If you’re looking for a new spin on crocheted shawls, a pocket shawl might be exactly what you need. Crocheted pocket shawls are trendy, fairly easy to make, and super functional. Draping warmth over your shoulders AND a place to put your hands? Yes, please! 

Enjoy this collection of our favorite free crochet pocket shawl patterns! 

photo collage of a person wearing a bright yellow, white, and red shawl with pockets against white background, a person wearong a brown shawl with pickets against dark outdoor background, a person wearing a brown shawl with a wooded background, and a person wearing a teal and purple shawl with pockets against gray background, with text overlay that reads "24+ Free Pocket Shawl Crochet Patterns"

Crochet Pocket Shawls and Scarves

Shawls are a gorgeous way to add beauty and depth to your favorite outfits. With a lovely piece of crocheted fabric wrapped over your shoulders, you feel more dressed up and sophisticated – and warmer, too! 

But pockets take crocheted shawls and scarves to the next level.

Not only can you snuggle into a beautiful piece of fabric, but you can keep your hands warm at the same time. You can also use the pockets to store small items, like your phone and keys, or even a crochet hook and ball of yarn.

These crochet pocket shawl patterns for beginners and intermediates are generally not too complicated. Still, they provide such a practical piece of clothing. After you make one for yourself, you’ll want to make them for all your friends, too (which is excellent, because they’re the perfect gift!)!

Can beginners make crochet pocket shawls and scarves?

Yes! Many easy crochet pocket shawl patterns are made by creating simple rectangles using basic stitches. 

A few of the most accessible patterns from this list include:

Easy Pocket Shawl (#4), Crochet Pocket Shawl (#11), Fall Pocket Shawl (#14), and the Hooded Scarf (#22).

24 Free Crochet Pocket Shawls and Scarves

Check out this list of free patterns for your next project!

Necessary Supplies

Shawls and scarves don’t take a lot of tools to make. Here’s what you’ll need to collect for your project:

  • Yarn. Wool and acrylic blends are popular choices for making warm and comfortable shawls. Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice, Hobby Lobby I Love This Yarn, and Lion Brand Wool-Ease are a few of our favorites. We’ve also included a suggested yarn with each pattern from this list to help you choose the best option!
  • Crochet hook(s). Check your yarn label to see what size hook it recommends. And remember to make a gauge swatch if the exact size is important to you (although scarves and shawls are generally quite forgiving!
  • Additional tools: Stitch markers, tapestry needle, scissors, and a measuring tape for sizing.
  • Optional: buttons for the pockets

Check your pattern’s supplies list for details on the supplies you need.

Techniques to Know

What crochet techniques do you need to know to make a pocket shawl or scarf? Some of the patterns’ most common stitches and techniques are below. Practice any you’re unsure of, or check your pattern to find exactly which ones you’ll use.

  • Reading a crochet pattern
  • Basic stitches: chain (ch), slip stitch (sl st), single crochet (sc), half double crochet (hdc), double crochet (dc)
  • Other stitches: moss stitch, shell stitch, bobble trellis stitch, popcorn stitch, griddle stitch, alpine stitch
  • Joining techniques, for adding the pockets and for shawls that are made in separate pieces
  • Shawl shaping: Basic increases and decreases
  • Edging techniques: Adding decorative borders or fringes
  • Blocking. If you choose, you can block your shawl for a professional-looking finish.

Tips and Tricks

Sizing and fit

The beauty of making your own crochet shawl or scarf is that you can adjust the fit to make it just right. While many patterns come with instructions for making different sizes, even the ones that don’t are usually easy to adjust. 

To make your shawl longer/shorter or broader/narrower, just add or subtract rows (or stitches – depending on which way the pattern is worked) until it’s your perfect size. You can also size your yarn and hook up or down to make your fabric smaller or larger. 

Although these patterns are pretty forgiving, you should always make a gauge swatch before getting started if the exact size is important.

Blocking

Blocking helps your project to hold nice, straight lines and give off a professional finish. Blocking involves wetting your fabric, pinning it into shape, and letting it dry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much yarn do I need for a pocket shawl?

For an average crocheted pocket shawl, you’ll need approximately 1000 yards of yarn, around 4-5 skeins. Of course, the exact amount depends on your chosen pattern and size, so check your pattern for specifics. If possible, you should also consider having an extra skein on hand to prevent running out toward the end.

Q: How do I care for my crochet pocket shawl?

Some pocket shawl favorites include acrylic and wool blends like Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice, Hobby Lobby I Love This Yarn, and Lion Brand Wool-Ease. Fortunately, all of these options are also machine washable and dryable!

Some yarns, including wool, however, cannot be machine-dried. Make sure to check your yarn label before cleaning your new shawl.

More Free Crochet Patterns

Here are a few more crochet patterns you may be interested in.

photo collage of a person wearing a bright yellow, white, and red shawl with pockets against white background, a person wearong a brown shawl with pickets against dark outdoor background, a person wearing a brown shawl with a wooded background, and a person wearing a teal and purple shawl with pockets against gray background, with text overlay that reads "24+ Free Pocket Shawl Crochet Patterns"

What’s Next?

Pin this post: Save this tutorial to your Pinterest boards so that you can come back to it later.

Leave a comment: We love to hear your feedback. Tell me in the comments below!

Share on Instagram or Facebook: When you make this project, share it on social media and tag me @sarahmaker_. We love to see what you make!

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We hope this article was useful for you! If you have any additional questions, feel free to join my Facebook Group. We created this group for you to share pictures, ask questions, and help each other out.

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