Zen Striped Crochet Shawl & Scarf Pattern – Free & Easy Crochet Project

Zen Striped Crochet Shawl & Scarf Pattern is the answer if you are looking for a relaxing and meditative crochet project! The Zen Striped Crochet Shawl is the perfect pattern for you! Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced crocheter looking for an stress-free, easy-to-memorize project, this design will help you unwind, relax, and create something beautiful.

This free crochet pattern is versatile, beginner-friendly, and highly customizable—you can make it in any yarn weight, any color combination, and any size! Whether you prefer a shawl, scarf, stole, or even a cozy afghan, this simple stitch pattern is perfect for mindful, meditative crocheting.

Why It’s Called the Zen Striped Shawl

The Zen Striped Crochet Shawl is all about simplicity and relaxation. The stitch pattern is incredibly easy to memorize, using only:

✅ Single crochet
✅ Double crochet
✅ Chain stitches

You can zone out, listen to music, enjoy nature, or watch your favorite show while crocheting—no complicated counting required!

The Zen Striped Crochet Shawl & Scarf Pattern is Customizable for Any Yarn, Any Size

This pattern is designed to be completely flexible:

✨ Work it in any yarn weight – Your gauge will determine how wide to make your starting chain.
✨ Adjust the size – Make a scarf, stole, shawl, or even an afghan!
✨ Choose your favorite colors – Create stunning stripes or keep it simple with one solid shade.

Color Inspiration for Your Zen Striped Crochet Shawl & Scarf Pattern

The sample version of the Zen Striped Shawl is made in five soothing colors, but you can customize it however you like! Here are a few color combination ideas to inspire you:

Earthy & Natural – Shades of beige, taupe, olive, and terracotta for a nature-inspired palette.

Bright & Bold – Play with contrasting or rainbow hues for a vibrant look.

️Monochrome & Minimalist – Stick to one solid color for a classic, elegant feel.

Ocean & Sky – Blues, teals, and soft grays for a tranquil, coastal vibe.

Seasonal Tones – Warm autumn tones, fresh spring pastels, or cool winter neutrals.

Get the Free Zen Striped Crochet Shawl Pattern

⬇️[Scroll below to access the FREE pattern]

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[Download the PDF Pattern Here]

Best Yarn Choices for the Zen Striped Shawl

One of the best things about this pattern is its versatility—you can use almost any yarn! Whether you prefer lightweight, cozy, or budget-friendly options, here are some great yarn choices:

Best Natural Fiber Yarns (Breathable & Soft)

• Hobbii Yarns Cotton 8/6 – A lightweight super soft cotton for a breezy, all-season shawl.
• Hobbii Yarns Soft Bamboo Double – Bamboo yarn for extra softness and drape.

Best Cozy & Warm Yarns (Perfect for Fall & Winter)

• Lion Brand Yarns Woolease – A soft wool-blend yarn for warmth and durability.
• Knit Picks Yarns Wonderfluff  – A bulky alpaca blend for extra coziness.

Best Budget-Friendly Yarns (Great for Gifts & Beginners)

• Knit Picks Brava 500 – A versatile acrylic yarn with a huge range of colors.
• Hobbii Yarns Cotton 8/8 – A worsted-weight soft cotton for easy care with a huge color selection.

Best Self-Striping or Gradient Yarns (For Effortless Color Changes!)

• Mandala Watercolor by Lion Brand Yarns – A gradient yarn that shifts beautifully between colors.
• Brava Stripe by Knit Picks Yarns – A self-striping yarn for easy, automatic color transitions.

Feel free to mix and match different yarns to create a completely custom look for your Zen Shawl!

How to Adjust the Size Using Gauge & Stitch Multiples for Different Yarn Weights

Because this pattern is worked lengthwise in rows, it’s easy to adapt for various projects: With just a few adjustments, you can use this pattern for any flat rectangular or square fabric.

The Zen Striped Crochet Shawl follows a stitch multiple of 6 + 4 and has a standard gauge of 3.5 stitches per inch. However, if you want to use different yarn weights, your stitches per inch will change, which affects how many chains you need for your starting width.

Step 1: Understanding How Gauge Affects Starting Chain

To determine your starting chain for any yarn weight, use this formula:

(Desired Width in Inches) × (Stitches per Inch) = Total Stitches

Then, adjust the total to the nearest multiple of 6 + 4.

Step 2: Starting Chains for Different Yarn Weights

The table below shows how the starting chain changes based on your chosen yarn weight and its approximate stitches per inch:

Step 3: Adjusting for Different Yarn Weights

• Lighter Yarn (Gauge 4-5 stitches per inch, like sport or DK weight) → You’ll need more starting chains for the same width.
• Bulkier Yarn (Gauge 2-3 stitches per inch, like chunky or super bulky) → You’ll need fewer starting chainsbut will work more rows to reach the length.

Step 4: Adjust the Length with Row Count

Once you have the correct width with your starting chain, simply continue in rows until you reach your desired length:

• Scarf: ~60″–80″
• Stole/Shawl: ~70″–80″
• Baby Blanket: ~36″–40″
• Throw/Afghan: ~60″–72″

By using this gauge-adjusted stitch multiple formula, you can easily modify the Zen Striped Crochet Shawl to fit any yarn weight while maintaining its relaxing, meditative stitch pattern.

Free Zen Striped Crochet Shawl Pattern Instructions plus Chart:

 What you will need:

• 1,000 yds (941m) #1 superfine, fingering weight yarn, shown in 5 colors (250 yds per color)
• D/3 (3.5mm) crochet hook
• Yarn needle
• Scissors

Note: This shawl can be made in one color of yarn, too.

Gauge: 

14 sts / 16 rows = 4 in (10cm) after blocking in repeats of rows 3 – 4

Finished Size:

82 in (208cm) long x 12 in (30cm) wide

Stitch Guide

chain (ch); single crochet (sc); double crochet (dc)

Chart:

Instructions:

Note: This shawl is worked lengthwise.

Multiple of 6 sts + 4

Note: The step by step photo tutorial is a reduced size sample that begins with Ch22 (also a multiple of 6 sts + 4).

With color A, ch 304

Row 1: Dc in 6th ch from hook, *ch1, skip 1 ch, dc in next ch. Rep from * across, turn.

Row 2: Ch1, sc in ea st and ch across, turn. — 301 sts

Row 3: Ch4 (counts as dc, ch1), skip next st, dc in next st, *ch1, skip next st, dc in next st. Rep from * across, turn.

Row 4: Rep row 2, turn. — 301 sts

Rows 5 – 14: Rep rows 3 – 4 five more times, turn. Fasten off.

Rows 15 – 28: With color B, rep rows 3 – 4 seven more times. Fasten off.

Rows 29: With color C, ch4 (counts as dc, ch1), skip next 2 sts, (2dc, ch1, 2dc) in next st, ch1, skip 2 sts, dc in next st, ch1, skip next 2 sts, (2dc, ch1, 2dc) in next st, ch1, skip 2 sts, dc in next st. Rep from * across, turn. 

Row 30: Ch4 (counts as dc, ch1), skip 1 ch1 sp, (2dc, ch1, 2dc) in next ch1 sp, ch1, skip next ch1 sp, dc in next dc, *ch1, skip next ch1 sp, (2dc, ch1, 2dc) in next ch1 sp, ch1, skip next ch1 sp, 1dc in next dc. Rep from * across, turn. 

Rows 31 – 42: rep row 30. Fasten off.

Row 43: With color D, ch4 (counts as dc, *ch1), skip next *ch1, dc), dc in next dc, ch1, skip next ch1 sp, dc in next dc, ch1, skip next (dc, ch1 sp), dc in next dc. Rep from * across, turn.

Rows 44 – 56: Rep row 4, then rep rows 3 – 4 six more times.

Rows 57 – 70: With color E, rep rows 3 – 4 seven more times.

Fasten off.

Finishing: 

Weave in loose ends. Hand wash, block to finished measurements and let dry.

Final Thoughts: Crochet Your Way to Relaxation

The Zen Striped Crochet Shawl is more than just a project—it’s a stress-relieving, meditative crochet experience. Whether you choose to make it in a single color, stripes, or a unique custom palette, this pattern is all about enjoying the journey of crochet.

Do you love relaxing crochet projects? Share your Zen Shawl progress on social media and tag me! Let’s continue to Create, Share & Inspire for a Balanced, Happy Life.

What colors will you use for your Zen Shawl? Let me know in the comments below!

Kristin Omdahl is the best-selling author of dozens of knit and crochet books; designer of almost 1,000 knit and crochet patterns; and producer of award-winning videos. You can also join Kristin, a 20 year veteran in the crafting industry, on YouTube and browse through thousands of tutorial videos there, too.

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Kristin Omdahl patterns, books, handouts and videos are for your personal use only; additionally, up to 10 items can be made to sell from one design. Commercially produced products made from my instructions are prohibited. All Kristin Omdahl patterns, books, handouts and videos are licensed for single use and remain the intellectual property of Kristin Omdahl. This pattern may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise.