The Lover’s Knot Shawl crochet pattern is an elegant and timeless design, updated here for modern crocheters seeking a lightweight, airy project. Featuring the iconic lover’s knot stitch, this shawl is perfect for any occasion—whether as a statement accessory for an evening out or as a functional yet stylish wrap for cooler days. Its versatility and delicate texture make it a favorite among crochet enthusiasts.
This updated pattern simplifies the instructions, incorporating contemporary materials like size 10 crochet thread and providing alternatives for a more relaxed and accessible crafting experience. The lover’s knot stitch creates a unique openwork effect, while the edging adds a beautiful and intricate finish. Whether you’re new to crocheting or an experienced artisan, this pattern is both rewarding to create and stunning to wear.
Perfect for personalization, this shawl can be adjusted in size and color to suit any wardrobe. Block it for crisp edges and enhanced drape, or use softer yarns for a cozy, casual feel. The Lover’s Knot Shawl is a wonderful way to master a classic stitch while crafting an accessory that’s both practical and breathtakingly beautiful.
About the Images
To help bring this design to life, we’ve included an AI-generated image of the finished pattern alongside the original vintage illustration. The original image highlights the charm and craftsmanship of the vintage design, while the AI rendering provides a detailed and colorized view of how the completed sweater will look. This combination ensures you have both a historical reference and a modern interpretation to guide you in your crafting journey.
This pattern is transformed, adapted, and expanded from a public domain design originally published in Easy to Make Hats, Scarves and Accessories by The Spool Cotton Company Book No. 192 (1943). While the original design is in the public domain, the rewritten instructions and supplementary content on this site are © Tiffany Bliss Mullins, 2025. All rights reserved. Have questions about this pattern, public domain, or copyright? Visit the FAQ page for answers and resources.
Lover’s Knot Shawl Crochet Pattern
Materials
- Original Yarn: J. & P. Coats Knit-Cro-Sheen, 4 balls of any color.
- Modern Equivalent: Size 10 crochet thread, 800–1000 yards. To get the same affect as the original thread, ensure it’s mercerized cotton for a similar sheen and texture.
- Hook: Steel Crochet Hook No. 2/0 (approximately 1.75 mm).
- Gauge: Each knot stitch is approximately ¾ inch.
Notes
- Thread Preparation: Use a double strand throughout the project.
- Finished Size: Adjust starting chain length to achieve the desired width of the shawl.
Instructions
Main Shawl
- Foundation Chain:
- Make a chain approximately 40 inches long (or desired width).
- Row 1:
- Pull the loop on the hook to measure ¾ inch.
- Yarn over and pull through the loop on the hook.
- Insert the hook between the double loop (from pulling the loop) and the single strand of the stitch.
- Yarn over and pull through to form a loop.
- Yarn over again and pull through both loops on the hook (this creates 1 knot stitch).
- Work 1 more knot stitch.
- Skip 4 chains, sc into the next chain, make 2 knot stitches.
- Repeat from * across the row until you have 50 double knot stitch loops (or adjust for the desired width).
- Make 2 long knot stitches, pulling the thread out to measure 1 inch instead of ¾ inch. Turn.
- Rows 2–3:
- Insert the hook under the double loop on the right side of the knot (center of the next double loop), and draw up a loop. Then, insert the hook under the double loop on the left side of the knot and draw up a loop. Yarn over and pull through all 3 loops.
- Make 2 knot stitches (pulling the thread out to measure ¾ inch each).
- Repeat from * across the row.
- At the end of the 3rd row, make 1 long knot stitch to turn.
- Row 4 (Decrease Row):
- Insert the hook into the double loop on the right side and draw up a loop. Then, insert the hook into the double loop on the left side and draw up a loop. Yarn over and pull through all 3 loops (decreases 1 double loop).
- Make 2 knot stitches and work as before across the row.
- At the end of the row, make 1 long knot stitch to turn.
- Repeat Row 4:
- Continue decreasing at the beginning of each row until 1 double loop remains.
Edging
- Round 1:
- Work single crochets (sc) evenly around all edges of the shawl, keeping the work flat. Join with a slip stitch (sl st).
- Round 2:
- Chain 8. In the same stitch as the sl st, work: (1 double treble crochet [d tr], chain 3) 3 times, and 1 more d tr.
- Chain 2, skip 2 sc, dc in the next sc, chain 2, skip 2 sc. In the next sc, work: (d tr, chain 3) 4 times, and 1 more d tr.
- Repeat from * around. Join the last chain-2 with a sl st into the 5th chain of the starting chain-8.
- Round 3:
- Chain 6.
- Dc into the next chain space, chain 6, dc into the next double treble crochet, chain 3.
- Repeat from * around. Join and fasten off.
Finishing
- Blocking: Press the shawl with a warm iron and a damp cloth to shape it.
- Customization: Adjust the starting chain or the number of rows to customize the size of the shawl.
Enjoy your delicate and airy Lover’s Knot Shawl, perfect for any occasion!
