Fall is in the air, and this asymmetrical shawl is the cozy hug your wardrobe has been waiting for. It starts as a tiny point and grows into a dramatic, flowing shape with the most beautiful natural color movement thanks to variegated jewel-tone yarn. The back-loop half double crochet gives it a subtle ribbed texture that feels special but stays beginner-friendly. Best part? You barely have to think about color changes—the yarn does all the pretty work for you.
Why This Asymmetrical Shape Feels So Right
Most triangle shawls are perfectly symmetrical, but this one plays by its own rules. By shifting the increases from one side to the other in the second half, you get an off-kilter drape that looks intentional and modern. It wraps beautifully over one shoulder, doubles as a scarf, or throws on like a shawl without slipping. The ribbed texture from working in the back loops only adds depth and makes the fabric sit nicely without being stiff. And those flowing color transitions? They create organic stripes and pools of fall color that no two shawls will repeat exactly.
Materials You’ll Need
- 2 skeins worsted weight (category 4) variegated or self-striping yarn in rich fall jewel tones — approximately 400 yards total. Yarn Bee Aurora Borealis in Sonoma Sunset is perfect, but any variegated worsted with reds, oranges, golds, and purples will shine.
- 6.0 mm (US J-10) crochet hook
- Yarn needle
- Scissors
- Optional but highly recommended: blocking mats and T-pins for that crisp, professional finish
Finished Size & Gauge
Blocked, your shawl will measure roughly 46 inches wide by 21 inches deep at the longest points. It has that lovely long, asymmetrical triangle silhouette that drapes like a dream.
Gauge: 13 hdc blo × 9 rows = 4 inches. Swatching really does matter here — it keeps the final size and drape consistent, especially if you swap yarns.
Stitches & Techniques
We’re keeping things delightfully simple. Everything is written in US terms.
- ch – chain
- hdc – half double crochet
- hdc blo – half double crochet back loop only (insert hook into the back loop only of the stitch)
The turning ch-1 never counts as a stitch. Always work into the first real stitch of the row. Working in the back loop only pushes the front loop forward and creates those gorgeous horizontal ribs that make this shawl feel textured and special.
Step-by-Step Pattern Instructions
This pattern grows from a narrow point outward in rows. The first half builds width steadily with increases at the beginning. The second half shifts increases to alternating ends to create that signature asymmetrical shape. The variegated yarn will start painting its own fall landscape as you go.
Foundation & Early Growth (Rows 1–5)
Chain 2.
Row 1: Hdc in the 2nd chain from the hook. (1 stitch)
Row 2: Ch 1, turn. 2 hdc blo in the stitch. (2 stitches)
Row 3: Ch 1, turn. 2 hdc blo in each stitch across. (4 stitches)
Row 4: Ch 1, turn. 2 hdc blo in each of the first 2 stitches, hdc blo in each remaining stitch across. (6 stitches)
Row 5: Ch 1, turn. Hdc blo in each stitch across. (6 stitches)
You’re already seeing the point form and that lovely ribbed texture appear. The increases are gentle so the edge stays nice and straight.
Keep Building the Base
Repeat Rows 4 and 5 until you reach Row 30. At the end of Row 30 you should have 32 stitches.
Place a stitch marker at the start of your increase rows if it helps you stay oriented. This phase is wonderfully meditative — just keep that rhythm going and enjoy watching the colors shift.
The Asymmetrical Phase (Rows 31–68)
Now the fun really begins. You’ll alternate which end receives the increases. This is what gives the shawl its cool, modern off-center drape.
Row 31: Ch 1, turn. Hdc blo in each stitch across to the last 2 stitches. Work 2 hdc blo into each of the last 2 stitches. (34 stitches)
Row 32: Ch 1, turn. Work 2 hdc blo into each of the first 2 stitches, then hdc blo in each remaining stitch across. (36 stitches)
Repeat Rows 31 and 32 until you reach Row 68. You should finish with 108 stitches.
By now your shawl has that beautiful long, flowing shape with one side more extended than the other. The variegated yarn should be showing off gorgeous rivers of color — exactly the kind of organic striping that makes people stop and ask where you got it.
Finishing Touches
Fasten off and weave in your ends. Because the yarn is variegated, try to hide tails in sections that match the color so they disappear completely.
Blocking is where this shawl really transforms. Pin it out to the finished measurements on blocking mats, give it a gentle mist of water, and let it dry flat. The ribbed texture relaxes, the edges straighten, and the colors pop even more. It’s worth the extra 30 minutes.
FAQs
Do I have to use variegated yarn?
Not at all. Solids or planned stripes work great too. Variegated just makes the color play effortless and gives that organic fall stripe effect you see in the photos. If you want more control, pick a yarn with long color repeats.
How long does this really take?
Most crocheters finish in one focused weekend or a handful of evenings. Once you hit the repeat sections it becomes almost automatic — perfect for catching up on shows or chatting with friends.
Can I make it bigger or smaller?
Yes! Add more repeats in the first phase for extra width or continue the alternating increases longer for more depth. Just keep the increase pattern consistent and swatch if size is critical.
Is the shawl reversible?
Absolutely. The back-loop technique creates nice texture on both sides, though one side shows the ridges more clearly. Either side looks polished and intentional.
What if my edges look a little wavy?
Super common and totally fixable. Blocking solves most of it. Also, counting your stitches at the end of every row for the first 20 rows or so helps train your hands to keep even tension.
Is this truly beginner-friendly?
Yes. If you can chain and work a half double crochet, you can make this shawl. The back-loop part feels a little different at first but becomes second nature after just a few rows.
Go Wrap Yourself in Fall
You now have everything you need to create a stunning, one-of-a-kind fall shawl that looks like it took way more skill than it actually did. The colors, the texture, the way it drapes — this piece is going to live in your wardrobe all season long and probably get passed down one day.
Grab that yarn, put on your favorite playlist, and enjoy the process. When you’re finished, I’d love to see how your colors came together. Happy hooking!
