Sometimes lots of little things add up. And this time, they've added up to the Amara Shawl!
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Sparkles of Inspiration
The Amara Shawl was inspired by both beauty, and need! I had beautiful beads from BeadBiz.org waiting for a home, one skein of Lion Brand Shawl in a Ball, and I needed a pineapple-ish something to wear on stage while co-hostessing the Knit and Crochet Fashion Show this year. And I needed it fast!
So... something sparkly and fun, but also super super lightweight - Charleston, South Carolina in July is rather warm after all. That made me think of the stitch pattern I used in the Berry Harvest Bandana Cowl! And that's how the Amara Shawl was born!
Amara Shawl
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US - J, 6.0mm hook (Furls Fiberarts recommended)
US - 8, .90mm steel hook (Clover Amour recommended)
450 yds Lion Brand Shawl in a Ball (Worsted/”4″; 518 yds/473 m; 5.3 oz)
Colorway shown: Soothing Blue
Stitch Markers (Clover Lock Ring Markers recommended)
Optional: 462 Size 6 Beads - Bead Biz Silver-Lined Crystal shown
Finished Size: 67" wide x 46" along bottom 2 edges
Gauge: 11 sts x 7 rows = 4″ in dc
Helpful Links and Tutorials:
Stitch Pattern Video Tutorial and Chart
Special Stitch: Add Bead - Using smaller hook, please see the tutorial linked above.
Amara Shawl Instructions
Row 1: Using larger hook, ch 170, skip the ch closest to the hook, *[sc in the next ch, ch 3, skip 1 ch] 4 times, sc in the next ch, ch 5, skip 3 ch, sc in the next ch, ch 5, skip 3 ch; repeat from * until 9 ch remain, [sc in the next ch, ch 3, skip 1 ch] 3 times, sc in the next ch, ch 1, skip 1 ch, dc in the last ch, turn.
Row 2: Ch 1, sc in the ch-1 sp, *[ch 3, sc in the next ch-3 sp] 3 times, ch 5, skip the ch-5 sp, dc in the next sc, ch 5, skip the ch-5 sp, sc in the next ch-3 sp; repeat from * until 3 ch-3 loops remain, [ch 3, sc in the next ch-3 sp] 2 times, ch 1, dc in the last ch-3 sp, turn.
Row 3: Ch 1, sc in the ch-1 sp, *[ch 3, sc in the next ch-3 sp] 2 times, ch 5, skip the ch-5 sp, (dc, ch 1, dc) in the next dc, ch 5, skip the ch-5 sp, sc in the next ch-3 sp; repeat from * until 2 ch-3 loops remain, ch 3, sc in the next ch-3 sp, ch 1, dc in the last ch-3 sp, turn.
Row 4: Ch 1, sc in the ch-1 sp, *[add bead, ch 1] 3 times, sc in the next ch-3 sp, ch 5, skip the ch-5 sp, (dc, ch 1, dc, ch 1, dc, ch 1, dc, ch 1, dc) in the ch-1 sp, ch 5, skip the ch-5 sp, sc in the next ch-3 sp; repeat from * until 1 ch-3 loop remains, add bead, ch 1, add 2 more beads in dc in the last ch-3 sp, turn.
BEGIN REPEAT
Row 5: Ch 1, sc in the ch-1 sp, *ch 5, skip the ch-5 sp, [sc in the next dc, ch 3, skip the ch-1 sp] 4 times, sc in the next dc, ch 5, skip the ch-5 sp,** dc in the next ch-3 sp; repeat from * ending last repeat at **, sc in the last ch-3 sp, turn.
Row 6: Ch 5, sc in the next ch-3 sp, *[ch 3, sc in the next ch-3 sp] 3 times, ch 5, skip the ch-5 sp, dc in the next dc, ch 5, skip the ch-5 sp, sc in the next ch-3 sp; repeat from * until 3 ch-3 loops remain, [ch 3, sc in the next ch-3 sp] 2 times, ch 1, dc in the last ch-3 sp, turn.
Row 7: Ch 1, sc in the ch-1 sp, *[ch 3, sc in the next ch-3 sp] 2 times, ch 5, skip the ch-5 sp, (dc, ch 1, dc) in the next dc, ch 5, skip the ch-5 sp, sc in the next ch-3 sp; repeat from * until 2 ch-3 loops remain, ch 3, sc in the next ch-3 sp, ch 1, dc in the last ch-3 sp, turn.
Row 8: Ch 1, sc in the ch-1 sp, *[add bead, ch 1] 3 times, sc in the next ch-3 sp, ch 5, skip the ch-5 sp, (dc, ch 1, dc, ch 1, dc, ch 1, dc, ch 1, dc) in the ch-1 sp, ch 5, skip the ch-5 sp, sc in the next ch-3 sp; repeat from * until 1 ch-3 loop remains, add bead, ch 1, add 2 more beads in dc in the last ch-3 sp, turn.
END REPEAT
Rows 9 – 40: Repeat Rows 5 – 8.
Row 41: Ch 1, sc in the ch-1 sp, ch 5, skip the ch-5 sp, [sc in the next dc, ch 3, skip the ch-1 sp] 4 times, sc in the next dc, ch 5, skip the ch-5 sp, sc in the last ch-3 sp; turn.
Row 42: Ch 5, sc in the next ch-3 sp, [ch 3, sc in the next ch-3 sp] 2 times, ch 1, dc in the last ch-3 sp; turn.
Row 43: Ch 1, sc in the ch-1 sp, ch 3, sc in the next ch-3 sp, ch 1, dc in the last ch-3 sp; turn.
Row 44: Ch 1, sc in the ch-1 sp, [add bead, ch 1] 3 times (place stitch marker in loop), sc in the last ch-3 sp, do NOT turn.
Even Up the Left Edge: (NOTE: The ch 5 in the second row of each section creates a smooth looking edge on the right, but that’s not the case on the left. So this row is to even that up before we work the final edging.) Working along the left edge, *[ch 1, sl st in side of next row] 3 times, ch 5, sl st in side of next row; repeat from * until you reach the foundation chain, working a sl st and ch 1 along the side of the final triangle (Rows 1 – 4).
Edging: (NOTE: The sections are separated below to make this part easier)
Along the top: Ch 1, sc evenly along the foundation chain to opposite corner, working an extra stitch in the end to turn the corner to work along the next side of the triangle,
Along the first side: sc in the 1st ch loop along the side, *dc in the next ch loop, [add bead, ch 1] 3 times, sc in same ch loop; repeat from * to marked loop,
At the point of the shawl: repeat from * once in marked loop, [add bead, ch 1] 5 times, sc in marked loop, [add bead, ch 1] 3 times, dc in marked loop,
Along the second side: ^sc in next ch loop, [add bead, ch 1] 3 times, dc in same ch loop; repeat from ^ to top of shawl, ending with sc in last ch loop; join to 1st st of edging and break yarn.
Now, let's hope the Amara Shawl brings me luck. I hope it brings good luck to all of you too! I can't wait to see your versions as well!
The Fine Print
Written pattern copyright Tamara Kelly 2016, all rights reserved. If you wish to make items for sale from this pattern, or translate it to another language, please visit the About page for details. Thank you to Lion Brand Yarn for providing the yarn for this pattern!
WheelyBad says
Wow, Tamara! This is stunning... the variegated blue and white looks amazing. Looks like it took ages but well worth the effort.
(Again, wow!)
This is going on my to do list 🙂 thank you so much for sharing it
T x
Tamara Kelly says
Thank you so much! It's a lot faster to make than you'd think! 😀
Theresa says
I'm thinking about making this as part of my halloween costume. About how long did this take you? I need something delicate like this to pin around my waist. I'm going for a bit of a tattered witch look. I'm also crocheting the witches hat, that's why I ask about a more exact time frame. I don't want to put too much work on my plate.
Thanks for sharing this! I'll be making it either way!
Tamara Kelly says
Hi Theresa!
I don't generally time myself when crocheting, but I want to say it took just a few hours - less if you skip the beads. 🙂
Cathy says
This looks like the perfect pattern to use with that Shawl in a Ball that I bought on impulse. Thanks!
Peggy says
I checked out the beads and they are sold by the strands. How many does it take to have enough for this shawl.
Izumi says
This shawl is stunning! I was never interested in making a shawl or wearing one but this one I need to make! Thank you for the pattern and the tutorials!
Tamara Kelly says
aw, thank you so much! that makes my day!
Mearla vandenberg says
Now, this is my kind of shawl! I just love the pattern, size and the fact that it includes beads! Thank you for such a beautiful design!
Tamara Kelly says
thank you so much! ♥
Louise D. says
What a gorgeous shawl! Will you be making a video tutorial for this one? I would love to try and make this for my Mommy. Thanks ?
Tamara Kelly says
there are links above for tutorials for the stitch pattern and the bead adding! thank you!
Dorcas made says
Love this shawl, I plan to try it soon, also the cowl is great.
Thanks, Dorcas
Tamara Kelly says
thank you so much dorcas!
Donna says
This will be perfect for a September in NY Wedding I am attending, as i purchaced the one order of beads, i realized it didnt tell me how many beads were in the order! Will one order be enough for the project? I am making it in fen shua grey!
- Donna
Tamara Kelly says
if it was the bead biz beads, there will be plenty - i think the usual 'set' of strands they have is something like just over 1000 beads!
Angie says
This is BEAUTIFUL! Unfortunately, I only know how to knit.
Tamara Kelly says
i know where you can learn to crochet... 😉
Jeanette says
What is the letter size of the second crochet hook? It's the second item of the supply list.
Tamara Kelly says
It's a thread hook, those don't go by letters, just numbers and measurements. 🙂
Jeanette says
I'm wondering about the hook sizes. I'm especially curious about the second hook size and want to know if this is a smaller size than the first hook. Also, I can only find a size "J" and will this work instead of the "L" size. I apologize if this is a repeat question, and love this pattern. Thanks in advance
Tamara Kelly says
Hello Jeanette! Thank you!
The second hook is a steel "thread" hook. It's tiny! But it fits right through the beads used in the pattern. Please see the adding beads video tutorial linked above for more on that. If you are skipping the beads, you won't need the smaller hook. The hook used to actually crochet shawl is the US – J, 6.0mm hook, so just a J is all you really need!
If you do want to add the beads, but cannot acquire a steel thread hook, you can use a loop of dental floss to pull the yarn through the beads instead. 🙂
Jill says
Excited to start this lovely shawl. Beads and tiny hook ordered ...only problem I have to wait for my yarn to be shipped from US to UK...boo !! Thank you for producing another project to stretch and add to my crochet skills Tamara. ...Moogly designs are the best ?
Tamara Kelly says
😀 Thank you so much Jill!! I really appreciate it!
Rachel says
Hi, so if we didn't want to add the beads, how much would it change the pattern? Would you just have to chain 1 and basically ignore the add bead part?
Thanks in advance! 🙂
Tamara Kelly says
Yes! Just ignore the "add bead" instructions when they pop up and do everything else. 🙂
Groovymarlin says
Hi Tamara, trying this pattern out today and I have a question. Row 2 says:
Row 2: Ch 1, sc in the ch-1 sp, *[ch 3, sc in the next ch-3 sp] 3 times, ch 5, skip the ch-5 sp, dc in the next sc, ch 5, skip the ch-5 sp, sc in the next ch-3 sp; repeat from * until 3 ch-3 loops remain, [ch 3, sc in the next ch-3 sp] 2 times, ch 1, dc in the last ch-3 sp, turn.
So it's saying do chain-3, sc pattern in the first part (where there are chain-3 loops), and then you get to the chain-5 loops. There it says chain 5, skip the loop and dc in the next sc, then chain 5, skip the loop, SC IN THE NEXT CH-3 SPACE. But there are no chain-3 spaces? Because row 1 was chain-3 loops at each end and chain-5 loops all the way across, in between. So do you mean to alternate dc and sc in each sc between chain 5 loops? Or alternate dc in the sc and then sc in the chain-5 loop?
Does that make sense? Please advise.
Groovymarlin says
Ah phooey. I think I figured out what I did wrong. Looking at the chart you linked to was very helpful. I did not read row 1 correctly, so now I need to pull it all out. Haha! Oh well, live and learn.
Tamara Kelly says
Ah shoot, always a bummer! I'm glad you were able to figure it out though! 🙂
Katy M says
Hi, I’m really struggling with row 7, it doesn’t seem to work for me. Can you help please
Tamara Kelly says
Hi Katy! Have you watched the video tutorial? https://www.mooglyblog.com/bandana-cowl-tutorial/
There is also a chart there! If those don't work, can you tell me where you're having trouble?
Katy Moss says
Hi, just after I posted I checked out the video I didn't realise it was there at first. The problem I think I had is that I am getting confused at the end of the rows and by row 7 it is impossible if you have done the previous ones wrong. Thanks for replying!
Tamara Kelly says
I hope that means it helped! 🙂
Manon Bouchard says
Hi Tamara
Can you verify if row 1 has no mistake ? I've tried 3 times and the row doesn't finish where it's suppose to finish (UNTIL 9 CH REMAIN) my work finish at the 11th stitch from the end. I could cheat but would prefer to do it right without mistakes. If you can help me, I would really appreciate.
Thanks you
Tamara Kelly says
Hi Manon! I believe it is correct - quite a few have been made without issues, and there is also a chart and video tutorial for the stitch pattern linked above. If those aren't helping, I'm not sure what else I can do without being there.
KAte says
Where is the link? I'm only seeing a link to berry harvest? I'm having same issue as this person, where I finish at a different stitch than what the written instructions say..
Tamara Kelly says
The stitch pattern for both pieces are the same, the chart is there to represent a small portion of the finished project to help you establish the pattern. Is there anything I can help you with on this pattern?
Tammy Ridout says
Wow! This is so beautiful. I am making this to wear at my wedding in October. Thank you for providing such a beautiful pattern for free.
Tamara Kelly says
Wow, thank you so much Tammy! Congratulations!!
Elizabeth Stanley says
Hi Tamara, I was wondering if the beads add much weight to the shawl?
Tamara Kelly says
I'm sure they do - and help hold the lace pattern open while they're at it! - but it doesn't feel heavy at all to wear it. 🙂
Barbara Letz says
Loved making your Berry Harvest and now am excited to make Amara. I want to use fingerling (#1) yarn for a lighter weight, more lacy shawl for summer evenings. Is there a formula for figuring out how much yarn I will need and how many.chains to start with to make the same size or larger shawl?
Tamara Kelly says
Thank you! That sounds lovely! 😀 There's not a simple formula, the best way to get exact numbers before you start is to make a tiny swatch, 2 pineapples wide. The stitch pattern is a multiple of 16, plus 10, so I'd start with a chain of 42, and work in pattern to end with one pineapple. This will give you the width of each repeat with your chosen yarn and hook, and if you weigh the yarn used, you can divide it by 3 to see how much yarn each pineapple takes. Then you can decide, based on the width of each repeat, how many repeats you want to begin with - this will give you your starting chain. Then count how many pineapples that will be (for instance, if you have 10 in the first section, then it will be 9 in the next section, then 8, then 7, etc down to 1). Multiply the total # of pineapples by the amount of yarn used in each to get your yardage, and then add another 20% for the border and as a margin of error. 🙂 I hope that helps!
Deb Blackburn says
Your shawl is beautiful! I have bought all the materials , plan on starting after my two thread projects are done .
Tamara Kelly says
Thank you so much Deb!
Laurie says
Help! I'm stuck at the beginning of row 5, seems like something is missing - how do we work over the beaded chain 3 space to get to the next set of double crochet's?
Tamara Kelly says
Hi Laurie! There's a chart here that might be clearer for you: https://www.mooglyblog.com/bandana-cowl-tutorial/
Laur says
Thank you! My two chihuahua helpers must have confused me - I've got it ?
Tamara Kelly says
Glad to hear it! 😀 Thanks Laur!
Shirley E. says
I, also enjoyed making the Berry Harvest shawl. I've been playing with the idea of using super-fine yarn and the big hook to make something very light for summer. Thanks for the calculations information on figuring out the number of stitches and yardage of yarn. I'm not a math whiz, but might be able to handle this. And this shawl is so much more open and lacy, I love the look. Thank you.
Tamara Kelly says
😀 Thank you Shirley! If I can help, please let me know!
TigerKim says
Gorgeous. I have never tried a lacey type shawl. This one is going to be my first attempt!
Tamara Kelly says
😀 Thank you, I'm glad you like it - and I hope you enjoy making it!
Melissa Ricks says
Help! I can!not get the 'printer friendly' version of this pattern to download
Tamara Kelly says
Hi Melissa! I'm sorry it's giving you trouble, does the popup appear? If not, you might need to turn off a pop-up blocker.
Lilly says
Hi Tamara!
Quick question on this pattern: Did you block your shawl when it was finished?
Best regards and thanks a lot for the pattern!
Tamara Kelly says
Hi Lilly! I did! 🙂 Thank you!
Melissa Yoder Ricks says
I cannot get the 'printer friendly' version of this to come up -- the page just keeps loading ads. Frustrating.
Tamara Kelly says
Hi Melissa! I'm sorry it's not working right now, it's an external plugin so unfortunately I'm an end user as much as you are. My best advice is to try PrintFriendly.com in another page, or you could try the Clean Print plugin for your own browser.
Lori says
Hello! Your shawl pattern is absolutely gorgeous and I'm so excited to make It! I just have one question on row 5. Where it says to dc in the next ch-3 sp, is the ch-3 sp with the 3 beads. Where do I place my dc stitch, between the first and second Bead?
Tamara Kelly says
Yes, or wherever you think it looks best! 🙂 Being consistent is usually the key.
Lori Mihaly says
Thanks so much Tamara! I will definitely give that a Try!
kecia says
Hi I love the pattern but I'm stuck on row 8. On row 7 after I do the last chain 5, SK the 5 ch, and sc in next ch 3 sp. Then u do a ch 3 ,sc in ch 3 sp ch 1 and DC.. Ok on row 8 I add the beads, sc in ch 3 sp. Then ch 5 skip the 5 chains.... Now this is where I get confused. 1DC, ch 1 (4 times ending with another DC). Now this is to done in the ch1 sp. Where is the chain 1 sp at.. Maybe I did something wrong butthats that's where im stuck.
Tamara Kelly says
Hi Kecia! Can you read crochet symbol charts? There's one here that I think well help: https://www.mooglyblog.com/bandana-cowl-tutorial/
Kecia says
Yes I can. Thank you so much
Maya says
Tamara I love this shawl so much. I have tried it three times and comes out half the size. Is it possible my stitches are that tight? I even went up half size hook with no luck. Should I just double the foundation row? I'm a beginner but mastered the virus shawl so I should be fine with this. Any suggestions?
Tamara Kelly says
Hi Maya! I suppose it's possible, though I'm generally a pretty tight crocheter myself. If you aren't using a different yarn, then going way up in hook size is the solution - whatever size needed to get the gauge of 11 sts x 7 rows = 4″ in dc
But keep in mind that the finished size listed in the pattern is after blocking - and blocking can make quite a difference too!
One thought - you are using the (bigger than) J, 6.0mm hook for the actual crocheting, right? The tiny hook is just for the beading. 🙂
Jenerated says
I too just finished and mine is very small. About half the size in photo. Almost seems like mine needs to be stretched. Thinking of starting over with a very light weight yarn and large hook
Tamara Kelly says
It does take a lot of blocking to open up!
sandi says
thanks for such a beautiful pattern! making it for my mom. she asked me to make a wedding shawl and this should do very nicely. tho i am making another for her to choose between.
my problem is concerning rows 41-44. i do not understand it at all. the pics r all finished so i can't see how u leveled out the left side. could u please describe it or graph it? or a video would help as well. the videos u posted for this does not cover the edging.
Tamara Kelly says
Thank you so much Sandi! ♥ You can see the leveling for the left side in the image here: https://www.mooglyblog.com/berry-harvest-bandana-cowl/ 🙂
Becky Thomas says
Argh! I can't find my steel hook, so I spent an hour threading beads onto this yarn, only to have them shred this yarn. Now what?!!
Tamara Kelly says
Oh no! 🙁 I wish I had a simple solution for you, but if the yarn is shredded...
juliet says
hi, i'm in the UK and worstead yarn isnt as easy to come by, would there be a big difference if i used double knit yarn?
Tamara Kelly says
If you can get gauge, I think you'll be fine! If not, you can add one more repeat. 🙂
juliet says
just spotted your reply, thanks for this x
KATE says
Hey just wondering,
Are you certain its soothing blue because I'm at the store and it looks more like healing teal. I'm not 100% certain since maybe my phone is distorting the colors a bit too.
Tamara Kelly says
This one was definitely Soothing Blue, but for a brighter shawl Healing Teal would be a great choice!
Antida says
Made the shawl, though left out the edging. First time i tried something of this kind and I like the end result. Thank you for the wonderful pattern.
Tamara Kelly says
♥ Thank you!
Sylvia Becker says
This shawl looks truly amazing and thank you for sharing the pattern. I made a similar shawl a while ago but it was more freestyle, using an pattern that didn't work out at the beginning. Now I can try again 🙂
Tamara Kelly says
😀 Thank you, I hope you enjoy it!
Vashti says
This is beautiful! I was hunting for a lightweight shawl to make for a friend for her wedding and I thinkbthis will be perfect! Thank you for sharing!
Tamara Kelly says
😀 Thank you so much!
DIANA BAKER says
Tamara, this gorgeous piece is easily the most beautiful crocheted thing I have ever seen. I have been doing it over and over now for one month! Like the other comment from 2017, I seem to not have the right stitchs from row 2. I am also now unable to access the video or the grid pattern. Where are those links or have they been closed?
I am an advanced crocheted so should be able to master this but am at a loss. Is it too late for you to help me?
Thank you,
Diana Baker
Hampshire, England
Tamara Kelly says
Hi Diana! This pattern uses the same basic stitch pattern as another piece I made, so this is the video tutorial and chart: https://www.mooglyblog.com/bandana-cowl-tutorial/ 🙂
Barb Miller says
Wondering what size the beads are. Are they seed beads?
Tamara Kelly says
These are size 6/0 🙂
Barb Miller says
Just one more question. How many millimeters are size 6 beads. I found 4mm on Biz Beads, but it doesn't say what size they are.
Tamara Kelly says
That's the same - 6/0 beads are 4mm 🙂
Susan Plese says
I’m almost done making this using Red Heart Unforgettable (J hook) and it’s not even close to the dimensions you describe......help!
Tamara Kelly says
Hi Susan! How does your gauge compare? Have you blocked it yet?
Susan says
I didn’t do a gauge swatch, but my stitches are pretty loose. I only have about 8 rows left but I don’t think blocking will stretch it out to an appropriate size. I’m really bummed because was really excited about this.
Svetlana says
It’s so beautiful! I would like to crochet this shawl, but I cannot follow the description. Could you share the pattern with the special signs? I crochet following the schemes. Thank you in advance!