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Bluebonnet Crochet Lace Shawl — Free Crochet Pattern

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The Bluebonnet Crochet Lace Shawl is a free crochet lace shawl pattern by Marly Bird, named for the Texas state wildflower. It's worked in lightweight (CYC #1 super fine) cotton-blend gradient cake yarn, using familiar stitches in the body… single crochet, half double crochet, and double crochet… with a detailed lace edging that echoes the layered petal structure of an actual bluebonnet bloom. Perfect for spring and summer layering.

The original Bluebonnet Shawl was designed for Red Heart It's A Wrap, which has since been discontinued. If you have a cake in your stash, this is the perfect pattern for it. And if you don't… I've gathered a small list of beautiful substitute yarns below that work just as well. The natural color shifts in any lightweight gradient cake yarn do most of the design work for you, the stitches are familiar, and the finished shawl is the kind of lightweight layer you'll actually reach for when the AC is set too cold.

Person models a blue and dark gray crochet lace shawl, showing stitch detail and drape; colorful background with shelves behind.

Hey, bestie 💛

I'm so glad you're here. The Bluebonnet Shawl is one of those patterns I keep coming back to, year after year. The first version went up on the blog way back in 2018, and we've just refreshed the whole thing… new photos, updated formatting, the same beautiful pattern in our current standard layout. It feels like a brand-new shawl all over again.

⚠️ A quick yarn note: The original Bluebonnet Shawl was designed for Red Heart It's A Wrap, which has been discontinued. If you have It's A Wrap in your stash, fantastic — use it! If not, jump down to the Yarn & Materials section for my hand-picked substitute yarns. The pattern works beautifully with any lightweight (CYC #1) cotton-blend or cake gradient yarn. 💙

If you've never made a lace shawl before, don't worry. We'll walk through it together. And if you're a seasoned lace crocheter… you're going to love how this stitch pattern flows.

*This post contains affiliate links. By clicking one of the links and making a purchase, a small portion will go to support the blog. The price you pay does not change. Thank you for your support of the blog.*

Blue and gray striped crochet lace shawl shown worn in three ways; close-up highlights stitch detail and drape.

What You Will Love About This Bluebonnet Crochet Lace Shawl 💖

🌸 A lace shawl that uses stitches you already know. The body of this shawl is worked entirely in single crochet, half double crochet, and double crochet. No surprise stitches in the main body, no charts you have to decode just to get started. The lace happens in the edging… by the time you get there, you'll already be comfortable with the yarn.

💙 The yarn does half the design work. The Bluebonnet Shawl is designed for a lightweight (CYC #1) cotton-blend gradient cake yarn. The natural long color repeats in a gradient cake do all the color-block magic for you, with zero color management on your end. The original was Red Heart It's A Wrap (now discontinued); my substitute picks are below.

🌿 It's a true summer-weight shawl. Most lightweight shawl patterns call for fingering or sock yarn… which usually means a wool blend that's lovely in fall but stuffy in July. A cotton-blend lightweight yarn drapes beautifully and breathes well, making this the shawl you'll actually wear from spring through late summer.

📐 A petal-inspired lace edging. The stitch pattern in the lace border was designed to echo the layered petal structure of an actual bluebonnet bloom. It's a small design detail that I love… and one you can point to when someone asks “did you make that?”

📄 Free here on the blog… ad-free PDF available too. The full pattern lives free right here on the blog, including the new stitch counts and updated formatting. If you'd rather work from a clean ad-free PDF (with charts), I've got you covered below.

Woman models a blue and gray crochet lace shawl, showing openwork stitches and soft drape over a white top indoors.

Quick Pattern Overview

🧶 Craft: Crochet

🌸 Pattern Name: Bluebonnet Crochet Lace Shawl

📏 Finished Size: Shawl is 23.5” [59.5 cm] deep including border and 56” [142 cm] in wingspan

🎯 Skill Level: Intermediate (advanced beginners welcome… the body is all familiar stitches, the lace edging adds the intermediate-level challenge)

🧵 Yarn: Lightweight (CYC #1 super fine) cotton-blend gradient cake yarn — see Yarn & Materials below for substitute picks. (Original: Red Heart It's A Wrap, now discontinued.)

🪡 Hook: Size E/4 [3.5  mm]

📐 Construction: Worked flat, body in classic crochet stitches, finished with a layered lace edging

🌸 Best for: Spring and summer layering, prayer shawls, gift shawls, “I want a lace shawl that doesn't require a 60-row chart” projects

Person models a blue crochet lace shawl in a cozy room; "Bluebonnet Crochet Shawl" pattern pages are visible behind them.
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The Bluebonnet Crochet Lace Shawl pattern is FREE right here on the blog… but if you'd rather work from a clean, printable, ad-free PDF (with crochet stitch charts and no scrolling), I have you covered.

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Is the Bluebonnet Crochet Lace Shawl Right for You?

This pattern is a great fit if…

✅ You have a cake of It's A Wrap in your stash — OR you want a pattern designed for lightweight cotton-blend gradient cake yarn. The shawl was designed around the way these gradient cakes shift color naturally as you crochet. Substitute yarn picks are in the Yarn & Materials section.

✅ You're an advanced beginner or intermediate crocheter ready to try lace. The body uses single crochet, half double crochet, and double crochet… stitches you already know. The lace edging is where you'll stretch, but you'll be comfortable with the yarn by then.

✅ You want a lightweight, drapey shawl for spring and summer. The cotton/acrylic blend breathes well and doesn't overheat you in warmer weather.

✅ You love a “the yarn does the work” pattern. No striping math, no color planning… just crochet and watch the cake yarn do its thing.

This pattern might NOT be the right fit if…

❌ You've never held lace weight yarn and don't want to start there. The yarn is thin and the hook is small… it takes a little practice. (See the Build Your Skills section below for a gentle on-ramp.)

❌ You're looking for a heavy, snuggle-up-in-winter shawl. This one's a featherweight… beautiful, but not your January blanket-shawl.

Explore More Free Crochet Shawl Patterns

If you love lace and lightweight crochet shawls as much as I do, you'll want to keep these in your queue too:

And if you want the full collection in one place, head over to the Free Crochet Patterns hub.

A woman models a neutral-tone crochet entrelac wrap, showing textured blocks, worn over black in a colorful room.
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A woman models a textured blue alpaca crochet shawl, showing stitch detail; denim top and plants in the background.
Woman models a red crochet shawl with visible stitch detail over a floral dress, standing on grass with trees behind her.
Person models a vibrant Tunisian crochet shawl with a floral pin, displaying textured stitches indoors near bookshelves and plants.
Tunisian crochet scarf with floral and geometric patterns in orange, green, blue, teal, and white on mannequin.
Woman smiles, wearing a colorful floral crochet blanket; yarn and craft shelves are softly blurred behind her.

Is Lace Yarn Too Hard for Beginner Crocheters?

Honestly? Lace yarn isn't HARDER… it's just different. Here's what to know going in.

The biggest adjustment is tension. Lace weight yarn is thinner than the worsted or DK most crocheters start with, so your stitches will feel smaller and your hook will feel finer. The trick is to keep your tension consistent… not necessarily tight or loose, just even. Stitches should sit at a uniform height. Don't worry about speed.

The second adjustment is visibility. Lace yarn is easier to work with in good lighting. If you usually crochet on the couch under a lamp, set up a brighter task light for the first few rows… it makes a huge difference.

The good news: the body of the Bluebonnet Shawl uses three of the most common crochet stitches there are. You're already familiar with them. The yarn is the new variable… not the stitches. By the time you reach the lace edging, the yarn will feel completely normal in your hands.

🌟 Designer Tip: Before you start the shawl, swatch a 4-inch square in plain double crochet with your It's A Wrap and recommended hook. This gives your hands time to adjust to the yarn weight and lets you confirm gauge without commitment. Frog it after… no harm done… and you'll be ready to start the real project with confidence.
Crocheted fabric with teal and brown yarn, showing intricate patterns, clear scalloped edging, and visible texture.

Build Your Skills with the Bluebonnet Shawl

Every pattern is also a chance to grow as a crafter. Here's what you'll add to your skill set when you make the Bluebonnet Crochet Lace Shawl:

🌸 Working with lace weight yarn. Once you've finished one lace-weight project, you'll have unlocked a whole category of patterns that probably felt intimidating before.

🌸 Combining basic stitches into elegant fabric. Sc, hdc, and dc are workhorse stitches… but when you arrange them with intention, they create texture and drape that looks far more advanced than the technique itself.

🌸 Working a lace edging. Lace borders are the gateway skill to true lace shawls. The edging on this pattern is a perfect introduction… contained, repeating, and visually rewarding.

🌸 Blocking a finished lace project. Blocking is what transforms lace from “huh, looks crinkly” to “wow, look at that drape.” See the Blocking Tips section below for the steps.

Yarn & Materials

The Bluebonnet Crochet Lace Shawl is designed for a lightweight (CYC #1 super fine) cotton-blend gradient cake yarn. The original yarn was Red Heart It's A Wrap, which has been discontinued. The good news: a number of beautiful substitute yarns work just as well, and the pattern is forgiving enough to look gorgeous in any of them.

⚠️ About Red Heart It's A Wrap: The original It's A Wrap (and the full It's A Wrap family — Rainbow, Sprinkles, and Hues) has been discontinued by Red Heart. If you have a cake in your stash, you can absolutely still use it for this pattern — in fact, that's exactly what it was designed for. But because it's no longer available to buy, my main recommendations below point to current substitute yarns.

There isn't a perfect 1:1 big-box substitute for It's A Wrap, but these are the yarns I recommend (in order from “closest match” to “would look stunning, just adjust your hook”):

🌿 KnitPicks Candy Mountain — the closest match. CYC #1 fingering/lace weight, gradient self-striping. Easy to find, ships fast, and the color shifts behave very much like It's A Wrap. My top pick for a current, easy-to-buy substitute.

🌸 KnitPicks Summer Breeze — sport weight (CYC #2), cotton blend. Slightly heavier than the original, which means a slightly heavier shawl and a slightly larger finished size. Use a hook size up from the pattern and check gauge. The drape is gorgeous.

💙 Hobbii Sultan Deluxe Shine — cotton-blend cake yarn from Hobbii (international shipping, but worth it for the colors). A great option if you want something a little more luxe than acrylic-blend.

🌸 Hobbii Azalea and Hobbii Honolulu — two more lovely cotton-blend cake yarns from Hobbii's collection. Great for spring/summer shawls.

🌈 Ice Yarns Cakes Cotton Fine — a fantastic substitute, especially if you're trying to replace It's A Wrap Rainbow in any pattern (it works beautifully in the Tilted Blocks Shawl too).

🧩 Ice Yarns Cakes Puzzle — another cake yarn option from Ice Yarns with similar weight and gradient behavior.

☁️ Ice Yarns Mohair Pastel — if you want a completely different vibe, a lace-weight mohair would give the shawl a soft, halo-y, dreamy texture. Pastel colorways are stunning for spring.

Honest heads-up: there aren't currently any big-box (Michaels, JOANN, Hobby Lobby) yarns at this exact weight + construction. So if you want a true cotton-blend lightweight cake yarn, you'll be ordering online from KnitPicks, Hobbii, or Ice Yarns. All three are reliable shippers — just plan a few extra days into your project timeline.

🌟 Designer Tip: Whatever yarn you choose, swatch first. Lightweight cotton blends, sport weights, and mohair all behave differently — a quick 4-inch gauge swatch will save you from “why is my shawl twice as big as the pattern says?” frustration later.

Other Materials You'll Need

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Choosing Your Colors for the Bluebonnet Shawl 🎨

The original Bluebonnet Shawl is famous for those soft, dreamy blue-to-purple-to-cream color shifts — that's the gradient cake yarn doing its magic. But here's the thing: this pattern looks gorgeous in just about any color story you can imagine. The stitch pattern itself — the petal-inspired lace edging, the panel shaping in the body — is what makes the shawl special. The yarn just dresses it up.

If a true blue-bonnet palette isn't your thing, or you want to make one for a friend whose favorite color is decidedly NOT blue, here are a few ways to think about color for this shawl:

Woman modeling a bluebonnet crochet lace shawl, showing openwork stitches and drape, worn over a white top and jeans.
Woman modeling a crochet lace shawl in teal and brown, highlighting delicate stitching and drape. "Marly Bird" in corner.

Classic Gradient Cake — The Original Look 💙

This is the shawl as it was designed — natural color shifts that move through several related shades over the course of a single cake of yarn. There's zero color management on your end: you just keep crocheting and the colors change themselves. If you love the original Bluebonnet vibe, any of the substitute yarns in the Yarn & Materials section above will give you that same gradient effect (just in different color stories).

Bluebonnet Crochet Lace Shawl shown in a soft orange to blue gradient cake yarn — the alternaive colorway to original sample- Hobbii Azalea lace yarn cake

A Different Gradient — A Whole New Mood 🌅

Swap the cool blue-and-purple gradient for a warm sunset palette, a leafy forest gradient, or a soft pastel rainbow, and the shawl reads completely differently. Same stitches, same construction, totally new vibe. This is a great option if you're making the shawl as a gift and want to match the recipient's wardrobe or favorite colors.

Solid or Semi-Solid — Let the Stitches Shine ✨

Here's a secret about lace patterns: they often look BEST in a single solid color. When you remove the visual movement of a gradient, your eye lands on the lace itself — the open spaces, the petal shapes in the edging, the way the panels swirl out from the center top. A solid Bluebonnet Shawl is a completely different garment than the gradient version, and honestly… it might be my favorite way to make it.

Marly Bird wears lace crochet shawls in 16 colors, arranged in a grid. Each cowl showcases unique stitch and texture. Marly Bird logo bottom right. Bluebonnet Crochet Lace Shawl shown in an alternate gradient colorway, demonstrating how the pattern looks in different color stories

If you go solid, I recommend a soft, slightly tonal yarn (a hand-dyed semi-solid with subtle variation, or a brand's “solid” colorway that still has a little depth) over a perfectly flat color. The tiny tonal shifts make the lace look richer without competing with it. Think of it like the difference between a flat painted wall and a wall with a soft tone-on-tone texture — the textured one shows off everything in front of it better.

Color ideas for a solid Bluebonnet:

  • 🤍 Soft cream or natural — timeless, bridal, perfect for a wedding wrap
  • 🩶 Light gray or silver — modern, sophisticated, pairs with everything in your closet
  • 💙 A single shade of blue — keeps the Bluebonnet name but simplifies the look
  • 🌿 Sage green or dusty rose — gentle, wearable, neutral-adjacent
  • 🖤 Deep navy, charcoal, or burgundy — dramatic, evening-friendly, the lace really pops
🌟 Designer Tip: If you can't decide between gradient and solid, ask yourself this: do you want the YARN to be the star, or do you want the STITCHES to be the star? Gradients hand the spotlight to the yarn. Solids hand it to the lace. Both are gorgeous — there's no wrong answer, just two different shawls.

Video Tutorials

Two helpful video tutorials to keep open while you work on this shawl:

Bluebonnet Crochet Lace Shawl shown in an alternate gradient colorway, demonstrating how the pattern looks in different color stories

A person models a lacy blue crochet shawl, shown in three poses to display its intricate stitchwork and drape.

Bluebonnet Crochet Lace Shawl — Pattern Details

Skill Level

Adventurous Beginner

Finished Measurements

Shawl is 23.5” [59.5 cm] deep including border and 56” [142 cm] in wingspan

Gauge

24 dc by 11 dc rows = 4” [10 cm] by 4” [10 cm]; use any size hook to obtain the gauge.

Materials

Crochet Yarn 

Red Heart, It’s a Wrap (50% Cotton/ 50% Acrylic, 1100 yds / 1006 m, 7 oz/ 200 g, CYCA# 1 fingering) : Action, 2 cakes

Note: Yarn has been discontinued. 

Crochet Hook

Size E/4 [3.5  mm]

Notions 

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Abbreviations

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)

Tch– Turning Chain

WS – Wrong Side

Special Stitches

⭐️Double Treble Crochet (Dtr): Yarn over hook three times, insert hook into indicated stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop; [yarn over and draw through two loops] four times.

⭐️Reverse Single Crochet (reverse sc): Also known as a Crab Stitch; working from left to right, insert hook from front to back in next stitch to the right,  yarn over and pull up a loop, yarn over and draw through 2 loops on hook.

CROCHET STITCH DIAGRAM

✨ Following along with the free pattern on MarlyBird.com? You’ll have everything you need to make the shawl, but if you want the exclusive stitch diagram charts, those are only available in the ad-free PDF version.

You’ll enjoy a clean, printable, ad-free experience while supporting Marly Bird’s free tutorials and patterns 💖

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SCHEMATIC

Crochet shawl diagram with bluebonnet shape, labeled sides, and lines showing triangular lace sections for shaping.

Pattern Notes

The shawl is made from the center top to bottom with panel shaping increases made every other row. 

The color change happens naturally with the yarn. 

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I'm thrilled to share this amazing pattern with you, many patterns on my blog are absolutely free! I kindly request that you don't copy and paste or distribute this pattern. Prefer an ad-free experience? Buy a digital PDF pattern for a small fee from one of my online stores for a seamless crafting journey. 

I appreciate your support and readership. You are the reason I can keep doing what I love and sharing it with others. So, thank you from the bottom of my yarn-loving heart! Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links at no cost to you.

Person models a blue and dark gray crochet lace shawl, showing stitch detail and drape; colorful background with shelves behind.

Bluebonnet Crochet Lace Shawl — Pattern Instructions

Body

🌟 Designer Note — The Start of This Shawl Will Feel a Little Different (and That's Okay) 💛

A heads-up before you pick up your hook: the way this shawl begins is probably different from any shawl you've started before. You'll chain just 5 stitches, work a tiny foundation row, and then in Row 3 you'll stretch your yarn down to work into the edge stitches of Row 1 — essentially crocheting around the little starting nub to build out from the center top of the shawl.

If that sounds strange, that's because it IS a little strange the first time you do it. Most shawl patterns start with a long foundation chain or a magic ring, not a tiny anchor that you build outward from. I promise it works. Just follow the instructions exactly as written for Rows 1 through 4, and by Row 5 your shawl will look like a normal shawl-in-progress with the panel shaping clearly visible. You don't need to understand WHY it works at the start to get a beautiful finished piece — you just need to trust the instructions for the first four rows.

Once you're past Row 4, the construction settles into a rhythm: each odd row adds 2 stitches and each even row adds 12 stitches, and the markers move out across the body to shape the five panels.

Ch 5

Row 1 (WS): 2 sc in second ch from hook, sc in each of next 2 ch, 2 sc in last ch, turn.— 6 sts.

Row 2 (RS): Ch 1, 2 sc in first st, sc in each st to last st, 2 sc in last st, turn.— 8 sts.

Row 3: Ch 1, sc in edge st of row 1 (stretch yarn to reach side, work over ch just made), 2 sc in first st of row 2, sc in each st to last st, 2 sc in last st, sc in left edge st of row 1, turn. – 12 sts.

Row 4: Ch 1, 2 sc in first st and each st across, turn. – 24 sts.

Row 5: Ch 1, 2 sc in first st, sc in each of next 2 sts, * ch 2, sc in next st, ch 2, sc in each of next 3 sts; repeat from * to last st, 2 sc in last st, turn. – 26 sc + 10 ch-2 sps.

Row 6: Ch 1, 2 sc in first st, * sc in each st to next ch-2 sp, sc in next ch-2 sp, sc in next st (place marker), sc in next ch-2 sp; repeat from * 4 more times, sc in each st to last st, 2 sc in last st, turn. – 38 sts, (7 sts in first and last sections, 6 sts in each of the 4 center sections).

Row 7: Ch 1, 2 sc in first st, * sc in each st to marker, ch 2, sc in marked st (move marker), ch 2; repeat from * 4 more times, sc in each st to last st, 2 sc in last st, turn.— 40 sts + 10 ch-2 sps.

Row 8: Ch 1, 2 sc in first st, * sc in each st to next ch-2 sp, sc in next ch-2 sp, sc in next st (move marker), sc in next ch-2 sp; repeat from * 4 more times, sc in each st to last st, 2 sc in last st, turn. – 52 sts, (10 sts in first and last sections, 8 sts in each of the center sections).

Rows 9-16: Repeat Rows 7-8 – 108 sts, (22 sts in first and last sections, 16 sts in each of the center sections).  Note: Each odd row increases by 2 sts; each even row increases by 12 sts.

Row 17: Ch 1, 2 hdc in first st, * hdc in each st to marker, ch 2, hdc in marked st (move marker), ch 2; repeat from * 4 more times, hdc in each st to last st, 2 hdc in last st, turn.—110 sts + 10 ch-2 sps.

Row 18: Ch 1, 2 hdc in first st, * hdc in each st to next ch-2 sp, hdc in next ch-2 sp, hdc in next st (move marker), hdc in next ch-2 sp; repeat from * 4 more times, hdc in each st to last st, 2 hdc in last st, turn. – 122 sts, (25 sts in first and last sections, 18 sts in each of the center sections).

Rows 19-28: Repeat Rows 17-18 – 192 sts, (40 sts in first and last sections, 28 sts in each of the center sections).

Row 29: Ch 2 (does not count as a st throughout), 2 dc in first st, * dc in each st to marker, ch 2, dc in marked st (move marker), ch 2; repeat from * 4 more times, dc in each st to last st, 2 dc in last st, turn.—194 sts + 10 ch-2 sps.

Row 30: Ch 2, 2 dc in first st, * dc in each st to next ch-2 sp, dc in next ch-2 sp, dc in next st (move marker), dc in next ch-2 sp; repeat from * 4 more times, dc in each st to last st, 2 dc in last st, turn. – 206 sts, (43 sts in first and last sections, 30 sts in each of the center sections).

Rows 31-68: Repeat Rows 29-30 – 472 sts, (100 sts in first and last sections, 68 sts in each of the center sections).

Row 69: Ch 1, sc in each st across, (move markers up). Turn. 

Row 70: Ch 1, [sc in ea st across to marker, 2 sc in marked st] twice, sc in each st across to next marker, sc in marked st, [sc in ea st across to marker, 2 sc in marked st] twice, sc in each st across to end, turn — 476 sts.

Border

Note: Border edging is made from multiple short rows which create each scallop and shell individually.  The edging has a multiple of 25 plus 1.

FIRST HALF SHELL

Row 1a (WS): Ch 1, sl st next 5 sc, turn. 

Row 1b (RS): Skip 4 sl sts, 7 dtr in last sl st, reverse sc in each dtr just made (half shell completed), turn.

Row 1c (WS): Skip 3 sts on body, sl st in next st (same as prev sl st). 

REPEAT FOR BODY

Row 2a (WS): * Sl st in next 7 sts, ch 5, skip 2 sts along body, sl st in next st, ch 3, skip 1 st along body, sl st in next st, turn. 

Row 2b (RS): 12 dc in ch-5 space, skip 1 st along body, sl st in next st on body, ch 3, skip 1 st along body, sl st in next st, turn. 

Row 2c (WS): [Ch 2, skip 1 dc, dc in next dc] 6 times, ch 2, skip 1 st along body, sl st in next st, ch 3, skip 1 st along body, sl st in next st, turn.  

Row 2d (RS): [3 dc in next ch-2 sp] 7 times, skip 1 st along body, sl st in next st, turn. 

Row 2e (WS): [Ch 5, skip next dc, sl st in next dc] 10 times, ch 5, skip next dc**, sl st in next 9 sts along body, turn. 

Row 3a (RS): Skip next 4 sl sts, 13 dtr in next st (shell made), skip 3 sts along body, sl st in next st on body (same st as prev ch-5 sp), reverse sc in each dtr, turn.

Row 3b (WS): Skip 3 sts on body (from center of shell), sl st in next st, turn

Repeat from * on Row 2a thru Row 3b across to last 5 sts ending at ** on Row 2e. 

LAST HALF SHELL

Row 4a (WS): Sl st in each st to end, ch 5 (counts as dtr), turn. 

Row 4b (RS): 6 dtr in last st (half shell completed), skip 3 sts along body, sl st in next st, reverse sc in each dtr. Fasten off.

Finishing

Fasten off, weave in the ends. 

Crochet Lace Shawl in blue, green, and gray displayed to show intricate stitch detail and soft texture. Shelves behind.

Wash and Block

Wet blocking is like sending your yarn on a spa retreat. It's the process where your yarn unwinds, enjoys a soothing cleanse, and settles gracefully into its final form, allowing its true beauty to flourish.

Here's how to pamper your creation with a thorough wet block:

  • Begin by submerging your piece in a basin or sink filled with water. This is a great moment to add a touch of gentle soap or specialized wool wash—enhanced with lanolin and fiber conditioners—to not only clean but also condition the yarn. (Just remember to rinse well, especially if you aren't using a no-rinse wash.)
  • Remove as much water as you can without stretching or distorting the fibers.

Some helpful techniques include:

  • Pressing the piece against the sink to shed excess water.
  • Gently squeezing between your hands—just avoid any twisting or wringing.
  • 💡 Always support the entire garment when lifting to prevent any part from stretching out of shape. 

Carefully lay the piece on a large towel without stretching it. Fold the towels ends over your project and roll it up like a burrito to wick away more moisture. Aim for a balance—your piece should be damp, not sopping, and certainly not dry, to avoid any creases. 

Place your piece on the blocking board with care. Now, shape it while it's damp.

Align with the grid if your board has one, centering your work for symmetry.

Gently expand your piece to the desired measurements, using your pattern's schematic and the grid for precision.

🚨 USE EXTRA CARE TO AVOID OVERSTRETCHING! As the project is damp, some yarns like to overstretch or grow and you must be vigilant to avoid this.

Secure with pins, using them sparingly to keep the fabric flat. Smooth the piece with your hands to ensure an even spread.

Leave your masterpiece to dry and take this chance to cast on a new project. Drying could take a full day, but if you're pressed for time, setting up a fan can speed up the process significantly. Do not place the project in direct sunlight as it can discolor the yarn!

Remember, wet blocking is more than a finishing step—it's an act of transformation, turning your knitted work into an heirloom-quality piece. Now, step back, let the magic happen, and watch as your stitches settle into their new, polished configuration.

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Blocking Tips for Your Bluebonnet Shawl

Blocking is the single biggest thing you can do to make your finished shawl look professional. Lace especially needs it… the holes open up, the drape settles in, and the fabric flattens into the shape you designed it to be. Here's how I block this one.

  1. Weave in all ends first. You want them secure before blocking, because wet fibers can shift.
  2. Fill a clean sink or basin with cool water and a tiny splash of Eucalan wool wash. Soak the finished shawl for 15-20 minutes. Press it gently under the water, do not agitate.
  3. Drain. Gently press out excess water (do not wring). Roll the shawl in a clean towel and press to remove more water.
  4. Lay the damp shawl on blocking mats. Use blocking wires along the long edges to keep things straight, and T-pins to pin out each point of the lace edging.
  5. Let it dry completely. This usually takes overnight depending on humidity. Don't unpin too early… the shape sets as it dries.

Once it's blocked, the lace pattern opens up beautifully and the whole shawl drapes the way it's supposed to. This is the moment you'll be glad you bought blocking supplies. 💛

Got It's A Wrap in Your Stash? More Patterns to Use It Up

If you have It's A Wrap (any of the four versions — original, Rainbow, Sprinkles, or Hues) sitting in your stash from when it was still in production, you're not alone! It was a beloved yarn, and a lot of us bought more of it than we could use up before it disappeared. Here are more of my free patterns designed around this same gorgeous cake yarn:

Favorite & Queue the Bluebonnet Shawl on Ravelry

Favorite This Pattern on Ravelry - Marly Bird

More Free Crochet Shawl Patterns You'll Love

Add these to your queue while you're here:

A woman in a teal crochet lace shawl smiles, highlighting the shawl’s intricate openwork and soft texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

About the designer: Marly Bird is a knit and crochet designer, teacher, and host of Mondays with Marly podcast with professional experience designing since 2007 designing for major yarn brands including Red Heart, Cascade, Bernat, Yarnspirations, Lion Brand, and KnitPicks & WeCrochet. She is one of the few designers in the industry who teaches both knitting and crochet at a master level — her signature “BiCrafty” approach. Marly's free patterns and tutorials have helped millions of crafters learn new techniques on marlybird.com and her YouTube channel.

Is the Bluebonnet Crochet Lace Shawl beginner-friendly?

It's best suited for advanced beginners and intermediate crocheters. The body of the shawl uses single crochet, half double crochet, and double crochet… stitches most crocheters know well. The intermediate-level challenge is the lace edging at the end, plus working with lace weight yarn for the first time. By the time you reach the edging, the yarn will feel comfortable in your hands.

What yarn should I use for the Bluebonnet Shawl now that It's A Wrap is discontinued?

My top substitute pick is KnitPicks Candy Mountain — it's the closest match in weight and gradient behavior. Hobbii's Sultan Deluxe Shine, Azalea, and Honolulu cotton blends are excellent options too. Ice Yarns Cakes Cotton Fine is another favorite, especially if you're replacing It's A Wrap Rainbow specifically. See the full substitute yarn list in the Yarn & Materials section above. If you still have It's A Wrap in your stash, you can absolutely use it — that's what the pattern was originally designed for.

Is lace weight yarn difficult for beginner crocheters?

It's not harder, just different. The yarn is thinner and the hook is smaller, so consistent tension matters more than with worsted weight. Good lighting helps a lot. I recommend swatching a small square in plain double crochet before you start the shawl… it gives your hands time to adjust without commitment.

How long does the Bluebonnet Crochet Lace Shawl take to make?

Most crocheters finish it in two to three weeks of casual evening crochet, depending on how much time you put in. The body works up faster than you'd expect for a lace-weight project because it uses tall stitches (hdc and dc) rather than only single crochet. The lace edging takes a little longer per row, but there are far fewer rows of it. [MARLY: confirm typical hours/weeks if there's a more specific estimate from pattern testing.]

Do I have to block this shawl?

Yes, please block it! Blocking is what makes lace look like lace. Before blocking, the fabric will look crinkly and the lace edging will feel a little scrunched up. After a proper wet-block (see the Blocking Tips section above), the lace opens up, the drape settles in, and the whole shawl transforms. It's the single biggest finishing step you can take.

Where can I get the ad-free PDF of the Bluebonnet Shawl?

The ad-free PDF (with crochet stitch charts) is available in my Ravelry shop, my Etsy shop, and at shop.marlybird.com. The PDF includes the full pattern plus charts that aren't shown on the blog version, so it's the easiest way to work the pattern without scrolling.

Why is it called the Bluebonnet Shawl?

It's named for the Texas state wildflower — those gorgeous blue-purple blooms that carpet Texas highways every spring. The lace stitch pattern in the edging echoes the layered petal structure of an actual bluebonnet bloom, which is a small design detail I love. If you've ever driven through Texas Hill Country in April, you know exactly the color and softness this shawl is named for.

A woman models a crocheted lace shawl in blue and teal, showing stitch detail; yarn shelves fill the background.

Final Thoughts

The Bluebonnet Crochet Lace Shawl has been one of my favorite patterns for years, and getting to re-release it with fresh photos and our current standard layout feels like reintroducing an old friend. Whether you're crocheting it as a gift, a prayer shawl, or simply because you have a cake of It's A Wrap calling your name from the stash… I hope you love making it as much as I loved designing it. 💙🌸

If you make one, please share it with me. Tag @MarlyBird on Instagram or post in the Marly's Minions Facebook group. There's nothing better than seeing your finished pieces. 💛

And if this pattern brightened your day, share it with a fellow crocheter on Facebook — that's how patterns like this one find the people who need them most. 🌸

❤️ Your BiCrafty Bestie,
Marly Bird

A cartoon avatar of a person with glasses and a brown bun smiles warmly. Their green shirt and black jacket add a stylish touch, while colorful hearts surround them like loving temperature blankets, stitching together an aura of love and positivity. -Marly Bird
🌸 Spring Fling Day 7 Spotlight 🌸

This pattern debuted as Day 7 of Spring Fling 2026 (Tue May 12, 2026), part of my 20-day knit and crochet pattern celebration. The free pattern stays free forever right here on the blog… and you can grab the ad-free PDF anytime on Etsy, Shopify, or Ravelry.

👉 See the full Spring Fling 2026 lineup on the Hub

Share your finished Bluebonnet Shawl with the hashtag #SpringFling2026 + #BluebonnetShawl 💙
“

Free Solomon’s Knot Crochet Cotton Tee Pattern in 4 Sizes (S/M – 4X/5X)

By Leave a Comment

”
📝 Update — May 2026: This pattern post has been fully refreshed with complete written instructions, special-stitch tutorials, schematic, blocking guidance, and updated yarn substitution links. Co-designer credit added for the brilliant Robyn Chachula, who collaborated with Marly on the design. Same beloved Solomon's Knot Crochet Tee… now with everything you need to make it from start to finish in one place.

The Solomon's Knot Crochet Tee is a free crochet tee pattern designed by Marly Bird and Robyn Chachula, available in 4 sizes from S/M through 4X/5X. Worked in two panels from the hem up using a herringbone double crochet body and an airy Solomon's Knot stitch sleeve, this oversized cotton tee is a breezy summer layering piece… drapey, breathable, and made in widely available Bernat Softee Cotton (a 60% cotton / 40% acrylic light worsted blend). Skill level: intermediate.

If you have been waiting for a free crochet tee pattern that actually wears like real summer clothes… not a stiff fabric square with sleeves, not something so heavy you can't put it on past May… meet the Solomon's Knot Tee.

Hey, bestie 💛

This tee is one of the patterns I get asked about most when summer rolls around. I co-designed it with the brilliant Robyn Chachula, and we built it for the very specific moment when you want a crocheted top that you'll actually wear in 80-degree weather. Cotton blend yarn for breathability. An open Solomon's Knot stitch in the sleeves so air moves through the fabric. Oversized fit with 4-8 inches of ease so nothing clings. Reversible stitch pattern so it looks great no matter how you grab it off the back of a chair at 7 a.m.

Here is what makes this tee special: it is crocheted in two simple panels that get whip-stitched together at the shoulders and sides, with sleeves added directly off the body without complicated armhole shaping. That construction means most of the project is meditative herringbone double crochet on a long row, broken up by a stunning Solomon's Knot lace section in the sleeves that looks way more advanced than it actually is.

If you have been curious about Solomon's Knot stitch (sometimes called the lover's knot)… this is the perfect pattern to learn it. You only need a few rows of it, and I am walking you through every step.

This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you… and it helps keep these free patterns coming straight from my yarn-loving heart to yours. 💛

Marly Bird wearing the Solomon's Knot Crochet Tee in Bernat Softee Cotton Dusk Sky, a free crochet tee pattern in sizes S/M to 4X/5X
🌸 Spring Fling 2026: The Solomon's Knot Crochet Tee debuted as Day 4 of Spring Fling 2026, my 20-day knit and crochet pattern celebration. Browse all 20 patterns on the Spring Fling Hub →

What You Will Love About This Pattern 💖

👕 A real summer crochet top. Cotton blend yarn, open Solomon's Knot lace in the sleeves, drapey not stiff. This isn't a “blanket masquerading as a top” pattern. You'll actually reach for it in July.

📏 Sizes S/M through 4X/5X. Four size groupings with 4-8 inches of positive ease. Designed to be oversized… if you're between sizes, you can size down for a closer fit.

🧶 Two-panel construction. Crochet two flat panels (front + back), seam at the shoulders and sides, add sleeves directly off the body. No fiddly armhole shaping. No top-down math.

🌬️ Solomon's Knot sleeves. The open lace stitch in the sleeves looks intricate and is honestly just long loops + single crochet in a rhythmic pattern. You learn it in 10 minutes and it makes the whole tee look fancy.

Free Solomon's Knot Crochet Tee pattern by Marly Bird — sizes S/M to 4X/5X in Bernat Softee Cotton, featuring open Solomon's Knot stitch sleeves and oversized cotton fit

🔁 Reversible stitch pattern. Both sides of the herringbone double crochet body look great. Pull it on inside-out and no one will know.

💰 Affordable, accessible yarn. Bernat Softee Cotton is at Joann, Michaels, Walmart, and online for around $5 per ball. A full tee in the largest size needs 6 balls. Total project cost: under $35.

👯 Co-designed with Robyn Chachula. Robyn is one of the smartest construction designers in crochet, and her fingerprints are all over the smart panel sequencing here. Two industry veterans, one brilliantly simple summer top.

Solomon's Knot Crochet Tee styled with denim showing the open Solomon's Knot stitch sleeves and oversized drape

Quick Pattern Overview

🎯 Skill Level: Intermediate

📏 Finished Bust: 42.5 (50, 57, 66)” / 108 (127, 145, 167.5) cm. Sized S/M, L/XL, 2X/3X, 4X/5X. Designed with 4-8″ of positive ease for an oversized fit.

🧶 Yarn: Bernat Softee Cotton (60% Cotton / 40% Acrylic, 254 yds/232 m, 4.2 oz/120 g, CYCA 3 light) in Dusk Sky. 3 (4, 5, 6) balls.

🪡 Hook: Size G/7 (4.5 mm) or size needed to obtain gauge.

📐 Gauge (blocked): 13 herringbone double crochet sts and 8 rows = 4″ x 4″ / 10 cm x 10 cm. Use any size hook to obtain gauge.

⏱️ Estimated time: 25-40 hours depending on size and crochet speed. Most crocheters finish in 2-3 weeks of regular project time.

Marly Bird wearing the Solomon's Knot Crochet Tee in Dusk Sky Bernat Softee Cotton — free crochet tee pattern in sizes S/M to 4X/5X

Is This Crochet Tee Right for You?

This pattern is a perfect match if you want a wearable summer crochet top and you're ready to learn one or two new stitches. You will be right at home if you can:

  • Chain, single crochet, half double crochet, and double crochet
  • Read a written pattern with multi-size instructions in parentheses
  • Whip stitch two pieces of crochet fabric together (linked video tutorial below)
  • Wet block a finished piece (spray, pin, dry… that's it)

The two new stitches you'll learn (or get more comfortable with) are foundation single crochet (fsc), herringbone double crochet, and Solomon's Knot. All three have linked video tutorials in this post… and once you learn them, you have them in your toolkit for life.

If chain, single crochet, and double crochet still feel uncertain, start with my BiCrafty Bootcamp: Learn to Crochet first. Build the foundation, then come back here for your summer wardrobe.

✨ Designer Tip: The Solomon's Knot stitch sounds intimidating, but here's the secret… it's just a really long chain stitch with a single crochet “anchor” worked into its back loop. The whole “trick” is pulling that loop up to about ¾ inch (about 2 cm) every single time. Get a ruler out for the first 5-10 knots so your eye learns the length, and after that you'll do it on autopilot. Consistent loop length = consistent fabric.
Solomon's Knot Crochet Tee in Bernat Softee Cotton Dusk Sky shown flat, featuring herringbone double crochet body and Solomon's Knot lace sleeves — free crochet tee pattern by Marly Bird and Robyn Chachula

Explore More Free Crochet Top & Tee Patterns

If summer crochet tops are your thing, you are in good company. Browse the full collection or pick your next project:

What Is a Solomon's Knot Stitch?

The Solomon's Knot stitch (also called the lover's knot) is a classic crochet stitch that looks like an open, lacy mesh of long, knotted loops. It's worked from a foundation of regular crochet stitches and creates a fabric with lots of drape, lots of airflow, and a very distinctive textile look… think antique tablecloth or vintage shawl, modernized.

Mechanically it's two motions repeating: pull up a long loop (about ¾ inch / 2 cm), and then anchor that loop with a single crochet worked into the back loop you just created. Two stitches. That's the whole technique. The visual complexity comes from working those two stitches in a rhythmic grid… and from the magic of how the long loops drape after blocking.

You'll see Solomon's Knot in shawls, blankets, summer tops, and lace projects. It's especially loved for hot weather garments because the open structure breathes… very different from a dense single crochet fabric that can wear like cardboard in July.

For more Solomon's Knot patterns, see the Solomon's Knot Blanket and the Solomon's Knot Crochet Cuff (with video tutorial).

Solomon's Knot Crochet Tee styled over a black tank top — free oversized crochet tee pattern in Bernat Softee Cotton Dusk Sky

Build Your Skills With This Pattern

The Solomon's Knot Tee is a quietly skill-building pattern. You'll come out the other side with three new techniques you can use for the rest of your crochet life:

🪢 Foundation single crochet (fsc). A starting row that creates the foundation chain and the first row of single crochet in one pass. No more counting and recounting a long, twisty chain. Once you learn this, you'll use it on every project that starts flat. >> Watch the Foundation Single Crochet Video <<

🐟 Herringbone double crochet. A subtle variation on regular double crochet where you draw the loop through the first loop on the hook before completing the stitch. The result is a slanted, tightly-woven texture that has more visual interest than a standard dc fabric. The whole body of the tee is herringbone dc. >> Watch the Herringbone Double Crochet Video <<

💎 Solomon's Knot. The signature stitch in the sleeves. Looks complicated, is honestly two motions repeated rhythmically. Once you know it, you can use it for shawls, blankets, scarves, summer wraps… it's a forever stitch.

✨ Designer Tip: Practice each special stitch on a small swatch BEFORE you start the tee. Make a 4″ x 4″ foundation single crochet swatch, then a 4″ x 4″ herringbone double crochet swatch (this also confirms your gauge), and then a 6-row Solomon's Knot swatch. By the time your swatches are done you'll have all three techniques in muscle memory and the actual project will feel easy.
Solomon's Knot Crochet Tee styled over a white tank, showing the openwork Solomon's Knot stitch sleeves and drapey cotton fabric — free crochet tee pattern by Marly Bird

Yarn & Materials

Yarn: The Solomon's Knot Tee is designed in Bernat Softee Cotton, a 60% cotton / 40% acrylic blend in the CYCA 3 (light worsted / DK) weight. The cotton gives breathability and a crisp stitch definition; the acrylic gives a little bit of bounce and machine washability. The colorway shown is Dusk Sky.

You'll need 3 (4, 5, 6) balls depending on your size, at 254 yards / 232 meters per 120 g ball.

Get the yarn: Bernat Softee Cotton (Marly's favorite source). Also widely available at Herrschners, Michaels, Yarnspirations, and Amazon.

Bernat Softee Cotton yarn in Dusk Sky — 60% cotton 40% acrylic CYCA 3 light worsted blend used for the Solomon's Knot Crochet Tee free pattern

Yarn Substitutions

If you can't get Bernat Softee Cotton or want to use what's in your stash, look for a CYCA 3 (light worsted / DK) yarn that's predominantly cotton or a cotton/acrylic blend. The pattern depends on the cotton's slight stiffness for fabric structure and the acrylic for ease of care. Avoid 100% wool (too warm) and avoid 100% acrylic (the fabric won't hold the Solomon's Knot shape as crisply). Three good substitutes:

  • Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton… 100% mercerized cotton, slightly heavier drape
  • Berroco Remix Light DK… recycled cotton/acrylic/nylon/silk/linen blend, drapey and summer-perfect
  • WeCrochet/KnitPicks Dishie (held single)… 100% cotton, budget-friendly

Whatever yarn you choose: swatch and block your swatch first. The drape after blocking is the drape your tee will have, and cotton substitutes often surprise you.

Hooks & Notions

You'll need a size G/7 (4.5 mm) crochet hook (or size needed to obtain gauge), stitch markers, a tapestry needle for weaving in ends, blocking mats and pins, and a spray water bottle for blocking.

⭐️ Marly Bird Amazon Storefront ⭐️

Video Tutorials

Every special technique in this pattern has a free video tutorial. Watch before you start and you'll save yourself hours of “wait, what does that mean?”:

Love the Pattern but Want an Ad-Free PDF?

If you'd rather print a clean, ad-free PDF of the Solomon's Knot Tee for your project bag, you have three options:

Solomon's Knot Crochet Tee ad-free PDF mockup — buy the printable pattern on Etsy, Shopify, or Ravelry
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Solomon's Knot Crochet Tee — Pattern Details

Skill Level

Intermediate. Comfortable with basic crochet stitches plus willingness to learn foundation single crochet, herringbone double crochet, and Solomon's Knot.

Sizes

S/M (L/XL, 2X/3X, 4X/5X). The top is oversized with 4-8″ of ease. Sweater shown is 2X/3X.

Note about size: When picking out your size, make sure you check the finished bust. The sweater is designed to be oversized… just to keep in mind, if you are between 2 sizes, you can certainly make it one size smaller to have a tighter fit.

Finished Bust Measurement

42.5 (50, 57, 66)” / 108 (127, 145, 167.5) cm bust circumference.

Gauge

Blocked gauge: 13 herringbone double crochet sts and 8 rows = 4″ x 4″ / 10 cm x 10 cm. Check your gauge. Use any size hook to obtain gauge. Swatch is all herringbone double crochet stitches.

Materials

Yarn: Bernat Softee Cotton (60% Cotton / 40% Acrylic, 254 yds/232 m, 4.2 oz/120 g, CYCA 3 light): Dusk Sky, 3 (4, 5, 6) balls.

Hook: G/7 (4.5 mm) or size needed to obtain gauge.

Notions: Stitch markers, tapestry needle, blocking mats and blocking pins, spray water bottle for blocking (optional).

⭐️ Marly Bird Amazon Storefront ⭐️

Abbreviations

  • ch — chain(s)
  • hdc — half double crochet
  • dc — double crochet
  • dtr — double treble crochet
  • fsc — foundation single crochet
  • pm — place marker
  • rev sc — reverse single crochet
  • RS — right side
  • sc — single crochet
  • sl st — slip stitch
  • sp(s) — space(s)
  • st(s) — stitch(es)
  • t-ch — turning chain
  • WS — wrong side

Special Stitches

Foundation Single Crochet (fsc).
First fsc: Ch 2 (does not count as sc), insert hook into 2nd ch from hook, yarn over and pull up a loop, yarn over and draw through 1 loop on hook (this forms a chain… optional note: placing a stitch marker can help you see the chain in the next stitch), yarn over and draw through 2 loops on hook (this forms the single crochet).
Next fsc: Insert hook into bottom of previous stitch (in the “chain” space), yarn over and pull up a loop, yarn over and draw through 1 loop on hook (forming a chain), yarn over and draw through 2 loops on hook (forming the next single crochet). Repeat directions for the desired number of stitches.

Herringbone Double Crochet (herringbone dc). Yarn over hook, insert hook into stitch indicated, yarn over and pull up a loop and through 1 loop on hook, yarn over and draw through 1 loop on hook, yarn over and draw through 2 loops on hook.

Reverse Single Crochet (rev sc). Also known as crab stitch. Working from left to right, insert hook from front to back in the next stitch to the right, yarn over and pull up a loop, yarn over and draw through 2 loops on hook.

Solomon's Knot. Draw up a long loop (about ¾” / 2 cm), yarn over and gently pull through loop on hook (do not pull tight… it should look like a long chain), sc around back loop of stitch just made.

Stitch Diagram

The crochet stitch diagram is exclusive to the ad-free pdf.

Schematic

Solomon's Knot Crochet Tee schematic showing finished bust, length, neck opening, and sleeve dimensions for sizes S/M, L/XL, 2X/3X, and 4X/5X

Notes

  • Directions are for smallest size; changes for other sizes are in parentheses. When only one number is given, it applies to all sizes.
  • Top is worked in 2 panels from the bottom hem to the shoulders. Sleeves are added directly off the body… with chains on one side and foundation single crochet on the other.
  • Stitch pattern is reversible.

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I'm thrilled to share this amazing pattern with you, many patterns on my blog are absolutely free! I kindly request that you don't copy and paste or distribute this pattern. Prefer an ad-free experience? Buy a digital PDF pattern for a small fee from one of my online stores for a seamless crafting journey. 

I appreciate your support and readership. You are the reason I can keep doing what I love and sharing it with others. So, thank you from the bottom of my yarn-loving heart! Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links at no cost to you.

Solomon's Knot Crochet Tee pattern cover by Marly Bird and Robyn Chachula — free crochet tee pattern in Bernat Softee Cotton, sizes S/M to 4X/5X

Solomon's Knot Crochet Tee — Pattern Instructions

Body (Make 2 Panels)

Foundation Row (WS): 69 (81, 93, 107) fsc (see Special Stitches), turn.

Row 1 (RS): Ch 2 (counts as a hdc), herringbone dc in each st across to last, hdc in last st, turn.

Repeat Row 1 7 (9, 11, 13) more times or to desired length of body (ending on a WS row), do not fasten off.

✨ Designer Tip: The body length is meant to be customized. The pattern as written gives you a cropped tee… if you want a longer length (regular tee or tunic), repeat Row 1 more times before moving to the sleeves. Just make sure you end on a WS row so your sleeves start on the RS. Each additional row adds about ½” / 1.25 cm of length.

Sleeves — Solid Section

The sleeves are added directly off the body. The Row 1 instruction adds chains on one side and foundation single crochet on the other to create the sleeve width.

Row 1 (RS): Ch 19 (17, 17, 16), sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across, hdc in first st on body, herringbone dc in each st across to last, hdc in last st, 18 (16, 16, 15) fsc, turn — 105 (113, 125, 137) sts.

Row 2: Ch 2 (counts as a hdc), herringbone dc in each st across to last, hdc in last st, turn.

Repeat Row 2 5 (7, 9, 11) times.

Sleeves — Solomon's Knot Section

See stitch diagram for assistance with this section.

Row 1 (RS): Ch 1, sc in first st, *make 2 Solomon's Knots, skip 3 sts, sc in next st; repeat from * across to end, turn — 52 (56, 62, 68) Solomon's Knots.

Row 2: Ch 5 (counts as a dtr), make 1 Solomon's Knot, *sc in sc between the next 2 Solomon's Knots, make 2 Solomon's Knots; repeat across to last 2 Solomon's Knots, sc in sc between the last 2 Solomon's Knots, make 1 Solomon's Knot, dtr in last sc, turn.

Row 3: Ch 1, sc in dtr, *ch 3, sc in next sc (between the 2 Solomon's Knots); repeat from * across to t-ch, ch 3, sc in t-ch, turn — 26 (28, 31, 34) ch-3 sps.

Row 4: Ch 2 (counts as hdc), *3 herringbone dc in next ch-3 sp, herringbone dc in next sc; repeat from * across to last ch-3 sp, 3 herringbone dc in last ch-3 sp, hdc in last st, turn — 105 (113, 125, 137) sts.

Marly Bird wearing the Solomon's Knot Crochet Tee in Bernat Softee Cotton Dusk Sky, a free crochet tee pattern in sizes S/M to 4X/5X

Row 5: Ch 2 (counts as a hdc), herringbone dc in each st across to t-ch, hdc in top of t-ch, turn.

Row 6: Ch 1, sc in first st, *make 2 Solomon's Knots, skip 3 sts, sc in next st; repeat from * across to end, turn — 52 (56, 62, 68) Solomon's Knots.

Row 7: Ch 5 (counts as a dtr), make 1 Solomon's Knot, *sc in sc between the next 2 Solomon's Knots, make 2 Solomon's Knots; repeat across to last 2 Solomon's Knots, sc in sc between the last 2 Solomon's Knots, make 1 Solomon's Knot, dtr in last sc, turn.

Row 8: Ch 1, sc in dtr, *make 2 Solomon's Knots, sc in next sc (between the 2 Solomon's Knots); repeat from * across to t-ch, make 2 Solomon's Knots, sc in t-ch, turn.

Row 9: Ch 5 (counts as a dtr), make 1 Solomon's Knot, *sc in sc between the next 2 Solomon's Knots, make 2 Solomon's Knots; repeat across to last 2 Solomon's Knots, sc in sc between the last 2 Solomon's Knots, make 1 Solomon's Knot, dtr in last sc, turn.

Row 10: Ch 1, sc in dtr, *ch 3, sc in next sc (between the 2 Solomon's Knots); repeat from * across to t-ch, ch 3, sc in t-ch, turn — 26 (28, 31, 34) ch-3 sps.

Row 11: Ch 2 (counts as hdc), *3 herringbone dc in next ch-3 sp, herringbone dc in next sc; repeat from * across to last ch-3 sp, 3 herringbone dc in last ch-3 sp, hdc in last st, turn — 105 (113, 125, 137) sts.

Row 12: Ch 2 (counts as a hdc), herringbone dc in each st across to t-ch, hdc in top of t-ch, turn.

Row 13: Ch 1, sc in first st, *make 2 Solomon's Knots, skip 3 sts, sc in next st; repeat from * across to end, turn — 52 (56, 62, 68) Solomon's Knots.

Row 14: Ch 5 (counts as a dtr), make 1 Solomon's Knot, *sc in sc between the next 2 Solomon's Knots, make 2 Solomon's Knots; repeat across to last 2 Solomon's Knots, sc in sc between the last 2 Solomon's Knots, make 1 Solomon's Knot, dtr in last sc, turn.

Row 15: Ch 1, sc in dtr, *ch 3, sc in next sc (between the 2 Solomon's Knots); repeat from * across to t-ch, ch 3, sc in t-ch, turn — 26 (28, 31, 34) ch-3 sps.

Row 16: Ch 2 (counts as hdc), *3 herringbone dc in next ch-3 sp, herringbone dc in next sc; repeat from * across to last ch-3 sp, 3 herringbone dc in last ch-3 sp, hdc in last st, turn — 105 (113, 125, 137) sts.

Row 17: Ch 2 (counts as a hdc), herringbone dc in each st across to t-ch, hdc in top of t-ch, turn.

Row 18: Ch 2 (counts as a hdc), herringbone dc in each st across to t-ch, hdc in top of t-ch. Fasten off.

Marly Bird modeling the Solomon's Knot Crochet Tee in Bernat Softee Cotton, showing the airy Solomon's Knot stitch sleeves and oversized fit — free crochet tee pattern

Finishing

Weave in all ends.

Pin panels to schematic size, lightly spray with water and allow to dry.

Hold RS of both panels together. Whip stitch underarm and side seam on each side of panel. Whip stitch shoulder seam together leaving a 12 (12, 13, 13)” or desired opening for neck. Turn RS out.

Join yarn to bottom edge of body with a sl st, ch 1, reverse sc around edge of body, sl st to first st, fasten off and weave in ends. Repeat on sleeve openings and neck opening.

Blocking Tips

Blocking matters for this tee. The herringbone double crochet body opens up beautifully after a wet block, and the Solomon's Knot sleeves go from “OK that's lacy” to “wow that's lace” once the long loops relax into their finished shape.

Wet blocking is the method for Bernat Softee Cotton (and any cotton blend). Lay the panels on blocking mats or a clean towel, pin them to the schematic dimensions, and lightly spray with water from a spray bottle until the fabric is evenly damp (not soaking). Smooth the stitches with your fingers, especially the Solomon's Knots… gently pull each long loop to its full length so the lace structure shows clearly. Let the panels dry completely (usually 6-12 hours) before unpinning.

If you substitute a different yarn, check the yarn label for blocking instructions. Most cotton blends respond well to wet blocking. Avoid steam blocking acrylic-heavy yarns at high heat… acrylic can melt or flatten permanently.

✨ Designer Tip: Block the panels BEFORE you seam them. The drape and dimensions change after blocking, and seaming pre-blocked panels gives you cleaner seams than seaming and then blocking. It also lets you confirm your finished bust circumference before you commit to the side seams… if you want to size up or down a touch, this is the moment.
Solomon's Knot Crochet Tee styled over a white tank, showing the openwork Solomon's Knot stitch sleeves and drapey cotton fabric — free crochet tee pattern by Marly Bird

Love This Yarn? More Patterns Using Bernat Softee Cotton

If you fall in love with Bernat Softee Cotton (and you will… it's affordable, soft, and washable), here are more crochet patterns that use it or a comparable cotton blend:

Solomon's Knot Crochet Tee ad-free PDF mockup — buy the printable pattern on Etsy, Shopify, or Ravelry

Favorite & Queue on Ravelry

Please favorite and queue the Solomon's Knot Crochet Tee on Ravelry and tag your finished projects #SolomonsKnotTee so I can see them. Every color, every body, every finished photo… absolutely made my week.

Favorite This Pattern on Ravelry - Marly Bird

More Crochet Patterns You'll Love

Or browse my full library of free knit and crochet patterns for every free pattern on the blog.

Looking for a sleeveless, fingering-weight version? Designer Sati Glenn created an earlier sleeveless Solomon's Knot tee for WeCrochet using KnitPicks Gloss Fingering (merino/silk) with the Solomon's Knot stitch on the hem only. It's a totally different garment from the cotton tee on this page, but if that sleeveless fingering-weight version is what you came looking for, find Sati's pattern through WeCrochet here.

Solomon's Knot Crochet Tee FAQ section — frequently asked questions about the free crochet tee pattern by Marly Bird

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Solomon's Knot Tee really intermediate? It looks complicated.

Honestly, yes… but the “intermediate” label is mostly because of three special stitches you'll learn (foundation single crochet, herringbone double crochet, and Solomon's Knot), not because the construction is complex. Once you have those three stitches in your hands, the body of the tee is just rows of one stitch back and forth. The Solomon's Knot section in the sleeves is the showpiece, and it's much easier than it looks. All three special stitches have linked video tutorials.

What yarn can I substitute for Bernat Softee Cotton?

Any CYCA 3 (light worsted / DK) cotton or cotton-blend yarn that matches gauge on a G/7 (4.5 mm) hook. Good substitutes include Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton (mercerized cotton), Berroco Remix Light DK (recycled cotton/acrylic/nylon/silk/linen blend… drapey and summer-perfect), and WeCrochet Dishie (100% cotton… not our favorite for this but it would work). Avoid 100% wool (too warm for a summer tee) and avoid 100% acrylic (the stitch pattern needs cotton's slight stiffness to hold its shape).

How long does this crochet tee take to make?

Most crocheters finish in 25-40 hours depending on size and crochet speed. A realistic timeline is 2-3 weeks of regular project time. The two-panel construction means you can break it into two sessions of focused work plus a quick seaming session, so it's a great “I want a finished garment soon” project.

Can I make this tee longer or shorter?

Yes, easily. The body length is fully customizable… after the foundation row, repeat Row 1 as many times as you want before moving to the sleeves. The pattern as written gives you a cropped-to-regular tee. For tunic length, add 8-12 more rows. Each repeat of Row 1 adds about ½” / 1.25 cm of length. Just make sure you end on a WS row before starting the sleeves.

What is a Solomon's Knot stitch?

The Solomon's Knot stitch (sometimes called the lover's knot) is an open, lacy crochet stitch made of long pulled-up loops anchored with single crochet. It creates a breathable, drapey fabric that's especially loved for summer garments and shawls. Mechanically it's just two motions: pull up a long loop (¾” / 2 cm) and anchor it with a single crochet in the back loop. Repeat in a rhythmic grid and you get the signature open lace look.

How do I care for this cotton crochet tee?

Bernat Softee Cotton is machine washable. For best results and longest life, machine wash on cool/gentle in a mesh laundry bag, and lay flat to dry. The acrylic content makes it more durable than 100% cotton, and the cotton content keeps it breathable. Re-block lightly if it ever loses its shape after washing… a quick spray and pin will bring back the drape.

Do I have to block this tee?

Yes, please. Blocking is what transforms the Solomon's Knot stitch from “rows of long loops” into the final lace fabric. Blocking is also how you confirm your finished dimensions match the schematic. Wet blocking (light spray + pin to schematic + dry) takes about 20 minutes of active work and 6-12 hours of drying. The pattern is designed for blocked dimensions, so skipping this step means your tee won't fit as designed.

Where can I get the ad-free PDF?

The ad-free PDF is available on Etsy, Shopify, and Ravelry. The PDF is the same pattern formatted cleanly for print, with the schematic and stitch diagram included. Many crocheters prefer it for travel projects or to keep in a project bag.

Solomon's Knot Crochet Tee ad-free PDF mockup — buy the printable pattern on Etsy, Shopify, or Ravelry
Etsy
Shopify
Ravelry

💬 Final Thoughts

This tee has a special place in my heart. It's the pattern I reach for when someone asks “what's a beautiful summer crochet top that doesn't take six months?” It's the one I recommend when a crocheter wants to learn Solomon's Knot but feels intimidated by big lace projects. And it's the one I see in my comments and DMs every spring as soon as the weather warms up… readers asking “is this still available?” “Can you re-share the pattern?” “I want to make this for vacation.”

Thank you for being here, for letting me design for you, and for being the reason I get to keep sharing free patterns. If you make the Solomon's Knot Tee, please share your finished project with me. Tag @marlybird on social media or use #SolomonsKnotTee. Seeing your versions is one of the best parts of my week.

Love, Your BiCrafty Bestie, Marly Bird

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