Crochet pocket shawls (and their knit cousins) have taken the craft world by storm. Although crochet shawls and scarves with pockets have existed for years, even decades, they’ve really been trending recently. Perhaps it’s because we all just have this urge to be a little bit cozier right now. A shawl is cozy, of course. But a shawl that you can tuck your hands into the pockets of is even cozier.

Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you click one and then make a purchase, a portion of the proceeds goes back to me. This is one way that bloggers earn an income. It never increases the price that you pay for the item. Thanks for your continued support!

What is a Crochet Pocket Shawl

The very basic essence of this design is that you make a crochet rectangle that wraps around the body, ending at either fingertip with a pocket for your hands. Of course, there are hundreds of different crochet shawl designs out there. There are triangle shawls, circle shawls, half circle shawls, and so forth.

So, of course, there are many different options for pocketed crochet shawls as well. But the gist is that it’s a wrap (without arms, that would be a pocket cardigan or sweater) that has pockets, usually (but not always) one for each hand.

Benefits of Adding Pockets to Shawls

Who doesn’t love having extra pockets? They offer so many different benefits:

• A crochet shawl meant to keep you warm will be even warmer if you can tuck your hands away inside of it.
• You can use the pockets to hold your cell phone, keys, and other essentials if you don’t want to carry a purse.
• If you like crocheting prayer shawls, it’s nice to be able to add a pocket and tuck a special prayer or inspirational message inside.
• People with pets may appreciate being able to tuck dog treats into their shawl pockets.
• You can also put your human treats in there if you’re going somewhere where you might need a snack for yourself or your child.
• Pockets are cozy. Really, even if it’s not cold, and you don’t need to put something in them, being able to stick your hands in your pockets feels cozy sometimes. It’s comforting. It’s safe. And nothing is cozier than when that pocket is made of yarn.
• It opens up new design opportunities for crochet shawls. Perhaps you’ve made hundreds of crochet shawls in your lifetime, but if you haven’t added pockets then you have entirely new options that you never even considered.

Super Simple Crochet Pocket Shawl

Here is a really basic recipe that you can follow to make a crochet pocket shawl:

• Measure yourself from one fingertip to the other, across your back. Add approximately eight inches to that measurement.
• Crochet a chain the length of that measurement.
• Turn the work and crochet a favorite basic stitch into each chain. For example, make a row of single crochet or half double crochet stitches.
• Continue adding rows of that stitch until you have a rectangle that stretches from arm to arm and has grown to the width you desire for your crochet shawl. A 1′ width is a good size to aim for.
• Fold one side of the rectangle up approximately four inches. Seam it on either side, creating a pocket at the end of that side of the rectangle.
• Repeat on the other side.

That’s it. A crochet rectangle with folded over pockets on either end. You can adapt the size and stitches in countless ways. Vary up your yarn. Have fun with this!

Other Ways to Crochet Pocket Shawls

Of course, there are countless variations on crochet pocket shawl patterns. Everyone puts their own twist on the design. For example, you might sew pockets onto a shawl instead of using the above-described fold-over technique. Those pockets might be in the same stitch and yarn or a different stitch or color. Alternatively, you might change the shape of the shawl and incorporate pockets to fit the design accordingly. Your pockets might have buttons or clasps. There are a number of ways to crochet pocket shawls.

9 Crochet Pocket Shawl Patterns

Want to see some of those different styles in action? Here are some crochet pocket shawl patterns:

Easy Crochet Pocket Shawl by WindingRoadCrochet

This is one of those great patterns that is easy to craft but makes you look like an advanced crocheter. You’ll only use single crochet and chain stitch. And yet, thanks to strategic spacing and working in the back loop only, you’ll get varied texture and design. Worked up in bulky yarn, this is a warm and cozy crochet pocket scarf to last you all winter long.

Crochet Wrap with Pockets and Fringe by KnotYourselfOut

This is a long crochet rectangle made in a simple, but beautiful stitch. Then you sew large crochet pockets on to either end, leaving some room between the pocket and the edge of the scarf. But what really makes it unique is the fringe. It gives you a boho crochet vibe.

Beaded Crochet Pocket Scarf Pattern by Tldotcrochet

Get even more bohemian when you don’t just add fringe to crochet pocket shawls but also add beads. This also dresses up the shawl more, making it even more special. Plus it gives you the opportunity to practice bead crochet. Additionally, the stitches on this design are rich in texture. It’s thick, warm, and eye-catching.

Star Sprinkled Pocket Shawl by ForTheMini

Make crochet pocket shawls more interesting with fun stitch choices. This one uses star stitch as well as crossed double crochet. The combination has a powerful visual effect. Tassel fringe completes the look.

Cascade Pocket Shawl Crochet Pattern by KathyLutzDesigns

Like the Super Simple instructions for how to crochet pocket shawls given at the beginning of this post, this crochet pattern is worked in a single seamless design. In other words, you don’t have to sew the pockets on at the end. The body of the shawl has a beautiful openwork design while the pockets have dense stitches so that you don’t lose anything you slip inside of them.

Camping Scoodie Pocket Shawl by LittleTownHomeDecor

Don’t just add pockets to a crochet shawl to keep you warm; add a hood as well. That’s exactly what you’ll find with this crochet pattern. The stitches are simple but the use of horizontal ribbing on the pockets accents the vertical ribbing of the scarf body.

Reader’s Wrap Crochet Pattern by CrystalBearDesigns

What makes this crochet pocket shawl simple is the yarn choice. It’s a super bulky yarn so it’s a cozy accessory that you can craft up quickly. Make it an afternoon and wear it that evening as you settle down with a book to read. More than that, the pockets are a bold blue color that adds such a pop of joy to the body of the piece.

Red Heart Gift Pocket Scarf by Ann Regis

The pocket scarf is a nice alternative to the pocket shawl. Skinnier and designed as neckwear instead of a wrap, the crochet scarf is a great accessory that works in varied temperatures. Adding pockets makes it even more versatile. This crochet pocket scarf pattern has a pretty picot edging that dresses up the design. But what really stands out are the cute crochet bows on the pockets.

You Might Also Like:

• Lacy Pineapple Stitch Crochet Shawl
• Beginner Lace Border Crochet Shawl Pattern
• One Ball Crochet Shawl
• Favorite One Skein Crochet Shawl
• 10 Free Spring Shawls

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a pocket shawl?

A pocket shawl is exactly what it sounds like… a shawl with pockets! It’s typically a rectangle with two pockets at the ends, or a design where folded edges create natural pocket openings. Wearing a pocket shawl means you have warmth AND somewhere to put your hands or carry small items. They’ve become incredibly popular because they solve the age-old shawl problem of “beautiful but what do I do with my hands?” They’re practical, cozy, and honestly just more functional than a regular shawl for everyday wear.

How are the pockets constructed in a crochet pocket shawl?

There are a few approaches! The most common is a folded pocket where the rectangle’s ends fold over and are seamed on the sides to create a pocket that naturally opens at the top. Another method works a separate pocket lining and attaches it. Some designs are specifically constructed so the shaping creates a natural pocket opening. The tutorial in this post walks through the construction methods used in the 9 included patterns… each has a slightly different approach but all result in genuinely functional pockets you’ll use constantly.

How big should the pockets be?

Big enough to fit your hands! Most pocket shawl designs create pockets about 8 to 10 inches wide and 7 to 9 inches deep… comfortably fits average adult hands and allows you to slip your hands in naturally while wearing the shawl. Wider pockets feel more spacious but if the shawl design has a specific fold, the pocket width is determined by the construction. Some designs allow adjustment. For a gift shawl, erring on the side of generous pockets is smart… everyone loves a good deep pocket.

What stitch patterns work well for pocket shawls?

Simple, dense stitches work best for the pocket areas because they need structure to hold shape and contents. For the main body of the shawl, you have more flexibility! Open lace and textured stitches look beautiful in the shawl body. Many designs use a denser stitch for the pocket sections and the same or a coordinating stitch for the main body. Half double crochet or single crochet for pockets gives them the structure they need. This contrast between the pocket construction and the shawl body is part of what makes well-designed pocket shawls look so intentional and elegant.

Are pocket shawl patterns good for beginners?

Some of them! The pocket construction adds a step compared to a basic shawl, but it’s not technically complex… it’s mostly about seaming or folding correctly. The 9 patterns in this collection range from simple rectangles with fold-over pockets (accessible to advanced beginners) to more shaped designs. If you’ve made basic shawls or scarves before and want to try something with a bit more function, a simple pocket shawl is a satisfying step up. The reward of having beautiful pockets in your handmade wrap is absolutely worth the extra effort.