Free Broomstick Lace Crochet Shawl Pattern – Shimmer Shawl | Marly Bird

Originally published January 2026 · Updated August 2026 with full framework refresh, expanded yarn substitutions, designer tip callout, and video tutorial updates.

Some crochet projects just feel special the moment you start them—and this is one of those. ✨ The Shimmer Shawl is light, airy, and full of beautiful texture, using broomstick lace to create an open, flowing fabric that looks far more complicated than it actually is. If you've ever wanted a crochet shawl that feels elegant but still approachable, this one checks all the boxes.

Hey, bestie! 💛 If you're looking for a showstopping shawl pattern that actually makes sense to crochet—one where the technique is the *star* rather than the stumbling block—you're about to become very familiar with the two stitch patterns that make this design sing. Broomstick lace gets all the attention, but the lattice lace sections? They're what give this shawl its drape and flow.

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→ Jump to the pattern

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Why You'll Love This Pattern 💖

💛 Free right here on the blog. Download, save, cast on anytime. No subscriptions, no gatekeeping—I design these for you, and you get them immediately.

✨ Broomstick lace without the stress. This is one of those techniques that looks impossibly complicated until you actually *do* it, and then it becomes rhythmic and even meditative. The repeating pattern is forgiving, and there's no complicated charting to decode.

🧶 Lightweight, drapey, and genuinely wearable. The triangle shape and open stitch structure mean you're not wearing a heavy blanket around your shoulders—this wraps around you like a cloud while still keeping you warm.

👑 Confident beginners and up. If you've mastered single crochet and double crochet, and you're ready to try something textured and technique-forward, this pattern is the perfect next step. The skill-building payoff is huge.

You'll come away knowing: how to work broomstick lace and lattice lace smoothly, how to read pattern abbreviations like a pro, how to manage increases in shawl construction, and how to block lace shawls so they open up beautifully.

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Quick Pattern Overview

🎯 Finished size: 62″ (157.5 cm) wide × 31″ (79 cm) deep—a generous triangular wrap

📊 Skill level: Confident Beginner / Intermediate

🧵 Techniques featured: Broomstick lace, lattice lace, increases, blocking

⏱ Time to complete: 15–25 hours depending on yarn weight and your pace

💾 Pattern format: Written instructions with stitch diagrams included in the ad-free PDF

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Love the Pattern but Want an Ad-Free PDF? ⭐

The free version here on the blog is complete and beautiful—and if you prefer a printable, ad-free PDF you can download and keep, those are available for a few dollars on Etsy, Shopify, and Ravelry. Lots of makers love having a PDF they can take with them, reference offline, or print for their crochet folder.

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What Is Broomstick Lace?

Broomstick lace is a crochet technique that uses an oversized knitting needle (or dowel) to create elongated loops, which are then worked into grouped stitches. The result? Big, airy texture, lightweight fabric, and eye-catching stitch definition that honestly looks harder than it actually is.

Despite how dramatic it looks, broomstick lace follows a very repeatable rhythm—making it an excellent confidence-booster once you see it in action.

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Design, Fit, and Construction Details

The Shimmer Shawl is worked as a triangle, increasing gradually to create a generous wingspan without bulk. The stitch patterns alternate between broomstick lace and lattice lace, giving the fabric movement and visual interest without stiffness.

Because the fabric is intentionally open, the shawl blocks beautifully and gains even more drape once finished. Wet blocking is non-negotiable here—it's where the real magic happens, and your shawl reaches full wingspan.

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Yarn & Materials

The original sample was made with a bulky mohair-blend yarn, which creates that soft halo and light-catching texture. Mohair blends are especially lovely for broomstick lace because they fill in open stitches without heaviness, add softness and visual depth, and create warmth without weight.

For this project, you'll want a yarn that moves—not one that feels stiff. The key is choosing yarn with good drape.

Choosing a Substitute Yarn

The sample yarn (Kollage Yarns Delightful) has been discontinued. If you're searching for a substitute, here's the most important thing to know: weight class alone won't guide you here. Broomstick lace behaves very differently depending on yarn construction, and what made this pattern work so beautifully was the mohair-blend structure of the original.

Here's what to look for:

🪶 Mohair content or a mohair-like halo. That soft fuzz fills the open loops of broomstick lace beautifully… adding visual depth and warmth without any heaviness.

💫 Lightweight construction for its size. A good mohair blend often feels airier than the label suggests. That lightness is exactly what gives this shawl its floating, drapey quality.

🌊 Drape, not structure. You want a yarn that moves. Anything stiff will fight the lace instead of letting it breathe.

Notions

• Crochet Hook G/7 (4.5 mm)
• Tape Measure
• Scissors
• Stitch Markers
• US 50 (25 mm) Knitting Needle — for the broomstick loops
• Tapestry Needle — for weaving in ends

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Video Tutorials

These video tutorials are recommended to help you feel confident as you work through this pattern:

• Crochet Diagram Tips — Learn how to read and follow crochet diagrams, including understanding stitch symbols and row direction.
• Broomstick Lace Technique Walkthrough — Step-by-step walkthrough of broomstick lace, including pulling up loops, working grouped stitches, and maintaining even tension.

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Shimmer Broomstick Lace Crochet Shawl || Pattern Details

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS

Shawl is 62″ [157.5 cm] wide by 31″ [79 cm] deep.

GAUGE

2 1/2 reps = 4″ (10 cm) in Broomstick Lace
2 1/2 reps = 4″ (10 cm) in Lattice Lace; use any size hook to obtain the gauge.

Learn how to make and measure a gauge swatch.

HOOK SIZE

Size G/7 (4.5 mm) or size needed to obtain gauge

YARN

Note: Sample yarn has been discontinued. See the “Choosing a Substitute Yarn” section above for guidance on what properties to look for. You'll need approximately 500 yards of a CYCA #5 bulky mohair-blend yarn.

ABBREVIATIONS

CH – chain(s)
DC – double crochet
HDC – half double crochet
REP – repeat
SC – single crochet
SP(s) – space(s)
SK – skip
ST(s) – stitch(es)
TCH – turning chain
TR – treble crochet
WS – wrong side
YO – yarn over

SPECIAL STITCHES

BROOMSTICK LACE (multiple of 5 sts)
Row 1 (RS): Pull up loop in each stitch across, moving each loop to broomstick holder (larger knitting needle), ch 1 to lock last st, turn.
Row 2: Ch 1, *insert hook into next 5 loops at the same time, 5 sc in group; rep from * to end, turn.
Rep rows 1 and 2 for Broomstick Lace.

LATTICE LACE (multiple of 5 sts)
Row 1 (RS): *Ch 6, sk 4 sts, sc in next st; rep from * to end, turn.
Row 2: *Ch 6, sc in next ch-6 sp; rep from * to end, ch 2, tr in 1st ch of beg ch-6 of previous row, turn.
Row 3: *Ch 6, sc in next ch-6 sp; rep from * to end, turn.
Rep rows 2 and 3 only for Lattice Lace.

CROCHET STITCH DIAGRAMS

NOTES

• Take gauge after blocking. Broomstick lace and lattice lace both relax significantly once blocked, so measure your swatch after wet blocking to get an accurate gauge.

• Use stitch markers generously. Stitch markers are extremely helpful for identifying center loops or chain spaces during increase rows.

• Focus on even loop height. Consistent loop height on broomstick rows creates cleaner lace and easier stitch placement.

• Read increase rows carefully. Taking a moment to visualize increase placement can prevent missed stitches.

• Blocking is not optional. Wet blocking opens the lace and allows the shawl to reach full measurements.

• Choose yarns with good drape. Stiff yarns may not showcase the lace well. Mohair blends, blown yarns, and soft acrylics work best.

• Trust the process. The shawl may look uneven while working — blocking is where the magic happens.

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Shimmer Broomstick Lace Crochet Shawl || Pattern Instructions

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

Before diving into the Shimmer Shawl, take a moment to get comfortable with the techniques used in this design. This project combines broomstick lace and lattice lace to create an open, airy fabric with beautiful drape. If broomstick lace is new to you, don't worry — it's rhythmic once you get the hang of it, and the results are absolutely worth it.

This shawl is worked flat from the center outward, increasing symmetrically to form a triangular shape. Reading through the entire pattern before you start will help you understand how the stitch patterns and increase rows work together as the shawl grows.

Be sure to gather all tools before starting, especially the large knitting needle used as the broomstick. Consistent tension and careful loop placement will make your finished shawl look its best.

Row 1 (WS): Ch 16, hdc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch to end, turn—15 hdc.
Row 2 (RS): Work row 1 of Broomstick Lace—15 loops on needle.
Row 3: Ch 1, insert hook in first 5 loops at the same time, 10 sc in group, insert hook in next 5 loops at the same time, 15 sc in group, insert hook in last 5 loops at the same time, 10 sc in group, turn—35 sc.
Row 4: Ch 1, sc in each sc to end, turn.
Row 5: Work row 1 of Broomstick Lace—35 loops on needle.

Row 6 (Broomstick inc row): Mark center 5 loops, ch 1, insert hook in first 5 loops at the same time, 10 sc in group, *insert hook in next 5 loops at the same time, 5 sc in group; rep from * to center 5 loops, insert hook in center 5 loops at the same time, 15 sc in group, work from * to * to last 5 loops, insert hook in last 5 loops at the same time, 10 sc in group, remove markers, turn—55 sc.

Row 7: Ch 1, sc in each sc to end, turn.
Row 8: Work row 1 of Broomstick Lace—55 loops on needle.
Row 9: Work a Broomstick inc row as before—75 sc.
Rows 10–12: Work rows 1–3 of Lattice Lace.

Row 13 (Lattice inc row): Mark center ch-6 sp, ch 1, 10 sc in first ch-6 sp, 5 sc in each ch-6 sp to center sp, 15 sc in center sp, 5 sc in each ch-6 sp to last sp, 10 sc in last ch-6 sp, remove marker, turn—95 sc.

Row 14: Work row 1 of Broomstick Lace—95 loops on needle.
Row 15: Work a Broomstick inc row as before—115 sc.
Row 16: Ch 1, sc in each sc to end, turn.
Row 17: Work row 1 of Broomstick Lace—115 loops on needle.
Row 18: Work a Broomstick inc row as before—135 sc.
Row 19: Ch 1, sc in each sc to end, turn.
Row 20: Work row 1 of Broomstick Lace—135 loops on needle.
Row 21: Work a Broomstick inc row as before—155 sc.
Rows 22–24: Work rows 1–3 of Lattice Lace.
Row 25: Work a Lattice inc row as before—175 sc.
Row 26: Work row 1 of Broomstick Lace—175 loops on needle.
Row 27: Work a Broomstick inc row as before—195 sc.
Row 28: Ch 1, sc in each sc to end, turn.
Row 29: Work row 1 of Broomstick Lace—195 loops on needle.
Row 30: Work a Broomstick inc row as before—215 sc.
Row 31: Ch 1, sc in each sc to end, turn.
Row 32: Work row 1 of Broomstick Lace—215 loops on needle.
Row 33: Work a Broomstick inc row as before—235 sc.
Rows 34–36: Work rows 1–3 of Lattice Lace.
Row 37: Work a Lattice inc row as before—255 sc.
Row 38: Work row 1 of Broomstick Lace—255 loops on needle.
Row 39: Work a Broomstick inc row as before—275 sc.
Fasten off.

FINISHING

Wet block piece to measurements.

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Styling & Wearability

This shawl shines as a lightweight wrap for cool evenings, a spring or fall layering piece, or a statement accessory over simple outfits. Because it's breathable, it works beautifully indoors and out—no overheating required.

The open stitch structure makes it perfect for showing off a colorway or yarn variegation. A solid yarn highlights the texture; a variegated yarn in this pattern is absolutely showstopping.

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More Free Crochet Shawl Patterns You'll Love

• Free Crochet Shawl Patterns
• Broomstick Lace Tutorial

Ravelry Favorite Block

💛 Love this pattern? Add it to your Ravelry queue and favorite list so you can come back to it anytime. Ravelry is how crafters keep track of projects, find inspiration, and connect with each other over the patterns we adore.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a good first broomstick lace project?
Yes! The repeats are predictable and forgiving, making it ideal for learning the technique. If you can keep tension consistent and watch your loop height, you're ready for this shawl.

Is this shawl heavy?
Not at all. The open lace structure keeps it light and airy, even when made in bulky yarn.

What crochet hook size should I use?
Size G/7 (4.5 mm) for the pattern instructions. For the broomstick lace sections, you'll need a US 50 (25 mm) knitting needle to hold the loops.

How much yarn do I need?
Approximately 500 yards of CYCA #5 bulky-weight yarn. The sample used 5 hanks of 100-yard yarn.

Do I need to block this pattern?
Absolutely. Blocking is where the magic happens. Wet blocking opens the lace and allows the shawl to reach full wingspan. Broomstick lace especially benefits from aggressive blocking.

Can I use a different yarn weight?
You can, but you'll need to adjust your hook size and redo your gauge swatch. The pattern is designed for bulky yarn (CYCA #5), but it's possible with lighter or heavier weights if you recalculate.

Is there an ad-free PDF available?
Yes! PDFs are available on Etsy, Shopify, and Ravelry if you prefer a printable version without ads.

What makes broomstick lace look so complicated when it's actually simple?
The elongated loops and grouped stitch structures create a lot of visual depth and texture. But once you get the rhythm down, the rows repeat predictably and you can almost work on autopilot.

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Final Thoughts

The Shimmer Shawl is one of those patterns that feels impressive without being intimidating—and those are my favorites. 💖

If you make one, I'd love to see your color choice. Tag me @marlybird on Instagram or Facebook and use #MMMDI (Marly Made Me Do It), #MarlyBird, or #ShimmerShawl so I can see your beautiful work. 💛

Share this pattern with a friend who needs their next project, and let's keep building the crochet community together.