- Work Rows 69-76 in CC1
- Work Rows 77-84 in MC
Pro Tip: When changing colors, do so at the end of a wrong-side row. Simply drop the old color, pick up the new color, and chain 3 to start the next row. Leave a 6-inch tail to weave in later.
Finishing
After completing Row 84, fasten off and weave in all ends using your yarn needle. Take your time with this step—a clean finish makes your shawl look professional.
Blocking: Block the shawl gently to open up the arch pattern and even out the edges. Do not stretch too aggressively; the goal is a soft, drapey fabric. Pin the shawl to your desired dimensions on blocking mats, mist with water, and allow to dry completely. This step transforms your work, making the arches crisp and the edges straight.
Optional Edging
For a polished, finished look, add a simple border:
- With MC, work a round of single crochet (sc) around the entire perimeter of the shawl
- Work 3 sc in each corner to keep the corners flat and prevent curling
- Join with a slip stitch to the first sc and fasten off
This clean edging frames your beautiful arch pattern beautifully.
Your Cozy Forest Retreat Awaits
This rectangular shawl is more than just an accessory—it's a wearable hug from the forest. The rhythmic arch stitch is meditative to work, and the earthy color palette brings warmth to any outfit. Whether you're a beginner looking for your first shawl project or an experienced crocheter seeking a relaxing make, the Cedar Arches pattern delivers. Wrap yourself in its cozy embrace and let the stresses of the day melt away.
Happy crocheting, and may your stitches always be even and your coffee always be warm!
