The Northern Lights Lace Shawl: A Free Crochet Pattern
Wrap Yourself in the Aurora: The Northern Lights Lace Shawl
Imagine the ethereal, dancing lights of the aurora borealis captured in a soft, wearable fabric. That is the magic of the Northern Lights Lace Shawl. This free crochet pattern combines the structure of a classic triangle shawl with a unique interplay of dense shell stitches and open, airy lace. The result is a stunning accessory that shifts and shimmers with light and shadow, perfect for adding a touch of celestial beauty to any outfit. Whether you are a seasoned crocheter looking for a meditative project or a confident beginner ready for a new challenge, this shawl is a joy to create and an even greater joy to wear.
Materials Needed
Before you begin, gather the following supplies. The suggested yarn creates a beautiful gradient, but feel free to choose your own color story.
- Yarn: Worsted weight (#4) yarn in 3 colors:
- Color A (Deep Teal): 400 yards (e.g., Lion Brand Heartland in 'Acadia')
- Color B (Emerald Green): 350 yards (e.g., Lion Brand Heartland in 'Grand Canyon')
- Color C (Pale Silver): 300 yards (e.g., Lion Brand Heartland in 'Yosemite')
- Crochet Hook: Size I/9 (5.5 mm)
- Other: Yarn needle for weaving in ends, scissors, blocking mats and pins (recommended for best results).
Step-by-Step Instructions
Important Notes: The shawl is worked from the center top point downwards. A ch 3 at the beginning of a row always counts as a double crochet (dc). The pattern uses a 3-row repeat to create the beautiful gradient effect. Turn your work at the end of every row.
Foundation & First Rows (Color A)
Foundation: With Color A, chain 4. Slip stitch to the first chain to form a ring.
Row 1 (Right Side): Chain 3 (counts as dc), work 3 double crochet into the ring, chain 2, work 4 double crochet into the ring. Turn. You now have 8 double crochet and 1 chain-2 space.
Row 2: Chain 3 (counts as dc), double crochet in the same stitch (this is your increase), *double crochet in the next 3 stitches, (double crochet, chain 2, double crochet) in the chain-2 space, double crochet in the next 3 stitches*, double crochet in the top of the beginning chain-3. Turn. You now have 12 double crochet and 1 chain-2 space.
Row 3: Chain 3 (counts as dc), double crochet in the same stitch, *double crochet in the next 5 stitches, (double crochet, chain 2, double crochet) in the chain-2 space, double crochet in the next 5 stitches*, double crochet in the top of the beginning chain-3. Turn. You now have 16 double crochet and 1 chain-2 space.
Row 4 (Increase Row): Chain 3 (counts as dc), double crochet in the same stitch, *double crochet in the next 7 stitches, (double crochet, chain 2, double crochet) in the chain-2 space, double crochet in the next 7 stitches*, double crochet in the top of the beginning chain-3. Turn. You now have 20 double crochet and 1 chain-2 space.
Introducing the Lace Pattern & Color B
Row 5 (Lace Row - Color B): Join Color B. Chain 3 (counts as dc), double crochet in the same stitch, *chain 1, skip 1 stitch, double crochet in the next stitch* repeat from * to * across until you reach the chain-2 space, (double crochet, chain 2, double crochet) in the chain-2 space, repeat from * to * across to the last stitch, double crochet in the top of the beginning chain-3. Turn. You now have 10 double crochet and 9 chain-1 spaces on each side of the center.
Row 6: Chain 3 (counts as dc), double crochet in the same stitch, *double crochet in the next chain-1 space, double crochet in the next double crochet* repeat from * to * across until you reach the chain-2 space, (double crochet, chain 2, double crochet) in the chain-2 space, repeat from * to * across to the last stitch, double crochet in the top of the beginning chain-3. Turn. You now have 20 double crochet and 1 chain-2 space.
Row 7 (Increase Row): Chain 3 (counts as dc), double crochet in the same stitch, *double crochet in the next 9 stitches, (double crochet, chain 2, double crochet) in the chain-2 space, double crochet in the next 9 stitches*, double crochet in the top of the beginning chain-3. Turn. You now have 24 double crochet and 1 chain-2 space.
Continuing the Pattern with Color C
Row 8 (Lace Row - Color C): Join Color C. Repeat Row 5 exactly.
Row 9: Repeat Row 6 exactly.
Row 10 (Increase Row): Chain 3 (counts as dc), double crochet in the same stitch, *double crochet in the next 11 stitches, (double crochet, chain 2, double crochet) in the chain-2 space, double crochet in the next 11 stitches*, double crochet in the top of the beginning chain-3. Turn. You now have 28 double crochet and 1 chain-2 space.
How to Continue to the End
You have now established the pattern repeat. To continue, simply repeat Rows 5-10, alternating colors A, B, and C every 2 rows (a Lace Row and the following dc row). Each time you work an Increase Row (Rows 4, 7, 10, etc.), you will increase the number of double crochet between the center increases by 4 stitches.
Continue this pattern until your shawl measures approximately 60 inches across the top edge, making sure to end with a dc row (like Row 6 or 9). Fasten off your yarn. Weave in all ends securely.
Finishing: For the best results, block your shawl. Soak it in cool water with a gentle wool wash, gently squeeze out excess water (do not wring), and lay it flat on a blocking mat. Pin out the points and edges to open up the lace pattern. Allow it to dry completely. This step is crucial for achieving the beautiful, airy drape shown in the photos.
