Cheshire Cat Pocket Wrap

   

The name for this pocket wrap comes at the suggestion of Heather, a crafting friend, who said the colours reminded her of the Cheshire Cat.  As for the design, I love making scarves lengthwise and exploring the different texture options that result.  But I always struggle with getting pockets to sit right, so I thought, why not try to build the pockets into the design as much as possible?  That cut down my stitching and it seems to make the pockets sit nicely as well.

You will need

Approximately 23 oz of #6 super chunky yarn (700 yds).  I used about 2 ⅓ of the Caron Chunky Cakes (Elderberry Jelly).

8 mm crochet hook

Yarn needle

Stitch markers

Scissors

Finished size

Approximately 15×66".

Gauge 

Not critical for this project.  Adjust foundation chain in 2+1 pattern as needed for desired size.

Skill level

Intermediate

Abbreviations

Ch     Chain

SC     Single crochet

HDC     Half double crochet

HHDC Herringbone half double crochet

X-DC     Crossed over double crochet

Sl St      Slip stitch

Notes

• Pattern written in US terms.

• At the end of each row, you will ch 1 and turn, then begin the next row. Ch 1 does not count into stitch count.

For instructions into working into back bump of the foundation chain, click this link:

http://www.myhobbyiscrochet.com/2014/02/the-back-bump-behind-chain-crochet.html?m=1

For instructions on HHDC, click this link:

https://newstitchaday.com/hhdc-herringbone-half-double-crochet/

For instructions on X-DC, click this link:

https://craft-mart.com/knitting-crocheting/crochet/learn-to-crochet-crochet-crossed-double-crochet-stitch/

Pattern

Wrap

Ch 141.

Row 1

HDC into back bump of 2nd chain from hook, and into each st to end, ch 1 and turn (140 HDC).

Rows 2-4

HDC into first st and all st until end, ch 1 and turn.

Rows 5-8

HDC into first st, HHDC into all st but last, HDC into last st, ch 1 and turn.

Rows 9-12

Repeat row 2.

Row 13

DC into first st, skip next st, DC into 3rd st, DC back into skipped st (forms X-DC) and repeat X-DC to next to last st, DC into last st, ch 1 and turn.

Rows 14 - 17

Repeat row 2.

Rows 18-21

Repeat row 5.

Rowss 22-25

Repeat row 2, and finish off.

Pockets

To situate pockets, you will work right side facing and place a stitch marker at 7 rows from top and bottom of the shawl at each end.

Row 1

Fasten yarn to end of shawl at first stitch marker.  Place 16 HDC evenly between the stitch markers, ch 1 and turn (16 HDC).

Rows 2-4

HDC in 1st st and all stitches to end, ch 1 and turn.

Row 5

DC in first st, X-DC to all but last st, DC in last st, ch 1 and turn.

Rows 6-9

HDC in 1st st, HHDC in remaining st to last st, HDC last st, ch 1 and turn.

Row 10

Repeat row 5

Rows 11-14

Repeat row 2.

Row 15

SC in all st across, and finish off.

Repeat for second pocket at other end of the shawl.

Fold pocket flat against the right side of the shawl, whip stitch sides of pockets to body of shawl and fasten off.

Border

Join yarn along the long side of the shawl and SC into all stitches to corner. 

Place 2 SC and HDC into corner stitch.

Work HDC evenly along ends of shawl, placing HDC between each stitch of the pocket for even spacing.  HDC and 2 SC in corner then SC along other side of shawl.

Work the the remainder of the border in the same way as instructed, and slip stitch to top of first SC and finish off.

You can also use an invisible join as shown here:

https://1dogwoof.com/how-to-crochet-invisible-joins/

Featured in Link Party #366 
https://oombawkadesigncrochet.com/2020/09/knit-this-adorable-bat-crochet-a-pocket-wrap-or-learn-to-oven-can.html