One “big cake” shawl scarf

Purchase this pattern at:
ravelry.com/patterns/library/one-big-cake-shawl-scarf

I receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

This pattern was updated on 12/11/17 and 7/30/19.

This project requires very little effort for very gratifying results. Using only a single Caron Big Cake and the most elementary of crochet stitches, you can quickly make this versatile, one-size-fits-most piece that can be worn as either a shawl or a scarf.

Caron Big Cakes are new this fall and this is the first time I’ve worked with them. One thing I noticed was that while the label calls for a size H hook, I found that too small for this pattern because the resulting fabric was stiff. So, I tested progressively larger hooks until I reached size K, which produced a fabric with the right “feel.” Everyone’s tension is different, so don’t be afraid to try a different hook to get the feel you want. This shawl scarf is meant to be cozy as well as easy and colorful.

To make the shawl scarf pictured, I used one Caron Big Cake in the color “Toffee Brickle” and crocheted 34 rows, plus the border; I had 1-1/8 ounces of yarn left over. The resulting triangle measures 58″ along the long side, 39″ on each short side, and 27″ tall.

This can easily be sized smaller for a child – just work fewer rows!

If you plan to make an adult size and use up most of the cake, you should stop adding rows when you have at least 3/4 of an ounce of yarn left, so that you have enough to make the border.

Here are two versions of a video tutorial showing the basic steps. The first, original video is 6 minutes long. In response to the feedback it received, I’ve added a slower version of the same tutorial that is 8:20 long. The written pattern follows below the two videos.

You are free to gift, donate or sell for profit any items you make from this pattern. I ask only that if you sell items made from any of my patterns, as a courtesy you reference spoonsandhooks.com as the pattern’s source.


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44 responses to “One “big cake” shawl scarf”

  1. Darlene Avatar
    Darlene

    As I am crocheting, I notice that the top does not go across in a straight line. Instead it angles downward on each side of the chain two space. I wonder if I am doing something incorrect, or if blocking is required?

    Like

    1. Nina Avatar

      Hi Darlene – if you email a photo of your scarf to spoonsandhooks@gmail.com, I can take a look at it.

      Like

      1. Carla Avatar
        Carla

        Same problem here. What are we doing wrong?

        Like

      2. Nina Avatar

        I don’t know – I would need to see a high-resolution photo of the scarf. If you want to email one to spoonsandhooks@gmail.com, I’d be happy to take a look at it.

        Like

    2. Ellie Avatar
      Ellie

      So in a solid row, when you dc in the first and last stitch, you do not crochet in the “space”, but the stich above it. If you dc in the space it adds more stitches on the bottom of the triangle, and creates an uneven round shape. I hope this helps for I had the same problem when I began.

      Like

    3. Jennifer Avatar
      Jennifer

      I’m having the same problem

      Like

  2. Diana Schuh Avatar
    Diana Schuh

    I purchased lots of Caron Cakes, and they are not the Big Cakes, could I use them for an adult scarf like yours?
    Also I need to make it in a plus size 3x. How would I adjust this pattern.

    Like

    1. Nina Avatar

      Diana – This pattern can be made in the size shown with 2 regular Caron Cakes. It requires 600 yards of a weight #4 yarn; 2 regular Caron Cakes is 766 yards. To make it bigger, just keep adding rows until it reaches the desired size, taking care to end on a solid row. Hope this helps!

      Like

  3. Lashonda Avatar
    Lashonda

    Don’t understand how each row, increase by six. For the solid row each side increase by six. Had to undo.

    Like

    1. Nina Avatar

      Lashonda – If you follow the pattern, you will add 4 stitches at the main point of the triangle, and add 1 stitch at each side point, for a total of 6 stitches added per row. Remember that in spaced rows, the chain-1 spaces count as stitches.

      Like

  4. Louise Randall Avatar

    WHAT ABOUT ADDING A FASTENER OF SOME TYPE ON THE ENDS FOR IF IT IS WORN AS A SCARF? SOMETHING TO COMPLEMENT THE COLORS IN THE SHAWL/SCARF?

    Like

    1. Nina Avatar

      Louise – that sounds like a great idea!

      Like

  5. Lauren Avatar
    Lauren

    How many rows was your scarf? I’m in the process of making my first and want to leave enough yarn for the border. Lovely pattern. Thank you, Lauren.

    Like

    1. Nina Avatar

      Lauren – thanks for your kind words. My scarf was 36 rows. Hope this helps.

      Like

      1. Lauren Avatar
        Lauren

        Great. Thank you. Yes, very helpful. 🙂

        Like

  6. Laura Avatar
    Laura

    Is there a ch-1 space immediately before the first dc of the ch-2 space in the “spaced” row? It’s not specified in the directions and it’s not easy to tell in the photo. Same question at the end of that row. The directions have a dc then immediately another dc (with the ch-1 and final dc in the last stitch) with no ch-1 space between.

    Like

    1. Nina Avatar

      Laura – Good catch. The instructions were ambiguous on that point. There is supposed to be a ch 1 between each and every dc in the “spaced” row. I have added an update to the pattern. Apologies for any confusion, and thanks for giving me the chance to clarify that for future readers.

      Like

      1. Laura Avatar
        Laura

        Thanks for the clarification! I like to think I’m pretty good at reading patterns, but often something will go right over my head. Just wanted to make sure.

        Like

  7. Hannah Avatar
    Hannah

    As I am crocheting this pattern, I notice that one side has a few more stitches than the other. My increases are all correct and my ch-2 spaces line up. Is this just a feature of the design? The shawl is still a triangle. Just odd that one side seems to have more stitches than the other.

    Like

    1. Nina Avatar

      No, the two sides should have the same number of stitches. How many stitches are you off by?

      Like

      1. Hannah Avatar
        Hannah

        It seems like I have an odd amount of ch 1 spaces on one side as opposed to the other. Is this normal?

        Like

      2. Nina Avatar

        No, they should be the same number. Did you perhaps miss an increase on one side?

        Like

  8. Sherrie Livingston Avatar
    Sherrie Livingston

    Just wondering, how did you get the rows to change color so perfectly, meaning they don’t seem to change in the beginning of a row? I’m so impressed by that. Thank you. (I made an owl baby cocoon using a Caron cake. It came out cute).

    Sherrie

    Like

  9. Sherrie Livingston Avatar
    Sherrie Livingston

    I mean, they don’t seem to change color in the MIDDLE of a row. Sorry, caffeine hasn’t kicked in yet. 🙂

    Like

    1. Nina Avatar

      Sherrie – that’s mostly luck and the good design of the yarn. I usually just let the colors flow as they will. Occasionally I will reserve some of a color I want to use for a border, but that doesn’t apply to this project.

      Like

  10. Augustine Wilson Avatar
    Augustine Wilson

    I’m confused about working the last few stitches of the solid row. To begin row 3 we chained 4 which counts as 1 dc and a chain one space. When I get to the chain 4 should I dc in the space and then put 2 dc in the top of the chain 3?

    Like

    1. Nina Avatar

      Augustine – that’s exactly what you do! 🙂

      Like

  11. Sohteen Avatar
    Sohteen

    As I am crocheting, I notice that the top does not go across in a straight line. Instead it angles downward on each side of the chain two space. I wonder if I am doing something incorrect, or if blocking is required?

    I have the same problem.

    Like

    1. Nina Avatar

      Make sure you haven’t missed any increases at the two ends. That is easy to do and will skew the pattern. Also count your stitches – the two sides of the triangle should always have the same number. Hope this helps!

      Like

  12. Chrys Avatar
    Chrys

    Do you know what the gauge is with the K hook?

    Like

    1. Nina Avatar

      Chrys – My gauge with a K hook was 5 rows of 10 stitches per row was about 4″ square. However with this pattern gauge doesn’t really matter – just stop on a solid row when you reach the desired size. Hope this helps!

      Like

  13. Trish Avatar
    Trish

    Hi! I love this pattern, and I’ve already made one shawl and I love it. The problem is that I’m very broad across the top with big boobs. Is there any way I can alter the pattern to make the sides a bit longer without making the point of the triangle longer? Can I do the increase in the point every other row (or something like that)? Or will that distort the entire pattern?

    Like

    1. Nina Avatar

      Hi Trish – I’m so glad you like the pattern! I’m afraid I don’t have an answer for you on making the shawl with longer sides but the same height at the point. I think skipping increases at the point would probably distort the shawl and cause it to not lie flat. To get longer sides, you would need more stitches in the sides.

      Like

      1. Trish Avatar
        Trish

        Thanks for the reply Nina. Yeah, I figured it would probably distort or buckle. I’m just going to make my next one bigger all around. Another thing… I love this yarn with this project. The big caron cakes has a weight and texture that makes the shawl drape very nicely. Have a great day!

        Like

      2. Nina Avatar

        Hi Trish – I saw this pattern and thought it might be more of the shape you’re looking for with the long sides. I plan to make it myself with some Mandala I have on hand. https://makeanddocrew.com/free-lion-brand-mandala-crochet-scarf-pattern/

        Like

  14. Carrie Avatar
    Carrie

    I find it helps to put a stitch marker at the “point” prior to starting each row. Because when you’ve worked your way down there, it can get confusing.

    Like

  15. Khush Avatar
    Khush

    Hello.

    Normally I don’t comment but i am so glad to come across your pattern and give it a try!! I m new to crochet but still your lovely instructions are so helpful for a beginner. On the way to complete a scarf without any confusion.

    Thank you so much for sharing it!!

    Like

    1. Nina Avatar

      Thank you for your comment. I’m so glad this pattern works for you!

      Like

  16. Claire Avatar
    Claire

    I have just finished this shawl for my friend. We’re in the UK and used chunky wool which I think is thicker than the Caron big cake, and a 9mm hook so it came out a couple of inches bigger than the pattern sizes.

    It was really quick and easy once I figured out what I was doing wrong, my first attempt was a bit wonky.

    I’d add a photo but can’t figure out how.

    Thank you for the pattern!

    Like

    1. Nina Avatar

      Claire – I’d love to see it in chunky wool! You can email a photo to spoonsandhooks@gmail.com.

      Like

  17. VeggieKelly Avatar
    VeggieKelly

    This pattern is great!!
    It was co fusing at first, had to frog it once. I ended up with one side a little bit longer than the other. Must have accidentally increased or missed something!!
    Now I’ve got the hang of the pattern. It definitely helps if you count each side as you go!!
    Hopefully will post on Instagram when done ^_^!!!

    Like

  18. Stacy Avatar
    Stacy

    I want to use a Mandala cake. How would I adjust this pattern to do so?

    Like

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