Got a holiday party on the calendar and nothing handmade to toss over your shoulders yet? Or maybe you want a simple project you can work on while chatting at a community stitch night, without counting every other stitch.
This easy crochet rectangle shawl is just that kind of project. It is a simple rectangle, worked in soothing rows, that looks polished enough for a party but feels like your favorite blanket wrapped around you. It’s a relaxing repeat that you can pick up and put down between baking, shopping, and family time.
The pattern is beginner friendly, so newer crocheters can feel confident, and an interesting enough repeat that requires a tad of attention for experienced makers. Think of it as that “TV project” that somehow turns into your go-to holiday layer and your favorite gift idea.
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Meet the Easy Rectangle Crochet Shawl Pattern
This shawl is built from a simple rectangle, so the construction is easy to understand, yet the stitch pattern gives it a clean, modern look that works from jeans to velvet dresses.
The best part is that it suits many sizes without any shaping. A width that works for all, and the length can be easily adjusted based on how much yarn you have or a preference.
A simple rectangle that looks polished and modern
Picture a rectangle that skims just past your hips, with soft folds that fall along your arms when you sit or stand. The stitch pattern uses easy rows of basic stitches creating a meandering pattern that looks harder than it is. Easy enough to not look at every stitch to ensure that you accurately place the stitches.
Courtney loves taking simple shapes and turning them into wardrobe staples. If you have seen how the Tunisian Cabriolet Hug transforms two rectangles into two chic layers, you already know how much style you can get from straight edges. This rectangle shawl keeps that same “effortless but put together” vibe, which makes it great for dinner out, office parties, or family photos.
If you enjoy other wraps like the Cascading Waterfall Wrap, this design will feel like its calm, classic cousin, perfect for everyday wear.
Designed with busy holiday makers in mind
This pattern was written for short crochet sessions. You can finish a row or three while the cookies bake, then pick it up again after the kiddos’ bedtime. There is no seaming, a one row repeat, and a floral border, so this doesn’t end up in the U.F.O. pile.
It is also a great project to take along to a sit-and-stitch or guild meet-up. The rows are straightforward, so you can chat without losing your place. Make one as a gift, then start a second for yourself so you are not tempted to “borrow” the first one permanently.
Why You’ll Love Crocheting This Easy Rectangle Wrap
This project is meant to feel like a deep breath in yarn form. The rows are steady and rhythmic, the result is something you’ll actually wear, and you get a gentle nudge in skill growth without a headache.
Perfect for practicing new stitches without feeling overwhelmed
Courtney often includes foundation and chainless starting stitches in her designs, and this wrap is a chance to practice foundation single crochet. You might start with a foundation row that replaces long chains. And if you don’t like foundation stitches, you can still start with a chain to work into.
If you enjoyed creating lace with the Xcapade Trapezoid Shawl crochet pattern, you will feel right at home here. The goal is the same, which is to help you build a handmade closet while you quietly improve your stitch toolbox.
Relaxing rows and minimal finishing
The main body of the wrap is rows, plain and simple, with a small border added at the end. There is no shaping and no complex counting beyond the starting setup. That makes it perfect for movie nights, road trips, and those evenings when your brain is tired but your hands still want yarn.
Finishing is quick: weave in a few ends, maybe block if your yarn likes it, then toss it on. No endless seaming, no complicated assembly.
Easy to customize
True to Creations By Courtney style, this rectangle crochet shawl includes tips for customization. You can consider shortening it to be like a scarf, or lengthening into a fabric that can be worn like a cape.
At the current measurements, the Genevieve Rectangle Shawl can be draped across the arms and back of any body size. The length is waist length for many, but can be easily changed.
Because it is built on simple stitch multiples, you can add repeats for more width or length, even if you are a newer crocheter. Want it longer in the back or a bit shorter for a petite frame? You can adjust as you go, row by row.
Yarn and Materials for your Holiday Wrap
Before you head to your stash, here is what you will need for your holiday wrap.
Let’s talk Yarn
The sample uses Loops & Threads Heathered Bamboo, a soft, medium weight yarn is a bit heavier than the typical worsted weight yarn. The blend of acrylic and bamboo gives nice drape and warmth, even with the lace pattern.
For added warmth and bounce, you can choose a wool or wool-blend, while acrylic or cotton blends are great for easy care and sensitive skin. Make it extra special by choosing a silk or silk blend for incomparable drape, a sheen that will be eye catching, and strength to hold it’s shape over time (but it won’t bounce back like wool).
Expect to use roughly 600 yards, based on the current size and gauge measurements. If you choose to widen or lengthen the shawl, you’ll need more yarn.
Good substitutes share these traits:
- Soft against the skin
- Light or medium twist to keep the shape of the stitches
- Enough drape that the fabric moves with you
If you enjoy playing with bold colors, consider rich tones for winter, a neutral to be worn with every outfit, or create a fade with a gradient cake yarn or favorite indie dyer.
Hook sizes, notions, and gauge tips
If you’re familiar with Creations by Courtney, she is an advocate for making gauge swatches before starting any crochet project, but especially when the size of the project matters. Gauge is not crucial for this rectangle crochet shawl, but it matters in how much yarn will be used.
You will need a crochet hook that is appropriate for the yarn you choose to use. The sample was made with a 6.00mm hook, but you should make a swatch to determine if you’re happy with the fabric that forms. Increase hook size, if you don’t like the “lack of drape”, or if it feels “too drapey”, choose a smaller hook.
You’ll also need the usual suspects of a yarn needle, scissors and tape measure. It may help to have tools for blocking, if you choose a yarn with natural fibers, as it will help the meandering pattern open up and allow the flower edging to relax.
If you choose to block, and you’re not sure where to start, you may find this post helpful. And yes, blocking will change the size of your finished wrap. It will become wider and longer, so it helps to keep that in mind if you make any adjustments.
Styling Ideas
How many crochet projects have you started without thinking about how you will wear or use it once it’s done, if it’s for yourself?
Find a few styling ideas to ensure you’ll enjoy wearing your rectangle crochet shawl for many years.
But first a few notes before you start
As stated before, Courtney loves foundation stitches, which are used for this wrap. The shawl is worked width-wise, so you’ll have an idea of the final width after a few completed rows. If you are not familiar with foundation stitches, you can start with chain stitches but add one more chain for turning.
Technically the stitch pattern is worn upside down, as the edging is created without cutting the yarn after the last row is completed. If would prefer the stitches of the shawl to be right-side up, then fasten off after the last row, and then attach the yarn to Row 1.
When creating the main pattern, ALWAYS work into the double crochet of the row below. If you work into the single crochet, it will create a different look.
Easy styling ideas for holiday outfits and everyday wear
One rectangle, many outfits:
- Slip it over a little black dress for party nights.
- Wear it with jeans, booties, and a fitted top for a casual day look.
- Belt it at the waist to a lightweight “cardigan”.
- Place around your shoulder and place a shawl pin or brooch where each side meets around the shoulders. Turn the fabric slightly, and it now becomes a poncho.
- Loosely wrap around the neck for an oversized scarf to look chic and stay warm on the coldest days.
ADD TO RAVELRY FAVORITES
MATERIALS
- Loops & Thread Heathered Bamboo, #4 worsted weight yarn (53% acrylic, 47% bamboo, 204 yds/ 187 m; 5.2 oz/ 150g); Sterling x 3 skeins
- Alternative yarns
- US J (6.00 mm) crochet hook or size needed to obtain gauge
- Scissors
- Yarn Needle
- Tape measure
GAUGE
3 repeats = 4.5″ [11.5 cm], 8 rows = 4″ [10 cm]
How to make gauge swatch:
Row 1: 21 fsc, turn
Row 2: Ch 3 (does not count as st here and throughout), (dc, sc) in first st, ch 3, sk next 3 sts, *(dc, sc) in next st**, ch 3, sk next 3 sts, rep from * to end, stopping at **, turn.
Rows 3-12: Ch 3, *(dc, sc) in next dc of the row below**, ch 3, sk next 3 sts, rep from * to end, stopping at **, turn.
FINISHED SIZE
56” w x 20” h [142 cm x 51 cm] without edging
PATTERN KEY
Ch: chain
Dc: double crochet
Fdc: foundation double crochet
FO: fasten off
Hdc: half double crochet
Prev: previous
Rem: remain(s)(ing)
Rep: repeat
RS: right side
Sc: single crochet
Sk: skip
Sl st: slip stitch
St(s): stitch(es)
YO: yarn over
SPECIAL STITCHES & TECHNIQUES
CSDC: pull up a loop that is row height, holding loop in place and wrap yarn around hook (yarn over), insert hook in first st, YO, pull up a loop, [YO, pull through 2 loops] twice
EXPERIENCE LEVEL
Easy
Notes
- Pattern is written in US terms.
- Read the entire pattern before beginning.
- Ch 3 at the beginning of each row DOES NOT count as a stitch.
- You will only work into the dc of the row below when making the (sc, dc).
- If you prefer how the stitches look in the direction that they are created, you can fasten off and attach the yarn to Row 1 to create the edging.
Where to purchase the ad-free PDF
24 Days of Quickies by Marly Bird & Friends
This rectangle shawl is featured in the 2025 24 Days of Quickies hosted by Marly Bird. Rather than focusing just quick makes, this year’s event is about connecting with others through our love of crochet and knit. Think of it as a season of treats for yarn lovers, where each featured design helps you cross another gift or outfit piece off your list.
From December 1st to 24th, there will be 2 crochet patterns and 1 knit pattern featured and available to download for 24 hours. There are Holiday Armadillos throughout the event which can be anything from another free pattern or discounts on patterns or products, like the Yarn and Gauge Calculators.
I’m thrilled to share the Genevieve Rectangle Crochet Shawl with everyone on December 13, 2025.
If you happen to miss the 24-hour window to download the ad-free PDF, you can find the pattern below or support this small business by purchasing the PDF from one of the Creations by Courtney pattern shops.
This pattern is no longer available for download for free, but the ad-free PDF can be purchased from your favorite pattern shop by selecting any of the buttons above.
INSTRUCTIONS
Row 1: 181 fdc, turn
Row 2: Ch 3 (does not count as st here and throughout), (dc, sc) in first st, ch 3, sk next 3 sts, *(dc, sc) in next st**, ch 3, sk next 3 sts, rep from * to end, stopping at **, turn.
Rows 3-33: Ch 3, *(dc, sc) in next dc of the row below**, ch 3, sk next 3 sts, rep from * to end, stopping at **, turn.
Row 34: Ch 1, hdc in first st, ch 1, sc in 2nd ch of ch-3 sp, *ch 3, sc in 2nd ch of ch-3 sp, rep from * across, ch 1, hdc in dc of the row below, turn. 2 hdc, 46 sc, 133 ch
Row 35: CSDC in first st, dc in each st, turn.
Edging
Row 1: Ch 1, sc in first st, *ch 9, sk 9 sts, sc in next st, rep from * across, turn. 11 sc, 170 ch
Row 2: Ch 1, sc in same st, * ch 15, sl st to 5th ch from hook to form rings [(ch 3, dc, ch 3, sl st) in ring] 5 times, ch 4, sk next 4 ch, sl st in next ch, ch 5, sc in next sc of row below, rep from * across, FO.
Finishing
Weave in all ends.
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Conclusion
An easy crochet wrap like this is the perfect partner for a holiday make-along, a quiet weekend at home, or a last minute gift idea. You get calm, repeatable rows, a size-flexible fit, and a finished piece that looks stylish with almost anything in your closet.
Grab a yarn that makes you smile, watch for the blog hop or sign up for updates, and start your first few rows today. When you bind off and take that first mirror selfie, share your photos and tag Courtney so the community can cheer you on. Your next favorite wrap might be only a few cozy evenings away.
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This pattern is not to be duplicated or resold, and not to be reproduced commercially. You may sell finished products on Etsy, at farmers markets, and craft fairs, but please credit Creations By Courtney as the pattern’s author.
