30 Free Pocket Shawl Crochet Patterns

Introduction to Crochet Pocket Shawls

Pocket shawl crochet patterns are fun and exciting projects to make, and they are so popular to wear yourself or make as gifts or even charity projects. You can explore your creativity with basic and special crochet stitches,  blending colors, and adding accessories like beads, buttons, and zippers. Speaking of fun crochet stitches don't miss the chance to watch all 45 of my step by step crochet stitch videos where I teach you exactly how to stitch up different stitches so you can customize any pattern!

Aside from being fashionable garments, crochet pocket shawls are also practical to use. They keep you warm during chilly weather. They protect you from heat and sun rays during sunny days. You can also store some personal items like keys, a phone, and a handkerchief in your pockets.

In this article, I will answer common questions about and provide free and easy patterns for crochet pocket shawls. Most of these patterns are easy and beginner-friendly. If you want to level up your skills, there are also easy-to-follow patterns for intermediate crocheters.

Crocheting garments can be super intimidating. I was so nervous that I would do a terrible job the first time I crocheted a shawl that I waited month before I decided to give it a go! That is why I added a step by step video class to my Crochet (& Knit) Essential Skills course on exactly how to crochet garments. You have to check it out with all the other 72 video classes to get your crochet skills up to par! Check all the classes out here.

What is a Crochet Pocket Shawl?

A crochet pocket shawl is wide a scarf, with pockets, that can be wrapped around the neck and arms. It can be worn in any season. Lightweight yarns produce pocket shawls that can be used on sunny days. Other pocket shawls made of worsted weight or bulky yarns are great for keeping you warm and stylish during breezy or winter days.

There are several advantages to using shawls with pockets over the ones without:

• They are easy to make. With just knowledge of basic crochet stitches and sewing, you can finish one.
• Crocheting pocket shawls is great for beginners to practice basic stitches like single crochet (sc), half double crochet (hdc), double crochet (dc), and treble crochet (tc).
• Most patterns are adjustable in size. You only need to add/subtract rows, chains, or multiple chains to achieve your desired size.
• They are functional garments. You can stuff the pockets to keep some personal items like keys, handkerchiefs, or phones. You can also put your yarn there whenever you're outside and want to crochet.
• They keep your body warm. You can also place your hands in your pockets for warmth.
• They can be a fashion staple. You can wrap one around your arms and look elevated.

Materials Needed to Make Crochet Pocket Shawls

Yarn

With so many options for yarn, it is ideal to use yarns that are comfortable and gentle on your skin since crochet pocket shawls are wrapped around the neck and arms. The following yarns, listed according to their weight, are some of our favorites for pocket shawls.

3 Light/DK

• Scheepjes Softfun
• Lion Brand Feels Like Alpaca Yarn

4 Medium/Worsted/Aran

• Red Heart Super Saver
• Lion Brand Wool Ease

5 Bulky/Chunky

• Lion Brand Scarfie 
• Knit Picks Brava Bulky

6 Super Bulky

• Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick
• Mighty Stitch

Crochet Hook

The crochet hook size you need depends on the weight of the yarn used and what the pattern suggests. In general, these are the hook sizes that correspond to different weights of yarn: 

• 3 Light/DK: 4.5-5.5 mm crochet hook
• 4 Medium/Worsted: 5.5-6.5 mm crochet hook
• 5 Bulky: 6.5-9mm crochet hook
• 6 Super bulky: 9-15 mm crochet hook

The good news when it comes to crochet pocket shawl patterns is that the gauge isn’t super important. If your piece comes out a little narrower or wider than the pattern calls for, it’s not a big deal. 

You can read the complete guide to crochet hook sizes to learn more about them

Other Notions

• Stitch markers: Stitch markers can be used to mark the beginning or end stitches of the row or where to put increases or decreases or other important things you need to do in your project. Stitch markers are also needed to place the pockets on the shawl before sewing them.
• Measuring tape: It’s a great idea to use a measuring tape to make sure your project is the correct length.
• Scissors: Use a pair of scissors for cutting yarn when you're about to finish or when you need to change yarn. Scissors are also needed for patterns that add fringes at the bottom of the crochet pocket shawl.
• Tapestry needle: A tapestry needle is needed for weaving in ends of yarns that should not stick out from the pocket shawl.
• Blocking kit: Some patterns recommend blocking the pocket shawl or parts of the pocket shawl before joining them for a more professional finish. 
• Buttons/beads/zippers: Some patterns have shawls and/or pockets embellished with buttons, beads, and zippers.

Frequently Asked Questions about Crochet Pocket Shawls

How to Crochet a Pocket Shawl for Beginners?

The basic method of crocheting a pocket scarf or shawl is to crochet a rectangle, fold up the ends, and sew them down to create pockets. 

Another method is to crochet the main part of the shawl, crochet the pockets separately, then sew them on the right side of the shawl. 

How to Sew Pockets on a Shawl?

If you use a pattern where the pockets are made separately, you will then need to attach those pockets to the shawl. There are different methods to do it. Usually, the pattern will have its own instructions on how to attach the pockets.

If the pattern only states to sew the pockets and you aren’t sure how this is an easy method:

1. Leave a long tail when finished with the last stitch of each pocket.
2. Place the pockets where you want them on the shawl.  (Tip: Place the yarn tail at the top of the pocket if possible so you can easily sew all the way around and leave the top part of the pocket open.)

3. Use stitch markers to temporarily attach the pocket to the shawl.
4. Insert the yarn tail through the needle. Sew the three sides of the pockets using a running stitch. Leave the top open. 
5. Weave the yarn tail end through the shawl. It will be less visible if you weave it into the wrong side part that will be behind the pocket. 

What Size Should a Pocket Shawl be?

The ideal length for any scarf is equal to your arm span. That is the measurement from your one middle fingertip to the other one when your hands are spread out to your sides.

If you don’t know your arm span or that of the person you are stitching for, your height is basically the same measure for most people.

The width depends on your preference. The pattern will suggest a width but you can often make them narrower or wider depending on your preference. Check the pattern if it calls for a particular number of stitches for the pattern repeat and use that as your guide when changing size. 

How Many Skeins of Yarn Do I Need For a Pocket Shawl?

The amount of yarn needed for your project will depend on the design of the pattern, the tension to be used, and the weight of the yarn. In most patterns, the yardage is stated in the instructions.

To have a more concrete idea, an average crochet pocket shawl will likely consume three to five skeins of yarn weighing 100 grams each.

What is the Best Crochet Stitch for a Shawl?

There is no single or special stitch that is considered the best one for pocket shawls.

If you want a beautiful pattern and texture, some crochet stitches like puff stitch, waffle stitch, and cable stitch are the best choice. Combine them with some basic stitches for variation.

If you want to finish a pocket shawl quickly, you might want to use double crochets or treble crochets. You can also try to crochet on the back loops only like in front post double crochet (fpdc) and back post double crochet (bpdc) for a ribbed effect.

The patterns below use a wide variety of stitches and you can always choose your own stitch pattern if you prefer. Our Ultimate Crochet Stitch Library has 45 different stitch options for you to try! 

Pocket Shawl Crochet Patterns with Integrated Pockets

In this first list of free patterns, the method is to crochet a rectangle first and then fold up the ends to make the pockets.

Pocket Shawl Crochet Patterns with Patch Pockets

In this second list of pocket shawl crochet patterns, the pockets are crocheted separately, then attached to the main shawl by sewing or using other methods.

Pocket Shawl Crochet Patterns with Hoods

Take your pocket shawl to the next level. In this category, you'll find patterns for crochet pocket shawls with a hood.

Tunisian Pocket Shawl Crochet Patterns

Get ready with your Tunisian crochet skills and hooks and make these pocket shawls.

Keep Stitching with Rectangles

There you have the collection of easy pocket shawl patterns. Feel delighted whenever you wear a garment that you made with your hands. You know that they are special, durable, and comfortable.

Do you love crocheting rectangles? You can do more projects than just pocket shawls. Check this Crochet Anything With Rectangles for more patterns.

Need more help with the basics of crochet? Our Crochet Fundamentals course covers everything from how to hold your yarn and hooks to basic stitches, skill-building patterns and so much more!