One Skein Maeve Shawl

Wrap yourself in the lightweight elegance of this stunning asymmetrical triangle shawl, crocheted with just a single skein of self-striping yarn.

Have you ever stared at a single, gorgeous cake of yarn in your stash, wondering how to let its colors truly shine?

Finding a pattern that uses exactly one skein without leaving you short can feel like a high-stakes guessing game.

That is why I designed this asymmetrical triangle wrap to make the absolute most of your favorite gradient cakes.

I must confess, photographing this beauty in the middle of a rainy spring week was an absolute test of my patience!

But once you see how the jewel tones drape, you will understand why I could not wait to share it.

This project works up from a narrow point, growing gradually along one edge to create a beautifully wearable right triangle.

Why You'll Love This Pattern

• Stash-Busting Friendly: You only need one single cake of yarn to complete this entire project.
• Beautiful Drape: The open stitchwork creates a light, airy fabric that is perfect for warm-weather layering.
• Rhythmic Repeat: Once you master the basic row repeat, you can relax and watch the colors shift effortlessly.

Materials You'll Need

• Yarn: Lion Brand Shawl in a Cake (Worsted weight, size 4; 58% cotton / 42% acrylic; colorway shown: Maeve Pool)
• Hook: H/8 (5.0 mm) crochet hook
• Notions: Tapestry needle for weaving in yarn tails, scissors
• Yardage: Approximately 460 yards (1 skein)

Gauge & Sizing

• Gauge: 13 double crochet stitches = 4 inches (10 cm)
• Sizes included: One size (easily adjustable)
• Finished measurements: 27 inches wide by 40 inches long

Abbreviations & Stitch Instructions

• ch: Chain
• sc: Single crochet. If you need a refresher on basic stitches, check out our guide on the Waves Afghan Blanket.
• dc: Double crochet. For a clean start, you might enjoy learning the Seamless Double Crochet Edge.
• ch-1 sp: Chain-1 space
• V-st: V-stitch. Work (1 dc, ch 1, 1 dc) into the designated stitch.
• Puff st: Puff stitch. (Yarn over, insert hook into the indicated stitch, pull up a loop to the height of a double crochet) three times. Yarn over and pull through all 7 loops on your hook, then chain 1 to lock the stitch. For more textured fun, see our Winter Blossom Beanie.
• V Puff-st: V-Puff stitch. Work (1 Puff st, ch 1, 1 Puff st) into the same stitch.

Pattern Notes

• Skill Level: Easy / Advanced Beginner
• This pattern is written in US crochet terms.
• The item is worked flat in back-and-forth rows.
• Tension Tip: Keep your puff stitches loose and pull your loops up evenly to ensure a soft, flexible drape.
• Customization Tip: You can easily make this shawl larger by continuing the row repeat until you reach your desired length, though you will need additional yarn.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Setting the Foundation

Row 1: Start by making 4 chains, then work 1 double crochet into the fourth chain from your hook. Turn your work. (Total: 2 dc)

Row 2: Chain 3 (this counts as your first double crochet here and throughout), then work 2 double crochet stitches into the top of the turning chain from the previous row. Turn your work. (Total: 3 dc)

Row 3: Chain 3, work 1 double crochet into the very first stitch (at the base of your chain 3), work 1 double crochet into the next stitch, then work 1 double crochet into the top of the turning chain. Turn your work. (Total: 4 dc)

Row 4: Chain 3, work 1 double crochet into each of the next 2 stitches, then work 2 double crochet stitches into the top of the turning chain. Turn your work. (Total: 5 dc)

Introducing the V-Stitch

Row 5: Chain 3, work 1 double crochet into the first stitch, skip the next stitch, work a V-stitch into the next stitch, skip the next stitch, then work 1 double crochet into the top of the turning chain. Turn your work. (Total: 1 V-st + 3 dc)

Row 6: Chain 3, work 1 double crochet into the next stitch, work 1 double crochet into the next chain-1 space, work 1 double crochet into the next stitch, work 2 double crochet stitches into the next stitch, then work 1 double crochet into the top of the turning chain. Turn your work. (Total: 7 dc)

Row 7: Chain 1 (does not count as a stitch here or throughout), work 1 single crochet into the first stitch, work 2 single crochet stitches into the next stitch, then work 1 single crochet into each remaining stitch across the row. Turn your work. (Total: 8 sc)

Adding Textured Puff Stitches

Row 8: Chain 3, skip the next stitch, work a V-Puff stitch into the next stitch, skip the next 2 stitches, work another V-Puff stitch into the next stitch, skip the next stitch, then work 2 double crochet stitches into the very last stitch. Turn your work. (Total: 2 V Puff-sts + 3 dc)

Row 9: Chain 3, work 2 double crochet stitches into the next stitch, *work 1 double crochet into the next puff stitch, 1 double crochet into the chain-1 space, and 1 double crochet into the next puff stitch; repeat from * once more, then work 1 double crochet into the top of the turning chain. Turn your work. (Total: 10 dc)

Row 10: Chain 1, work 1 single crochet into the first stitch, work 1 single crochet into each stitch across until you have 2 stitches left, work 2 single crochet stitches into the next stitch, then work 1 single crochet into the top of the turning chain. Turn your work. (Total: 11 sc)

Establishing the Pattern Repeat

Row 11: Chain 3, work 1 double crochet into the first stitch, skip the next stitch, work a V-stitch into the next stitch, *skip the next 2 stitches, work a V-stitch into the next stitch; repeat from * across until 2 stitches remain, skip the next stitch, then work 1 double crochet into the last stitch. Turn your work. (Total: 3 V-sts + 3 dc)

Row 12: Chain 3, *work 1 double crochet into the next double crochet, 1 double crochet into the chain-1 space, and 1 double crochet into the next double crochet; repeat from * across until 2 stitches remain, work 2 double crochet stitches into the next stitch, then work 1 double crochet into the top of the turning chain. Turn your work. (Total: 13 dc)

Row 13: Chain 1, work 1 single crochet into the first stitch, work 2 single crochet stitches into the next stitch, then work 1 single crochet into each stitch across to the end of the row. Turn your work. (Total: 14 sc)

Row 14: Chain 3, skip the next stitch, work a V-Puff stitch into the next stitch, *skip the next 2 stitches, work a V-Puff stitch into the next stitch; repeat from * across until 2 stitches remain, skip the next stitch, then work 2 double crochet stitches into the top of the last stitch. Turn your work. (Total: 4 V-Puff sts + 3 dc)

Row 15: Chain 3, work 2 double crochet stitches into the next stitch, *work 1 double crochet into the next puff stitch, 1 double crochet into the chain-1 space, and 1 double crochet into the next puff stitch; repeat from * across to the turning chain, then work 1 double crochet into the top of the turning chain. Turn your work. (Total: 16 dc)

Row 16: Chain 1, work 1 single crochet into the first stitch, work 1 single crochet into each stitch across until 2 stitches remain, work 2 single crochet stitches into the next stitch, then work 1 single crochet into the top of the turning chain. Turn your work. (Total: 17 sc)

Growing Your Shawl

Subsequent Rows: Keep repeating Rows 11 through 16 in sequence. Continue this pattern until your shawl measures 40 inches in length.

Growth Guide: With every repeat of a V-stitch or V-Puff row, your total number of V-shapes will increase by exactly one. Your double crochet and single crochet rows will grow by 3 stitches with each repeat.

Easy Variations & Custom Ideas

• Fringe or Tassels: Add a playful touch by attaching long tassels to the three corners of your finished triangle.
• Cosy Winter Version: Swap the lightweight cotton blend for a chunky yarn and a larger hook to make a warm winter wrap, similar to the styling of our Brighter Days Shawl.
• Solid Colors: Instead of a gradient cake, try a solid jewel tone to make the textured puff stitches pop even more.
• Delicate Border: Add a simple picot or scallop border along the straight edge for an extra feminine finish.
• Bigger Wrap: If you have a second cake of yarn, simply keep repeating the main section to create an oversized, cozy shawl.
• Colour ideas: Try sunset gradients (oranges, pinks, and purples) for a warm summer vibe, or cool forest tones for autumn.
• Yarn substitutions: Any lightweight category 3 or light category 4 yarn with a soft drape will work beautifully.

Common Troubleshooting & Fixes

• Problem: My edges are curling or looking uneven.
  Fix: This is common with asymmetrical shawls. Ensure you are increasing strictly on the designated side while keeping the opposite edge straight. Blocking your finished shawl will also flatten the edges beautifully.
• Problem: My puff stitches look flat and lack texture.
  Fix: Make sure you pull your loops up to the full height of a double crochet stitch before completing the puff. Keeping your tension relaxed is key.
• Problem: I am running out of yarn before reaching 40 inches.
  Fix: Check your gauge. If your stitches are too loose, you will use more yarn. You can either switch to a slightly smaller hook or finish the shawl a few rows early.
• Problem: The stitch definition looks fuzzy and hard to see.
  Fix: Some halo-heavy or textured yarns naturally obscure stitch patterns. If you want crisp definition, choose a smooth, tightly spun cotton or acrylic yarn.

Care Instructions

If you used the recommended cotton-acrylic blend, you can machine wash your shawl on a gentle cycle in cold water. Lay it flat on a clean towel to dry. I highly recommend wet blocking your shawl after finishing to open up the lace stitches and show off the beautiful asymmetrical shape.

Final Thoughts

There is nothing quite like the satisfaction of turning a single cake of yarn into a wearable work of art. This wrap is the perfect companion for breezy summer evenings or air-conditioned offices. Grab your hook, find a cozy spot, and enjoy watching those gorgeous colors unfold row by row!