If you’re looking for the perfect accessory to finish off your wardrobe this season, look no further than our Enchanted shawl pattern! Whether you want to make a bold statement or keep things cozy and classy, there’s something in our free easy rectangular crochet shawl pattern that will be sure to add some pizzazz. With plenty of colorways available in this Unforgettable yarn, you can customize your design with ease so it matches any style or mood, making it perfect for any occasion. Keep reading to get all the details on creating one unique masterpiece of your own!

Free pattern available on this blog post, or purchase the ad-free pdf in the Marly Bird Store.

Read more: Enchanted Crochet Motif Shawl – Free Pattern

Long Color-Change Yarn vs Variegated Yarn

When it comes to choosing yarn for your crochet project, the options are endless. Two popular choices for adding color to your project are long color-changing yarn and variegated yarn. Both have their pros and cons, and it’s important to understand the differences between the two before deciding which to use. Let’s explore long color-changing yarn vs variegated yarn and provide some tips for working with each.

What is Long Color-Changing Yarn?

Long color-changing yarn is a type of yarn that gradually changes color as you work with it. This type of yarn is also known as gradient yarn, ombre yarn, or self-striping yarn. Long color-changing yarn comes in skeins that are usually wound in a way that allows the colors to blend together seamlessly. Some popular brands of long color-changing yarn include Unforgettable Yarn by Red Heart, Chroma Yarn by Knit Picks, and Noro Yarn.

What is Variegated Yarn?

Variegated yarn is a type of yarn that has multiple colors within the same skein. The colors are usually random or semi-random and can vary in width and placement. Variegated yarn can be hand-dyed or machine-dyed and can be made from a variety of fibers. Some popular variegated yarns include Super Saver by Red Heart, Malabrigo Yarn, and Madelinetosh Yarn.

Differences between Long Color-Changing Yarn and Variegated Yarn

The main difference between long color-changing yarn and variegated yarn is the way the colors are distributed throughout the skein. With long color-changing yarn, the colors gradually change as you work with the yarn, resulting in a smooth transition from one color to the next. With variegated yarn, the colors are more random and can vary in width and placement, resulting in a more unpredictable color pattern.

Another difference is the length of each color. With long color-changing yarn, each color usually lasts for several rows or rounds, depending on the pattern and gauge. With variegated yarn, the length of each color can vary, and some colors may only appear for a few stitches.

Tips for Working with Long Color-Changing Yarn

When working with long color-changing yarn, it’s important to choose a pattern that will showcase the color changes. Simple stitch patterns, such as openwork lace motifs and easy shell stitch patterns, are great options for showing off the gradual color transitions.

Allow the yarn colors to blend naturally without trying to control their placement. Trusting the join-as-you-go motifs’ yarn colors to mix and match at random creates a beautiful, unique look that can’t be achieved by forcing color placement.

Exploring multiple colorways is a fabulous idea to achieve a truly unique and beautiful look. Whether opting for similar or contrasting hues, rest assured that the results will be nothing short of breathtaking.

Long Color-changing Yarn Patterns

Here are wonderful crochet patterns by Marly Bird that highlight the long color-changing yarn:

• Riverside Hat and Scarf
• Giovanni Tweed Crochet Scarf
• Crochet Swancho (Roll With It Tweed Melange)
• Kaleidoscope Unforgettable Shawl (by Sara Kay Hartmann)
• Petal Link (free easy rectangular crochet shawl pattern)
• Go To Baby Shower Blanket
• 3 in 1 Hand Warmer Pattern
• The Most Comfy Poncho EVER (Caron Latte Cakes)
• Pixie Dust Planned Pooling with Long Color Changing yarn
• Marly’s Poncho Make-Along (so many choices for Unforgettable yarn)

Tips for Working with Variegated Yarn

When working with variegated yarn, it’s important to choose a pattern that will complement the color changes. Simple stitch patterns, such as ribbing or seed stitch, are great options for allowing the colors to shine.

It’s also important to be mindful of the placement of the colors when working with variegated yarn. If the colors are too busy or unpredictable, they may clash with the stitch pattern or overwhelm the overall design. It’s a good idea to swatch with the yarn to see how the colors behave and adjust the pattern accordingly.

Other Color Options

Although I am not a big fan of combining two variegated yarns, I adore pairing a complementary solid or tonal yarn with a variegated one to obtain a stunning look.

Check out some of the Free Crochet Patterns on Yarnspirations that use variegated yarn.

Using Red Heart Unforgettable

As mentioned, Unforgettable yarn is a popular long color-changing yarn sold by Red Heart. It has a soft, silky texture and a beautiful range of colors. Its unique color transitions make it an excellent choice for creating shawls and other accessories with a gradient effect. That’s why I chose this spectacular yarn for the Enchanted Crochet Motif Shawl.

Unforgettable yarn is an ideal choice for creating a spectacular gradient shawl using a free crochet rectangular motif pattern like this one. Thanks to its long color repeat, soft texture, light weight, and range of eye-catching hues, this shawl will surely be a showstopper.

It Really Is Unforgettable!

Regardless of your expertise, whether you are a newbie or skilled in the craft of crocheting, Unforgettable yarn is a choice that will undoubtedly produce a stunning shawl that you will cherish and flaunt.

As you are working on your free easy rectangular crochet shawl pattern, be sure to add them to your projects on Ravelry. I’ve already listed this pattern there for your convenience. Ravelry Name and Link

Make a Showstopping Enchanted Shawl with This Free, Easy Rectangular Crochet Shawl Pattern

Take your crochet game to the next level! Learn how to make an exquisitely beautiful, free, easy rectangular crochet shawl pattern with Red Heart Unforgettable yarn. Get creative and be inspired with this unique stitch pattern today!

Purchase the Ad-Free PDF Pattern Here

SKILL LEVEL

Adventurous Beginner

MEASUREMENTS

Finished Measurements

Shawl is 100” [254 cm] long by 30.25” [77 cm] wide.

Gauge 

BLOCKED GAUGE: Motif = 5.5” [14 cm] x 5.5” [14 cm]; use any size hook to obtain the gauge.

MATERIALS

Yarn 

Red Heart, Unforgettable (100% Acrylic; 3.5 oz/ 100 g; 270 yds/ 247 m; CYCA #4 worsted): Woodland – 5 balls

Hook

Size G/6 [4.0 mm]

Notions 

• Stitch markers
• Tapestry needle
• Blocking Mats and Blocking Pins
• Spray water bottle for blocking (optional)

CROCHET ABBREVIATIONS

BEG – Beginning

CH – Chain(s)

Dc – Double Crochet

DTR – Double Treble Crochet

Hdc – Half Double Crochet

RS – Right Side

Sc – Single Crochet

Sl ST – Slip Stitch

Sp(s) – Space(s)

St(s) – Stitch(es)

TR – Treble Crochet

Tch – Turning Chain

WS – Wrong Side

Yo – yarn over

SPECIAL STITCHES

⭐️ Double Treble Crochet (dtr): Yarn over hook three times, insert hook into indicated st, yarn over and pull up a loop, [yarn over and draw through 2 loops on hook] 4 times.

⭐️ 2 Treble Crochet Cluster (2 tr-cl): *yarn over twice, insert hook into stitch indicated, yarn over and pull up a loop, [yarn over and draw through 2 loops on hook] twice; repeat from * 1 more time in same stitch, yarn over and draw through all loops on hook.

⭐️ Chain 5 Join (ch-5 join): ch 2, sl st to adjoining ch-5 sp on adjacent motif, ch 2

⭐️ Chain 7 Join (ch-7 join): ch 3, sl st to adjoining ch-5 sp on adjacent motif, ch 3

SCHEMATIC: Free Easy Rectangular Crochet Shawl Pattern

NOTES

• Motifs are joined as you go. Crochet the first one then substitute the chain 5 space on the last round with a chain 5 join to any motif that will adjoin to it. Similarly substitute the chain 7 space in the corner with a chain 7 join when adjacent to an adjoining motif.
• In round 2, you will be making “Y” stitches by crocheting a double treble, then crocheting 5 chains, and finishing the stitch by placing a double crochet in the center of the double treble. You can use the 3 yarn overs in the double treble as a guide as to where to place your double crochet. You will insert your hook through the stitch at the center yarn over to secure the double crochet in place. Do not go around the post of the double treble; make sure you pierce the post instead.
• Once the motifs are all connected, finish the shawl with the 3.5” [9 cm] border.

VIDEO TUTORIALS

• Reading Crochet Charts
• Enchanted Crochet Motif and How to Join
• Wet Blocking
• Weaving In Ends
• Adjustable Ring

Enchanted Shawl Pattern || Free Easy Rectangular Crochet Shawl Pattern

MOTIF

Make 1, join 56. See schematic for location of motifs.

Make an adjustable ring.

Round 1: Ch 1, [sc, ch 3, 2 tr-cl, ch 3] 4 times in ring, sl st to first sc, pull ring closed, do not turn. –

(4 tr-cls)

Round 2: Ch 7, *(dc, ch 5, dc) in top of tr-cl, ch 2, dtr in next sc, ch 5, dc in middle of dtr just made (insert hook into 2 strands of the post at the center yarn over of the dtr just made), ch 2; repeat from * 2 more times, (dc, ch 5, dc) in top of tr-cl, ch 2, dc in 3rd ch of beg ch, ch 2, dc in 5th ch of beg ch (counts as ch-5 sp), do not turn.- (8 ch-5 sps)

Round 3: Ch 5 (counts as hdc + ch-3 sp), *[(tr, ch 1) twice, tr, ch 3, (tr, ch 1) twice, tr] in next ch-5 sp, ch 3**, hdc in next ch-5 sp, ch 3; repeat from * around ending at **, sl st to 2nd ch of beg ch, do not turn.- (24 tr)

Round 4: Ch 6 (counts as dc, ch-3 sp), *dc in next tr, ch 4, skip both ch-1 sps, (3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) in ch-3 sp, ch 4, skip 2 tr, dc in next tr, ch 3**, dc in next hdc, ch 3; repeat from * around ending at **, sl st to 3rd ch of beg ch, do not turn.- (20 ch-sps)

Round 5: Ch 1, sc in same ch as join, *ch 5, sc in next dc, ch 5, sc in ch-4 sp, ch 5, (sc, ch 7, sc) in ch-3 sp, ch 5, sc in ch-4 sp, [ch 5, sc in next dc] twice; repeat from * around, sl st to first sc, fasten off.- (28 ch-sps)

Joining: When joining motifs, substitute a ch-5 join for a ch-5 sp and a ch-7 join for a ch-7 sp on Round 5 when adjacent to an adjoining motif. See next section for specific directions to join motifs.

BORDER

Join yarn to any corner with sl st.

Round 1: 2 Sc in corner, *sc evenly across edge in a multiple of 4 +1 to corner**, 3 sc in corner, place marker in middle sc; repeat from * around ending at ** before first corner, sc once more in first corner, sl st to first sc, do not turn.

Round 2: (Sc, ch 5, sc) in first sc, *[ch 5, skip 3 sc, sc in next sc] repeat across to 3 sc before marker, ch 5, skip 3 sc, (sc, ch 5, sc) in marked corner sc, move marker to corner ch-5 sp; repeat from * around to last 3 sc from beginning, ch 2, dc in first sc (counts as ch-5 sp), do not turn.

Round 3: Ch 1, sc around first ch-5 sp, ch 5, (sc, ch 5, sc) in first corner ch-5 sp, *[ch 5, sc in next ch-5 sp] repeat across to marker, ch 5, (sc, ch 5, sc) in marked corner ch-5 sp, move marker to corner ch-5 sp; repeat from * around to first sc, ch 2, dc in first sc (counts as ch-5 sp), do not turn.

Round 4: Ch 1, sc around first ch-5 sp, ch 5, sc in next ch-5 sp, ch 5, (sc, ch 5, sc) in first corner ch-5 sp, *[ch 5, sc in next ch-5 sp] repeat across to marker, ch 5, (sc, ch 5, sc) in marked corner ch-5 sp, move marker to corner ch-5 sp; repeat from * around to first sc, ch 2, dc in first sc (counts as ch-5 sp), do not turn.

Round 5: Ch 1, sc around first ch-5 sp, [ch 5, sc in next ch-5 sp] twice, ch 5, (sc, ch 5, sc) in first corner ch-5 sp, *[ch 5, sc in next ch-5 sp] repeat across to marker, ch 5, (sc, ch 5, sc) in marked corner ch-5 sp, move marker to corner ch-5 sp; repeat from * around to first sc, ch 2, dc in first sc (counts as ch-5 sp), do not turn.

Round 6: Ch 1, sc around first ch-5 sp, [ch 5, sc in next ch-5 sp] 3 times, ch 5, (sc, ch 5, sc) in first corner ch-5 sp, *[ch 5, sc in next ch-5 sp] repeat across to marker, ch 5, (sc, ch 5, sc) in marked corner ch-5 sp, move marker to corner ch-5 sp; repeat from * around to first sc, ch 2, dc in first sc (counts as ch-5 sp), fasten off and weave in ends.

FINISHING

Weave in all ends.

Option 1: Pin shawl to schematic size, spray with water and allow to dry.

Option 2: Wet block shawl as demonstrated in video tutorial. Pin to schematic size and allow to dry.