| Tiers | Main Shade | Count | Visual Effect |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-2 | Pale apricot | 2 | Soft transition from lace |
| 3-5 | Apricot | 3 | Warm midtone |
| 6-8 | Pumpkin orange | 3 | Saturated center field |
| 9-11 | Deep coral | 3 | Dramatic lower edge |
Charcoal Outline
After every colored fan row, with RS facing and 3.0 mm hook, join charcoal at the right-hand valley. Surface sl st loosely along the curved top edge of each scale. At each fan tip make (sl st, ch 1, sl st) to sharpen the scallop. Fasten off after each tier so the outline does not pull the shawl inward.
Cream Accents
Every second scale, add 3 tiny cream surface slip stitches centered near the lower rim of the fan. Keep them sparse and evenly spaced for that delicate photographed look.
Stop point: Continue until the shawl is about 67-70 cm / 26-27.5 inches deep before the hem. The lower edge should form a smooth triangle with no ruffling. If it cups, add a ch to the next mesh spaces; if it flares, remove a ch from every third mesh space.
Part 3: Charcoal Openwork Hem
Join charcoal at one upper corner with RS facing.
Hem Round 1: Work sc evenly down first side, placing 2 sc at every scale valley and 3 sc around the center point. Work up second side. Along the top neck edge, work sc evenly without tightening. Join with sl st.
Hem Round 2: Ch 5 (counts as dc + ch 2), sk 2 sc, dc in next sc. *Ch 2, sk 2 sc, dc in next sc; rep around the two lower sides only. At the center point work (dc, ch 3, dc). Turn at the opposite upper corner.
Hem Round 3: Ch 1, sc in first dc. *In next ch-2 sp work (sc, ch 3, sc), sc in next dc; rep across. In center ch-3 sp work (sc, ch 5, sc). Fasten off at the opposite upper corner.
Fringe and Beads
The fringe adds beautiful movement and weight to your finished shawl.
1. Cut 42-48 cm / 16.5-19 inch strands: 2 charcoal + 2 coral for each fringe bundle. Finished fringe will be about 20-23 cm / 8-9 inches after knotting and trimming.
2. Attach one bundle through every second ch-3 picot space along the two lower sides. Use a lark’s head knot and pull firmly but not enough to distort the hem.
3. For beaded bundles, slide one warm ivory bead onto one charcoal strand before attaching. Position the bead 2-4 cm / 1-1.5 inches below the hem and secure beneath it with a small overhand knot.
4. Use beads only on about every fourth fringe bundle for the sparse photographed effect.
5. After blocking, comb the fringe with fingers and trim into a soft shallow V, leaving the center-point bundles 2-3 cm longer.
Part 4: Monarch Butterfly Fastening
The butterfly is the crown jewel of this design. Finished size is about 16-18 cm / 6.25-7 inches wide. Use your 3.0 mm hook. Work 4 wings separately, then add charcoal borders, surface veins, cream dots, body, and antennae.
Upper Wing (make 2)
R1: With pumpkin orange, ch 5. In 2nd ch from hook: sc, hdc, dc, 5 tr in last ch. Working along opposite side of foundation chain: dc, hdc, sc. Turn.
R2: Ch 1, sc in first 3 sts, 2 hdc in next 2 sts, 2 dc in next 3 sts, (tr, ch 1, tr) in top center st, 2 dc in next 3 sts, 2 hdc in next 2 sts, sc in remaining sts. Turn.
R3: Ch 1. Work sc around, making 2 sc in each rounded corner and 3 sc in the ch-1 tip. Fasten off orange.
Border: Join charcoal. Sc evenly around. At outer tip work (sc, picot, sc). Fasten off.
Lower Wing (make 2)
R1: With deep coral or pumpkin orange, ch 4. In 2nd ch from hook: sc, hdc, 5 dc in last ch. Work opposite side: hdc, sc. Turn.
R2: Ch 1. Sc in first 2 sts, 2 hdc in next 2 sts, 2 dc in next 2 sts, (dc, ch 1, dc) at rounded tip, 2 dc in next 2 sts, 2 hdc in next 2 sts, sc to end. Turn.
R3: Sc evenly around, 3 sc in tip. Fasten off main color.
Border: Join charcoal and sc around; picot once at the outer tip. Fasten off.
Wing Veins and Cream Dots
Using charcoal and a tapestry needle or surface-slip-stitch hook, create one central vein from each wing base to tip, then add 2-3 branching diagonal veins on each side. Keep the yarn relaxed so the wing stays flat.
With cream yarn, embroider or crochet 5-7 tiny French-knot-style dots around the charcoal outer border of each upper wing and 3-4 on each lower wing. Keep dots about 4-5 mm apart.
Body and Antennae
Body: With charcoal, ch 18. Starting in 2nd ch, sl st in 4 ch, sc in next 5, hdc in next 5, sc in final 3. Fasten off. Fold the narrow strip lengthwise and whipstitch to form a slim padded body.
Antennae: Join charcoal at head. Ch 10, sl st back 8 ch, fasten off. Repeat on opposite side. Lightly steam-shape into gentle curves; do not iron directly.
Butterfly Assembly
1. Lay the two upper wings behind the body at about a 35-degree upward angle. Place lower wings beneath them at about a 25-degree downward angle.
2. Whipstitch wing bases together securely with charcoal, then sew the body over the join so all attachment stitches are hidden.
3. Optionally sew the butterfly onto a 4-5 cm / 1.5-2 inch felt or crocheted oval backing for extra stability.
4. Attach the butterfly to the upper-right chest edge of the shawl with invisible stitches or to a small removable shawl pin / snap base. Keep the wings free so they remain dimensional.
5. Make one coral-and-charcoal tassel, 10-12 cm / 4-4.75 inches long, and sew it directly beneath the butterfly body. Add 1-2 ivory beads above the tassel if desired.
Part 5: Blocking, Finishing, and Fit
Proper finishing makes all the difference in how professional your shawl looks.
1. Weave in all ends on the WS by traveling through matching-color stitches for at least 5 cm / 2 inches, changing direction once. Do not cut ends flush until after blocking.
2. Soak the shawl in cool water with a small amount of wool/cotton wash for 10-15 minutes. Press out water in a towel; do not wring.
3. Pin the upper edge nearly straight, then open the triangle to the target wingspan. Pin every scale tip and the charcoal picot hem so the silhouette is crisp but not overstretched.
4. Allow to dry completely. Attach fringe and butterfly after blocking if you prefer to keep them perfectly shaped.
5. Try on over an opaque top. Arrange the front in a broad asymmetric V with the longest point toward lower center-left. The butterfly should sit high on the wearer’s right chest and remain unobstructed.
Fit Adjustments
| Goal | Adjustment | Keep in Mind |
|---|---|---|
| More wingspan | Add 2-4 lace rows before scales, or add 1-2 scale tiers | Maintain the center increase every row |
| Less depth | Work fewer scale tiers | Stop only after a complete fan + locking row |
| Lighter drape | Use fingering yarn and a 3.25-3.5 mm hook | Expect smaller scale depth; add more tiers |
| More dramatic scales | Use 9 tr instead of 7 tr in each fan | Increase backing chain from ch 5 to ch 6 |
| Shorter fringe | Cut 30-34 cm strands | Finished fringe will be about half the cut length |
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Triangle twists: The center increase was missed or worked twice. Count both halves between edge and center markers before continuing.
Scales lie too flat: Use a slightly larger hook for the 7-tr fans, or make 9 tr per fan while keeping the mesh row unchanged.
Edges curl inward: Surface-slip-stitch outlines are too tight. Remove and rework them loosely with a larger hook.
Lower edge ruffles: Reduce chain spaces in the next mesh tier or skip one planned V-st every 5-6 repeats.
Butterfly droops: Add a small backing oval and stitch through both shawl fabric and backing at several points.
Final Checklist
Before you call this project complete, run through this list:
Care Instructions
Hand wash cool, reshape flat, and dry away from direct heat. Store folded rather than hanging from the butterfly fastening. If beads are glass or wood, protect them from impact and avoid soaking for long periods.
You Did It!
Thank you so much for choosing this pattern for your next project. I hope the process was as enjoyable as the finished shawl is beautiful. This is truly a statement piece that showcases your skills and patience.
If you make this Sunset Monarch Shawl, I would absolutely love to see it! Tag me on Instagram or share a photo in my Facebook group. Seeing your creations honestly makes my whole day.
Save this pattern to your Pinterest boards so you can find it whenever inspiration strikes, and please drop a comment below if you make one. I love hearing about your color choices and any clever modifications you come up with. Happy crocheting!
You Might Also Like
- Sage Green Cable Knit Crop Sweater Free Crochet Pattern
- Mint Ocean Waves Doll Dress Free Crochet Pattern
- Soft Lavender Purple Crochet Backpack Free Pattern
- Monarch Butterfly Autumn Cardigan Free Crochet Pattern
CONTENT END 1
