Bumps in the Road Shawl

When there are bumps in the road, yarn reminds us that everything can be tackled one stitch at a time. Life throws obstacles and things can feel overwhelming, but the hook in hand provides space to slow down, breathe, and find the way through it.

The Bumps in the Road Shawl features a two row repeat that can be worked to any size, and the gorgeously textured lace edging adds the perfect finishing touch. The pattern is designed to minimize ends, so you only have to weave in the start and end of each skein. Though the repeat is mindless and easy to memorize, the stitches used make this pattern best suited to an intermediate or advanced crocheter.

Yarn weight: Fingering (14 wpi)
Gauge: 24 stitches and 12 rows = 4 inches in dc
Hook size: 3.25 mm (D)
Yardage: 720 yards (658 m)
Sizes available: Adjustable. 42”/107cm wingspan; 16”/40.5cm deep
Accessibility: low vision format available
Crochet terminology: US

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Sample

Sample uses Unplanned Peacock Studio Kinky Sock (fingering weight; 100% sw merino; 400yds/100g; single ply), 380yds/95g in Floyd Jewels (color A), 300yds/75g in Poe (color B)

Thanks to Unplanned Peacock Studio for providing the yarn for the pattern sample!

Yarn, Yardage, and Colors

The pattern calls for yarn in two sharply contrasting colors. Color A is used for the body of the shawl and works amazingly in any color, from gradient to variegated to solid to tonal. Color B is used to provide contrast throughout and for the edging and works best in a colorway without too much color variegation.

The shawl is designed so you can repeat as needed to use up every scrap of color A and you’ll need about 25% more of color A as compared to color B.

The pattern calls for fingering, but looks amazing in anything from a lace to a bulky. It works wonderfully on plied yarns, but the single ply really makes it pop.

Shape and Size

The Bumps in the Road is a shallow triangle that is wider than it is deep - it’s has a very rounded point, especially once the border is added, making it practically a crescent. The neck curves upward for easy wrapping and wearing.

When gauge is met, 720yds/180g of fingering weight will net a shawl that has a wingspan of 42”/107cm and measures 16”/40.5cm down the back. The pattern can easily be made larger or smaller by working extra repeats.

Skills Required

This is an intermediate to advanced level pattern and requires you to be able to read your work. It uses ch, sl st, sc, dc, blo, flo, skipped sts, twisted sts, and color changes.

There are multiple close-up photos showing the pattern from every angle so you can double check that the pattern is looking as it should.

Construction

The pattern is worked from the top-down in one piece. It features a simple two-row repeat, the border is worked directly from the last row, and then an optional edging is added afterwards.

There are minimal ends - you only have to weave in the start and end of each skein. Unused colors are carried up the sides of the shawl in a way that incorporates them into the pattern, but the optional edging exists to hide those colors if you’re not happy with how it looks.

Copyright

This pattern and any associated images, schematics, and charts are copyright Rachy Newin Designs and may not be distributed in part or in whole without express written permission. Handmade objects created from this pattern are not subject to copyright and you can do as you please with your finished object.

Printing

The pattern includes large photos on the first page and on pages 9-18, so print accordingly.

Screen Reader Accessibility

The pattern pdf is designed to be screen reader accessible. The text is all in one column and headers are formatted according to the style sheet. The pattern is written out completely and the images have descriptive alt text.