Duchess - crochet shawl with sleeves
A Shawl, A Cardigan, and a Little Dragon
This post is dedicated to crochet instructions on how to make a new piece from the Duchess collection – Shawl With Sleeves.
When a Customer’s Wish Becomes a New Design
Some of my favorite designs are the ones I never planned to make.
The Duchess Shawl With Sleeves was born when a new customer discovered my original Duchess Shawl and fell in love with its elegant shape. She had one request, though: could it have sleeves?
Of course, I was intrigued.
As I worked through the construction, I quickly realized that this wasn’t going to be just a small modification. The addition of sleeves transformed the garment completely, giving it the comfort and practicality of a cardigan while preserving the graceful silhouette that made the original Duchess Shawl so special.
And honestly? I couldn’t be happier with the result.
In fact, it turned out so beautifully that it reminded me how many of my favorite pieces begin—with a simple conversation, a customer’s idea, or a creative challenge that sends me in a new direction.
A Shawl… Or a Cardigan?
Technically speaking, this design is closer to a cardigan than a traditional shawl. It features comfortable sleeves and can be worn as an everyday layering piece.
Yet I decided to keep the name Duchess Shawl With Sleeves because it clearly belongs to the Duchess family of designs and shares the same distinctive circular construction.
The garment is made from five main parts:
- One full-circle motif for the back
- Two half-circle motifs for the front
- Two sleeves
To complete the look, I added a generous fringe along the lower edge, creating movement and a touch of bohemian elegance.
Somewhere during this design process, I had an amusing realization: I seem to have become something of a specialist in shawls with sleeves. Looking back at many of my previous creations, the evidence is hard to ignore!
Customer Approved
One of the most rewarding moments came when my customer tried the garment on before it was completely finished.
Even at that stage, she loved it.
Seeing her excitement confirmed that the design was heading in exactly the right direction. I hope she enjoys wearing the finished piece as much as I enjoyed creating it.
level
To make the Duchess Shawl With Sleeves you will need intermediate to upper-intermediate level of crocheting skills. Stitches used in this pattern are:
- chain
- slip stitch
- single crochet
- double crochet
size
Suitable for sizes M, L, XL and above
- Height (full-circle diameter) – 75-80 cm / 29.5-31.5 in
- Sleeve length – 27 cm / 10.6 in
- Fringe – 10 cm / 4 in
material
Yarn
- For this project I used sport yarn Vera Yumco in pistachio green, suitable for 3 – 3.5 mm hook. A total of 700 gr with fringe.
Needles, Hooks & Other Supplies
- 3.5 mm hook
- Yarn needle for weaving in ends
- 13 stitch markers
📖 Pattern Guide
This design comes with my carefully prepared pattern booklet that goes beyond the basics. Inside, you’ll find clear step-by-step directions, schematics, diagrams and photos that make the process easy to follow. To give you a glimpse of the quality, I’ve included a preview below in a 3D format — flip through the sample pages and see exactly what awaits you in the full version.
The crochet pattern for the Duchess Shawl With Sleeves is available as a paid PDF document here directly via PayPal or a card, and will soon be available on Ravelry and LoveCrafts, priced at €7.50.
How to get The Pattern
Great Deal: €7.50
Duchess Shawl With Sleeves Crochet Pattern
And now the best part! Why not make your own cardigan like this one?
The written tutorial guides you step by step through making the Duchess Shawl With Sleeves. Perfect for special occasions, a walk on the beach or a night out, it’s elegant, and easy to style in summertime.
- Language: English (US terms)
- Includes clear, simple instructions
- Skill level: Intermediate to upper-Intermediate
- Price: 7.50 EUR
The Duchess Shawl With Sleeves PDF pattern is available here on my blog, and will also soon be listed on Ravelry and Love Crafts. It’s stunning, stylish, and endlessly adaptable. It has all necessary information about materials and amount of yarn.
👉 By tapping/clicking the white button, you can purchase and download the PDF instructions using PayPal or your payment card.
Duchess Shawl With Sleeves
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Clear, easy-to-follow instructions
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Perfect for experienced crocheters
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Elaborate construction with sleeves
A Little Dragon Companion
When I packed the shawl for delivery, I couldn’t resist adding a small surprise.
Tucked into the box was a tiny crochet dragon ear cuff made from the same green yarn as the shawl, with delicate lavender details. The dragon appears in some of the photographs accompanying this post, and although I haven’t written a pattern for it yet, it’s definitely on my list of future projects.
Who knows? The little dragon may eventually get its own pattern and story.
Ready for the challenge?
The Duchess Shawl With Sleeves pattern is available as a downloadable PDF.
Whether you’re looking for an elegant layering piece, a statement garment, or simply enjoy unusual crochet construction methods, this project offers a rewarding and enjoyable make.
A great thank you to the customer whose idea inspired this design. Without her request, this beautiful addition to the Duchess collection might never have existed.
💛Need more crochet inspiration?
This piece is just the beginning of the story. Discover the Duchess Collection which offers more inspiring pieces.