Vintage Crochet Shawl Pattern from 1917
I'm obsessed with vintage fashion. And like most women in my shoes, I've realized that the best way to obtain vintage clothing is to make my own! Crochet and knitwear are no exception. In this post I'll show you how to create this beautiful vintage crochet shawl that was originally published by Fleisher's Yarn in 1917.
About This Shawl:
The mid to late 1910s is an odd period of fashion history. This is a multimodal period in which things were changing very quickly. The older crowd was still wearing Edwardian fashions, because it's what they had always worn. The younger crowd, however, was jumping out of their corsets and into modernity. Instead of wearing several layers, you now having women wearing just a couple. This led to shawls and cardigans being something of a necessity to keep warm during the cold months.
By 1917, we're in the thick of WW1. There simply was not a lot of extra time, money, or resources for the earlier fashions of the Edwardian Era. The Rational Dress Movement had been going strong for some time. Progressive young women wanted to wear pants, and be in clothing that made sense to wear while working. In addition to this, there was also a massive push for women to knit and crochet basic garments for the men who were at war. For better or worse, this resulted in women being able to knit and crochet like nobody's business.
I plan on making a video on the history of fashion during this time because I find it fascinating. There's so much more to say. But the bottomline is that women were crocheting and knitting like crazy during this time. Because of that, there are a plethora of patterns from this era that have been forgotten. My goal is to curate a collection of these patterns, modernize the outdated terminology, and make myself an authentic vintage wardrobe. I hope you'll join me for the ride!
Learn More About My Vintage Reproductions:
I love this concept. I hope to be making many more of these! Other Vintage Revival projects, including another beautiful vintage crochet shawl, can be found here. And you can read more about my process here.
Terms:
All of my patterns and tutorials are written using U.S. terms
Abbreviations:
- sc - single crochet
- ch - chain
- sl st - slip stitch
- sk - skip
- st(s) - stitch(es)
- yo - yarn over
- dc - double crochet
Clare Scarf (1917)
Gauge: 4"x4" - 5 sets of extended "V" stitches by 12 rows
Size: 51.5" x 13.5" (fringe excluded)
Materials
- Baby Cashmerino by Debbie Bliss Yarns, (125 m ; 50 g)
- "White", 7 skeins
Tools
- Hook — E-4 (3.50 mm)
- Yarn needle
- Scissors
- ~8" book for cutting the fringe
Instructions
Picot: sc, ch 3, sl st in sc to join
- Ch 236
- Work pattern:
Row 1: Sk 5, yo, insert hook into next st, yo and pull through, ch 1, dc, ch 1, dc into first ch 1, *sk 2, yo, insert hook into next st, yo and pull through, ch 1, dc, ch 1, dc into first ch 1, repeat * until 2 sts remain, sk 1, dc into last st, turn
Row 2: Ch 1, *sc in each of the next 2 sts, picot (see above) in next st, repeat * until 2 sts remain, 1 sc in each of the next two sts, turn
Row 3: Ch 3, *sk 2, yo, insert hook into next st, yo and pull through, ch 1, dc, ch 1, dc into first ch 1, repeat * until 2 sts remain, sk 1, dc into last st, turn
Rows 4-42: Repeat rows 2-3, ending on row 2 (picot edging) - Picot edging along starting chain:
Step 1: Attach yarn to corner with first tail end, work from right to left as follows:
Row 1: Ch 1, *sc in each of the next 2 sts, picot in next st, repeat * through to last ch 1 st, 1 sc in each of the next two sts, turn - Cut fringe using ~ 8" book
- Attach fringe to along the width of the shawl
Weave in ends.
Notes
Abbreviations:
- sc - single crochet
- ch - chain
- sl st - slip stitch
- sk - skip
- st(s) - stitch(es)
- yo - yarn over
- dc - double crochet
The time listed is an estimate. Actual results vary.
Substituting a Different Yarn:
Substitute yarn at your own risk! If you must use a different yarn, please consult: https://yarnsub.com
Original Pattern:
S.B. & B.W. Fleisher. Fleisher's Knitting & Crocheting Manual. Philadelphia (Pa.) : Fleisher's Yarn Co., 1917.
Elizabeth Young says
Thank you for taking the time to update this pretty shawl pattern. I'm excited to try it. I watched the video, and it is very clear. So, with that and the printed instructions in hand, I can give it a try
Elissa Jenkins says
Awesome! I'd love to see a photo when you're all done <3
Carol Hickman says
You may already know, but Debbie Bliss has this yarn on sale for the month of July. Thank you for the pattern, it is absolutely stunning.
Valori says
It would be helpful if you could add the stitch count on these fabulous patterns that you're resurrecting. I love vintage patterns, whether crochet or sewing, and have some from my grandma who's turning 101 this summer. She taught me both skills when I was a little girl.