Inspired by the beautiful, fast-working lace stitch featured in the video Super Easy Crochet Lace for Beginners – Make a Shawl in 1 Evening!, this pattern creates a stunning, lightweight fabric that works up quickly. The simple two-row repeat utilizes chain spaces and fan clusters to produce an elegant, draping shawl or wrap perfect for cool evenings. We call this the Celestial Fan Stitch because the cluster arches resemble stars nestled in an airy net.
This pattern is written for a versatile Standard Rectangular Shawl size, but can be easily adjusted for width and length.
📋 Project Details & Materials
| Item | Detail | Notes |
| Project | Celestial Fan Shawl | Approx. 70 inches long x 20 inches wide (Customizable) |
| Skill Level | Beginner | Uses only basic SC, DC, and chains. |
| Yarn | Fingering Weight (Category 1) or Sport Weight (Category 2) | Use a soft, draping fiber like Alpaca, Merino Wool, or a Bamboo/Cotton blend. |
| Hook | 4.0 mm (G/6) or size needed for a soft, loose drape. | A loose gauge is key to achieving the airy lace look. |
| Notions | Tapestry needle, Scissors. |
Gauge
Gauge is not critical for this project, but your fabric should be very loose and drapey.
One complete fan cluster (Row 2 repeat) should measure approximately 2.5 inches wide.
📚 Abbreviations (US Crochet Terms)
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
| Ch | Chain |
| St(s) | Stitch(es) |
| SC | Single Crochet |
| DC | Double Crochet |
| Tr | Treble Crochet |
| Sl St | Slip Stitch |
| Sp | Space |
| Sk | Skip |
| Beg | Beginning |
✨ Special Stitches
| Stitch Name | Abbreviation | Instruction |
| Fan Cluster (FC) | FC | (3 DC, Ch 2, 3 DC) worked into the designated stitch or space. |
Stitch Multiple: Chain a multiple of 8 + 1 for the foundation row.
Part 1: The Celestial Fan Stitch Pattern
The shawl is worked flat, back and forth in rows.
Step 1: Foundation Chain
Determine your desired width. For a 20-inch wide shawl, you will need a substantial chain, depending on your gauge.
Chain 153 (a multiple of 8 + 1, giving 19 full repeats).
Step 2: The Two-Row Repeat
Row 1 (Base Row – Mesh Set-up):
- SC in the 2nd Ch from hook.
- *Ch 3, Sk 3 Ch, SC in the next Ch.
- Ch 5, Sk 3 Ch, SC in the next Ch.
- Rep from * across the chain, ending with Ch 3, Sk 3 Ch, SC in the last Ch. Ch 3 (counts as 1st DC), turn.
Row 2 (Fan Cluster Row):
- Work 3 DC into the first Ch-3 Sp (This forms a half-fan corner).
- Ch 1.
- *SC into the center of the next Ch-5 Sp.
- Ch 1.
- Work FC (3 DC, Ch 2, 3 DC) into the center of the next Ch-3 Sp.
- Rep from * across, ending with: SC in the center of the last Ch-5 Sp, Ch 1, 4 DC into the last Ch-3 Sp (This forms the final half-fan corner). Ch 1, turn.
Row 3 (Lace Row – SC & Chain):
- SC in the first DC.
- *Ch 3, SC into the Ch-2 Sp of the Fan Cluster.
- Ch 3, SC into the center SC from the previous row.
- Rep from * across, ending with Ch 3, SC in the top of the starting Ch 3 from the previous row. Ch 3 (counts as 1st DC), turn.
Repeat: Continue alternating Row 2 and Row 3 until the shawl reaches your desired length (approximately 70 inches or more), ensuring you end on a Row 2 repeat.
Part 2: Edging and Finishing
Final Row (SC Stabilization)
To give the shawl a clean, non-rolling edge, work a row of single crochet.
- If you ended on a Row 2 (Fan Cluster Row), Ch 1, turn.
- SC in the first DC.
- SC in the next 2 DC.
- Work (SC, Ch 1, SC) in the Ch-2 Sp of the fan.
- SC in the next 3 DC.
- SC in the Ch-1 Sp, SC in the SC St, SC in the next Ch-1 Sp.
- Rep steps 3-6 across, ending with SC in the last 4 DC.
Optional Border (Elegant Final Touch)
- Round 1: Turn your work 90 degrees and SC evenly around the entire perimeter of the shawl. Work 3 SC in each of the four corners. Sl St to the Beg SC.
- Round 2: (Optional Picot Edge) Ch 1, SC in the first 2 Sts. *Ch 3, Sl St back into the first Ch to form a Picot. SC in the next 3 Sts. Rep from * around the entire edge.
Finishing:
- Fasten off yarn and weave in all ends securely using a tapestry needle.
- Blocking is CRITICAL: This stitch requires blocking to fully open up the lace and realize its beautiful drape. Gently wet or steam block your shawl, pinning the four corners firmly to stretch the fabric into a perfect rectangle. Allow to dry completely before use.
Video tutorial:
