Pondicherry is a small seaside town in South India that was colonized by France in the 1700s. Today the town is a potpourri of cultures with a unique French flavor to it.  Churches, old French villa architecture, streets with French signboards, local people with French-spelt names – there are charming hints of history everywhere. When my family moved there in my sophomore year, Mission Street with its delightful boutiques and shops became a favorite hang-out spot.

Mission street shawl is a simple asymmetric triangular shawl with a pronounced geometric texture. It will become a chic accessory in your wardrobe, whether you choose to make it in a subdued neutral or a bright solid color.

The grid-like texture of the shawl is also reminiscent of the neat grids of streets you find in Pondicherry. 🙂

 Yarn

Any lace weight yarn.

Sample shown in Woolike Yarn by Loops and Threads (85% Acrylic, 15% Nylon; 678 yards [620m], 3.5oz [100g]):Red, 1 skein.

Hook

Size US Size G-6 (4 mm)

Finished Size

41”/125cm length, 21”/53cm depth.

Gauge           

20dc/10 rows per 4”/10cm.

Note : Precise gauge is not a requirement. You can experiment with different yarn weights and suitable hook sizes to achieve desired finished sizes.

Notions

Tapestry needle, blocking aids.

Abbreviations

Please see our standard abbreviations.

Pattern Notes

1. Starting at Row 3, beg ch3 counts as 1 st.
2. Increases are made on the wrong side of the shawl (even rows).

This video on Front Post Double Crochet (FPDC) and Back Post Double Crochet (BPDC) may be helpful.

Instructions

Row 1 (RS): Ch 4, dc in 2^nd ch from hook, ch 1, dc in 4th ch from hook. Turn work.

Row 2 (WS): Ch 3, dc into dc from prev row, ch 2, sk ch, dc into dc from prev row, dc into beg ch of prev row.

Row 3: Ch 3, fpdc into dc from prev row, 2 dc into ch-2 sp, fpdc into dc, fpdc into beg ch of prev row.

Row 4: Ch 3, [dc, ch2, dc] into the same st, bpdc into fpdc, ch2, sk 2 dc, bpdc into fpdc, bpdc into beg ch.

Row 5: Ch3, fpdc into next st, 2 dc into ch-2 sp, *2 fpdc into next two sts, 2 dc in ch-2 sp* until last 2 sts, fpdc into next st, fpdc into beg ch 3.

Row 6: Ch 3, [dc, ch 2, dc] into the same st, bpdc into fpdc, ch 2, sk 2 dc, *2 bpdc into next two fpdc, ch 2, sk 2 dc* until last 2 sts, bpdc into fpdc, bpdc into beg ch 3.

Repeat Rows 5 – 6 until desired length.

Weave in ends and wet block lightly for best results.