Virus Crochet Shawl Pattern

Virus Crochet Shawl Pattern may be a strange name for a project. In fact, this is one of the most popular crochet shawl patterns among crocheters.

If you are wondering where the ‘virus crochet shawl’ name comes from, it is due to the ‘viral’ nature of the pattern. It grows quickly as a virus with each round.

Furthermore, you can continue for as long as you want to make a large shawl. As a ‘virus’, it never stops growing.

As a matter of fact, there are many variations of this popular pattern. Although they all have the same basic structure in their foundation.

Are you looking for more shawl patterns? Check out our collection of free crochet patterns:

Virus Crochet Shawl Pattern Facts

First, you start a virus crochet shawl pattern in the middle center of the shawl. Consequently, it grows and forms a triangle with each round.

Almost all virus crochet shawl patterns have a 4-row repeat. The first row sets a foundation for the future clusters and consists of the chain and single crochet stitches.

Consequently, the second row of the repeat will have 10 treble (or double) crochet stitches worked in underlying crochet chain spaces.

As illustrated above, for the next two rows you will continue to build on top of these stitches. Consequently, shells will form.

As a result, you will make a row of treble crochet stitches separated by chain 1. Finally, the last row will have 10 treble crochet stitches with chain 2 in between.

Is Virus Crochet Shawl Easy?

As a matter of fact, I would not recommend this pattern to absolute beginners. You would need intermediate crochet skills to finish this beautiful shawl.

Furthermore, working with lightweight yarn is more complicated than crocheting with bulky yarn.

On the positive side, the pattern looks more complicated than it actually is. In fact, you will get comfortable with the design after the first 4-round repeat.

Materials for a Virus Crochet Shawl

2 skeins of Woolike Yarn by Loops & Threads (in your favorite color)
2.75 mm crochet hook
scissors
tapestry needle

Though the recommended hook size on the yarn label is 3.5 mm, US – E/4 crochet hook, I recommend a slightly small hook to keep your triple crochet stitches nice and neat.

Abbreviations

ch – chain
sc – single crochet
tr – treble crochet stitch
ch sp – chain space

A Virus Crochet Shawl – Free Pattern

Ch 16, tr into the 5th ch from the hook, ch 3, tr into the first ch stitch, ch 9, tr into the same first ch.

You’ve completed a foundation row of the first two clusters that form the middle part of the virus shawl.

Row 2

Ch 4 (counts as the first treble crochet), 8 tr into ch sp; tr into the tr of the previous row – 10 tr.

Ch 3, tr into the underlying tr st of the previous row; 8 tr into ch sp, tr into 5th ch of the turning ch – 10 tr.

Row 3

Ch 5 (counts as the first treble crochet + ch1), *tr + ch1*, repeat 8 times between **, tr into the tr of the previous row (10 tr + 9 ch1), ch 3 (it is the middle of the shawl).

Tr into the underlying tr st of the previous row; ch 1, *tr + ch1*, repeat 8 times between **, tr into 4th ch of the turning ch (10 tr + 9 ch1).

Row 4

Ch 6 (counts as the first treble crochet + ch2), *tr + ch2*, repeat 8 times between **, tr into the tr of the previous row (10 tr + 9 ch2), ch 3 (you are now in the middle of the shawl);

tr into the underlying tr st of the previous row; ch2, *tr + ch2*, repeat 8 times between **, tr into 4th ch of the turning ch (10 tr + 9 ch2).

From now on you’ll be repeating the same 4 rows while your shawl grows. First, the foundation row. Second, the row of treble crochet. Third, the row of treble crochet plus chain 1. And finally, a row of treble crochet stitches separated by chain 2.

Let’s go through the next 4 rows so you can get a firm grip on the pattern. You’ll see that we’ll be adding additional shells between the shells of the previous rows.

Row 5

Ch 13 (represents tr and ch9); skip ch2 sp and tr, sc into next ch2 sp; *ch 3, skip tr, ch2 sp, tr and sc into next ch2 sp;* repeat between ** two more times; ch 7, tr into tr st of the previous row, ch 3 (you reached the middle of the shawl).

Tr, into the tr st of the previous row; ch 7, skip ch 2 sp, tr, and sc onto next ch2 sp; *ch 3, skip tr, ch2 sp, tr, and sc into next ch2 sp;* repeat between ** two more times; ch 9, tr into the turning ch.

Row 6

Ch 4 (represents first tr), 9 tr into ch sp, sc into the first ch3 sp; ch 3, sc into the 2nd ch3 sp; ch 3, sc into the 3rd ch3 sp; 9 tr into ch7 sp, last tr into tr of the previous row; ch 3 (middle of the shawl).

Next tr into tr st if the previous row; 9 tr into ch7 sp, sc into ch3 sp; ch 3; sc into ch3 sp; ch3, sc into ch3 sp; 9 tr into the last ch9 sp; tr into the turning chain.

Row 7

Ch 5 (represents tr plus ch1); *tr + ch1*, repeat 9 times between **, sc into ch3 sp; ch 3, sc into ch3 sp.

Tr into the underlying tr st of the previous row; ch 1, *tr + ch1*, repeat 9 times between **, tr into the tr of the previous row; ch 3 (middle of the shawl).

To continue, tr into the underlying tr st of the previous row; ch 1, *tr + ch1*, repeat 8 times between **, tr into the last tr; sc into ch3 sp; ch3; sc into ch3 sp.

Again, tr into the underlying tr st of the previous row; ch 1, *tr + ch1*, repeat 8 times between **, tr into the turning ch.

Row 8

Ch 6 (counts as the first treble crochet + ch2), *tr + ch2*, repeat 8 times between **, tr into the tr of the previous row (10 tr + 9 ch2), sc into ch3 sp.

Next, tr into the underlying tr st of the previous row; ch2, *tr + ch2*, repeat 8 times between **, tr into the tr of the previous row; ch 3 (middle of the shawl).

Continue with tr into the underlying tr st of the previous row; ch2, *tr + ch2*, repeat 9 times between **, sc into ch3 sp.

Next, tr into the underlying tr st of the previous row; ch2, *tr + ch2*, repeat 8 times between **, tr into 4th ch of the turning ch (10 tr + 9 ch2).

Row 9 – until the end of virus crochet shawl

That’s it! In like manner, repeat rows 5-8 until your shawl reaches the desired size.

Of course, after a few repeats, you will have no trouble with the pattern. Furthermore, it is a great project to master treble crochet.

As a result, your treble crochet stitches will be absolutely perfect when you finish this elegant shawl.

In conclusion, this classic virus shawl pattern makes a great addition to your collection of favorite patterns. In fact, it will be your go-to pattern when you need a gift for friends and family.

Ultimately, the virus shawl only looks complicated. Overall, it is pretty simple if you are familiar with treble crochet.

As long as you use bulkier yarn, it makes the project even easier. On the contrary, fine fine yarn is harder to work with.

Given these points, you can pick a different yarn for your first virus shawl. As your skills improve, you can try it with fine yarn.

In summary, the virus crochet shawl pattern consists of 4 repeating rows.

First, the foundation row is a series of chain 9 connected by three chain 3 sections.

Second, you will be making 10 treble crochet stitches into each chain 9 space. Two sections of ch3 will connect them together.

Third, the row of treble crochet stitches plus ch1 are made on top of 10 trebles. One section of ch3 connects them.

Finally, there is a row of treble crochet stitches separated by ch2.

Next, you start all over again, adding new shells. That’s how this popular crochet pattern got its name.

As you can see, it grows fast as a virus! Enjoy this classic elegant crochet shawl pattern.