Willowmere Pocket Shawl Free Pattern – Textured Tunisian Crochet Wrap

Wrap Yourself in Warmth: The Willowmere Pocket Shawl

There's something truly magical about wrapping yourself in a handmade shawl—the gentle weight, the soft texture, and the knowledge that every stitch was crafted with intention. Today, I'm thrilled to share the Willowmere Pocket Shawl, a Tunisian crochet pattern that perfectly balances cozy comfort with modern elegance. This textured wrap features hidden pockets (yes, pockets!) and a sculptural lace panel that adds just the right amount of visual interest. Whether you're curling up with a good book on a crisp morning or enjoying a quiet evening by the fire, this shawl is destined to become your most-loved accessory.

The Willowmere is designed with the beginner-to-intermediate Tunisian crocheter in mind. Using just two basic stitches—Tunisian Simple Stitch and Tunisian Knit Stitch—you'll create a stunning triangular wrap that drapes beautifully over your shoulders. The two-tone color scheme (a soft heather gray paired with a dusty rose) creates a harmonious blend that feels both contemporary and timeless. Let's dive into this rewarding project!

Materials Needed

Before we begin, gather these supplies to ensure a smooth crafting experience:

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in two complementary shades:
  • Main Color (MC): 600g (approximately 1,200 yards) – soft heather gray or your preferred neutral
  • Contrast Color (CC): 200g (approximately 400 yards) – dusty rose or a complementary accent shade
• Tunisian Crochet Hook: Size 6.5mm (US K-10.5) with a 40-inch cable. The long cable is essential for accommodating the increasing stitch count as the shawl grows.
• Standard Crochet Hook: Size 5.5mm (US I-9) for the edging
• Yarn needle for weaving in ends and sewing pockets
• Scissors
• Stitch markers (optional, but helpful for tracking increases)

Gauge: 14 Tunisian Simple Stitches and 12 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in pattern. Always make a gauge swatch first to ensure your finished shawl matches the intended dimensions.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Understanding the Basics

Before you begin, let's review the key techniques you'll use throughout this pattern:

• Tunisian Simple Stitch (Tss): Insert hook under the next vertical bar, yarn over, pull up a loop. Keep all loops on the hook for the forward pass.
• Tunisian Knit Stitch (Tks): Insert hook between the vertical bars (from front to back), yarn over, pull up a loop. This creates a smooth, V-shaped texture that resembles knitting.
• Return Pass: After completing the forward pass, yarn over and pull through 1 loop, then *yarn over, pull through 2 loops* across until 1 loop remains on the hook.
• Edge Stitch: Always skip the first vertical bar at the beginning of each forward pass. This creates a neat, clean edge.

Important Note: The shawl is worked from the top center down, increasing at the edges to form a triangle. The pockets are created as separate panels and sewn on afterward. Always complete the return pass unless otherwise stated.

Foundation and Top Edge

Foundation Row: With MC, chain 3. Work 1 Tss into the second chain from hook and 1 Tss into the next chain. (2 stitches)

Row 1 (Increase Row): Forward pass: Skip the first vertical bar (edge stitch), work 1 Tss in the next stitch, work 2 Tss in the last stitch (this is your increase). Return pass: Yarn over, pull through 1 loop, then *yarn over, pull through 2 loops* across. (3 stitches)

Row 2: Forward pass: Skip first bar, work 1 Tss in each stitch to the last stitch, work 2 Tss in the last stitch. Return pass as usual. (4 stitches)

Rows 3-20: Repeat Row 2, increasing by 1 stitch each row. At the end of Row 20, you will have 21 stitches. This forms the top edge of the shawl.

Body of the Shawl – First Section

Continue increasing on every row (using the same increase method: work 2 Tss in the last stitch) until you have 60 stitches. This will take approximately 39 more rows. Take your time and count carefully—this steady increase creates the beautiful triangular shape.

First Lace Panel

Now we'll add the first band of open lace for visual interest and drape:

Lace Panel Row (worked over 60 stitches): Forward pass: Skip first bar, *Tss in next 3 stitches, yarn over, skip 1 stitch, Tss in next stitch* repeat from * to * until 1 stitch remains, Tss in last stitch. Return pass as usual.

Next Row (Plain Row): Forward pass: Skip first bar, Tss in each stitch across (the yarn overs from the previous row are worked as stitches). Return pass as usual.

Repeat these two rows (lace panel and plain row) 5 times. This creates a delicate, airy band that adds beautiful texture to the shawl.

Body of the Shawl – Second Section

After completing the first lace panel, resume increasing on every row until you have 90 stitches. Remember to maintain the edge stitch and increase in the last stitch of each row.

Second Lace Panel

Work the same lace panel repeat (lace row + plain row) 5 times over all 90 stitches. This second lace band will be slightly wider than the first, creating a lovely graduated effect.

Bottom Edge and Bind Off

Continue increasing on every row until you have 120 stitches. Now, work in plain Tss for 10 rows without increasing. This creates a solid, stable bottom edge for the shawl.

Bind Off: Using the standard Tunisian bind-off: Insert hook under the vertical bar, yarn over, pull through, and pull the loop through the loop on the hook. Repeat across all stitches. This creates a neat, flexible edge that won't pucker.

Pockets (Make 2)

Now for the fun part—the pockets! These are worked separately and sewn onto the shawl, giving you plenty of control over placement.

With CC, chain 16. Work Tunisian Knit Stitch (Tks) back and forth for 20 rows. The Tks creates a smooth, knitted-looking fabric that contrasts beautifully with the main body.

Bind off using the same method as the shawl body.

Fold each pocket in half to form a square (approximately 5 inches × 5 inches). Sew the side seams using a whip stitch and CC yarn to create a pouch. Leave the top open.

Attaching the Pockets

Position each pocket on the front of the shawl, about 8 inches from the top edge and 4 inches from the side edges. These measurements place them perfectly for slipping your hands inside when wearing the shawl.

Sew the bottom and sides of each pocket to the shawl using a whip stitch and MC yarn, leaving the top open. Take your time with this step—neat, secure stitching ensures your pockets will last for years.

Edging

The finishing touch! With the standard crochet hook (5.5mm) and MC yarn, work a round of single crochet around the entire outer edge of the shawl, working 3 sc in each corner to help the edge lie flat.

Then, work a round of reverse single crochet (crab stitch) for a polished, professional finish. The crab stitch creates a twisted, rope-like edge that beautifully frames the shawl.

Fasten off and weave in all ends. Use your yarn needle to carefully hide any loose ends within the stitches—this step makes all the difference in the final appearance.

Final Thoughts

Congratulations! You've just created a stunning Willowmere Pocket Shawl that combines functionality with beauty. The hidden pockets are perfect for stashing your phone, lip balm, or simply keeping your hands warm on chilly days. The two-tone color scheme and textured lace panels make this shawl a true statement piece.

This pattern is wonderfully versatile—try experimenting with different color combinations to match your wardrobe or the seasons. A deep burgundy with cream, or a forest green with mustard yellow, would both be stunning variations. The Willowmere also makes a thoughtful handmade gift for someone special.

I'd love to see your finished shawls! Share your creations on social media with the hashtag #WillowmereShawl and tag me so I can admire your beautiful work. Happy crocheting!