Last updated on July 6th, 2026 at 06:13 am
The Journey Through the Stones Crochet Shawl is worked sideways from one tip to the other using simple double crochet stitches with gentle shaping. Finished with a delicate lacy border, it’s the perfect lightweight wrap for cool evenings, weddings, or everyday wear.
When this journey through the stones crochet shawl was complete, it reminded me of something that would be worn on the television set of Outlander. I could picture Claire wearing this as she wandered through the magical stones.
Why You’ll Love This Crochet Shawl
- Sideways construction creates beautiful color transitions
- Uses only basic crochet stitches
- Relaxing one-row repeat
- Lightweight yet cozy
- Easy to customize the size
- Gorgeous drape after blocking
- Includes photo and video tutorials
The Inspiration Behind the Journey Through the Stones Shawl
Every crochet project has a story, and this shawl is no exception. While choosing the colors and watching the stitches come together, I found myself thinking about the beautiful Scottish Highlands and the sense of mystery woven throughout the Outlander series. The finished shawl has an elegant, timeless look that felt like the perfect tribute to those inspirations.
Although this isn’t a replica of any specific shawl from the series, it captures the feeling of adventure, history, and natural beauty that inspired its name. If you’re a fan of Outlander, you may recognize a few familiar influences. If not, I hope you’ll simply enjoy creating a cozy wrap with a story of its own.
What Is Outlander?
Outlander is a historical fiction series based on the bestselling novels by Diana Gabaldon. The story follows Claire Randall, a former World War II nurse, whose life changes forever after she mysteriously travels through time to eighteenth-century Scotland.
Known for its breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and unforgettable characters, the series has inspired countless knitters, crocheters, and fiber artists. The clothing, shawls, and earthy color palettes seen throughout the story have become favorites among makers who appreciate timeless, practical designs.
Claire’s Iconic Shawls
One of the things I love most about Claire’s wardrobe is how beautifully functional it is. Her shawls aren’t just accessories—they’re practical layers that provide warmth while exploring the rugged Scottish countryside. Their simple elegance makes them feel just as appropriate today as they would have centuries ago.
That timeless style inspired me to design a shawl that is comfortable to wear, easy to style, and enjoyable to crochet. Whether you’re wrapping up for a cool evening, heading out on a fall walk, or curling up with a good book, this shawl is made to be both beautiful and useful.
The Standing Stones
As I worked with the soft, natural color palette, I couldn’t help thinking of the mysterious standing stones that play such an important role in the Outlander story. Their quiet beauty, weathered textures, and connection to the Scottish landscape inspired both the atmosphere of this design and its name.
The Journey Through the Stones Shawl reflects that feeling through its flowing shape, gentle stitch pattern, and earthy tones. I hope every stitch reminds you that handmade projects often become part of our own stories, creating memories that last long after the final row is complete.
Crochet Sideways Shawl
This shawl is worked sideways from end-to-end. It starts off at the tip on one side and gradually grows by 1 stitch with each row until the widest section, which is in the middle. Then each row decreases by 1 stitch until you reach the tip on the other side.
When I was crocheting the length of the sideways shawl, I kept thinking of what to do with the border. Here is a photo of the shawl with the colors on either side. It looks nice, but a little plain.
You can see the photos of the sideways shawl without the border. It looks nice, but wow, when the border gets added, it just pops!
Lacy Crochet Border
When I first purchased the yarn, I had chosen four colors and had planned to make something using all four. When first starting out this shawl, I was thinking of using just three of the colors. You can see the three colors next to each other in the photo.
They look lovely together; however, as I was nearing the end of the length of the shawl on the decreasing side, I decided to use all four colors. The darker cypress color really helps add depth and makes the clay color pop.
You will note in the YouTube Video Tutorial that I mentioned I was using just the 3 yarn colors. I changed my mind and used all 4 colors.
Best Yarn for This Crochet Shawl
This pattern was designed using Lion Brand Touch of Linen, a lightweight worsted-weight yarn that creates beautiful drape while holding its shape.
Other yarns that would work well include:
- cotton blends
- bamboo blends
- soft acrylic
- wool blends
Avoid overly stiff cotton yarns if you want the same flowing look.
Color Combination Ideas
- Autumn neutrals
- Ocean blues
- Lavender ombré
- Sage and cream
- Jewel tones
- Sunset colors
Ways to Wear Your Crochet Shawl
- Classic shoulder wrap
- Long scarf
- Belted wrap
- Wedding shawl
- Office cardigan alternative
- Travel wrap
Is This Shawl Beginner Friendly?
This pattern is best suited for adventurous beginners or intermediate crocheters. You’ll need to know:
- Chain
- Double crochet
- Working increases
- Working decreases
- Reading row instructions
There are no complicated stitch combinations, making it an enjoyable project if you’re ready to move beyond beginner scarves.
Approximate project time:
- Weekend marathon: 2–3 days
- Casual evenings: about 1–2 weeks
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Directions: Journey Through the Stones Crochet Shawl
Skill Level
Intermediate.
While this shawl is crocheted using basic stitches such as single crochet stitches and double crochet stitches, decreasing stitches and the crochet border might be a bit more challenging.
Size
86 inches wide, measured from side-to-side. The length in the center of the shawl is 22 inches long.
Finished Measurements Chart
| Measurement | Size |
|---|---|
| Width | 86 inches |
| Center Depth | 22 inches |
| Yardage | 780–800 yards |
| Hook | 5 mm (H) |
Gauge
16 single crochet every 4 inches. However, gauge is not critical to this shawl. Adjust the length by stopping the increasing rows in the middle where you think the mid-length would be. Add the next color and complete the shawl decreasing rows.
Abbreviations
- CH = Chain
- DC = Double Crochet
- DC2Tog = Double Crochet 2 Together
- SC = Single Crochet
- SK = Skip
- SL ST = Slip Stitch
- SP = Space
- ST = Stitch
- STs = Stitches
- [ ] = Repeat Between
Materials
Clay Lion Brand Touch of Linen 1 skein 197 yards. I used about ¾ of the skein of yarn for the crochet border
Cypress Lion Brand Touch of Linen 1 skein 197 yards. I used about ¾ of the skein of yarn for the crochet border
Fog Lion Brand Touch of Linen 1 skein 197 yards. I used this for the sideways length of the shawl.
Stone Lion Brand Touch of Linen 1 skein 197 yards. I used this for the sideways length of the shawl.
If you are not able to find the yarn locally your can purchase it on the Lion Brand website. Savings Center – Pattern Princess
Crochet Hook Size H, 5.0 mm
Yarn Needle
Scissors
Crochet Pattern Notes
Shawl is worked from side-to-side first and the crochet border is added to one side after the main part of the shawl is complete.
Turn at the end of each row.
In the first half of the shawl, the stitches increase by 1 stitch for each row.
In the second half of the shawl, the stitches decrease by 1 stitch for each row.
The lacy border consists of 8 rows of crochet.
There are video tutorials below the written directions on how to crochet the Journey Through the Stones Shawl Crochet Pattern.
This crochet pattern uses the double crochet 2 together. If this is new to you, here is more information.
Pattern is written in US Crochet Terms.
Double Crochet Two Together (DC2Tog)
This decreases the stitches by one double crochet each time this is worked.
Yarn over, insert hook into next stitch and pull up a loop. There will be three loops on the crochet hook. Yarn over, pull through two loops on the hook. There should now be just two loops left on the hook.
Yarn over and insert the hook into the next stitch and pull up a loop. There will be four loops on the hook. Yarn over, pull through two loops. There should now be just three loops on the hook. Lastly yarn over and pull through the remaining three loops.
Here is a video tutorial on DC2Tog
Crochet Pattern Directions
Start with Stone colored yarn.
For the first 60 rows, you will be increasing each row by 1 stitch.
Row 1
CH 4 (Counts as DC and CH 1), DC in the 4th CH from the Hook. Turn (2 DC)
Row 2
CH 3 (Counts as DC), 2 DC on top of the previous row CH 3 ST. Turn (3 DC)
Row 3
CH 3 (Counts as DC), 2 DC in the next ST, DC on top of the CH 3 ST. Turn (4 DC)
Row 4
CH 3 (Counts as DC), DC in next ST, 2 DC in next ST, DC on top of CH 3. Turn (5 DC)
Row 5
CH 3 (Counts as DC), 2 DC in next ST, DC in in next 2 STs, Dc on top of CH 3. Turn (6 DC)
Row 6
CH 3 (Counts as DC), DC in next 2 STs, 2 DC in next ST, DC in next ST, DC on top of CH 3. Turn (7 DC)
Row 7
CH 3 (Counts as DC), 2 DC in next ST, DC in each ST across. End with a DC on top of CH 3. Turn. (8 DC)
Row 8
CH 3 (Counts as DC), DC in next 2 STs, 2 DC in next ST, DC in each ST across. End with a DC on top of CH 3. Turn (9 DC).
Rows 9 – 60
Repeat rows 7 and 8
Switch to Fog colored yarn
Row 61
CH 3 (Counts as DC), DC in each ST across. Turn (61 DC)
The next row you begin decreasing each row by 1 stitch.
Row 62
CH 3 (Counts as DC), DC in next 2 STs, DC2Tog, DC in each ST Across. End with DC on top of CH 3. Turn
Row 63
CH 3 (Counts as DC), DC2Tog, DC in each ST across. End with DC on top of CH 3. Turn
Rows 64-120
Repeat rows 62 and 63
Row 121
CH 3 (Counts as DC). DC on top of CH 3.
Finishing
Weave in yarn ends and remove the excess yarn.
Lacy Crochet Border Directions
Begin with Cypress yarn
Row 1
Row 1 Note: for row 1, the stitches are really being worked in the side of the shawl. Therefore, I ease the stitches across. Generally, work at least a CH 1, SK 1, and DC for each row. I ended up with 136 DC STs.
CH 4 (Counts as DC, CH 1), SK 1 ST, work DC in next ST. [CH 1, SK 1, DC in next ST]. Repeat across between [ ]. End with a CH 1, SK 1, and DC in the last ST. Turn
Row 2
SL ST into the CH 1 SP of the previous row. Work 1 SC into the Same SP. [SK DC, 4 DC into the CH SP, CH 2, SK DC, 1 SC into the CH 1 SP]. Repeat across between [ ]. End with a SC into the final CH SP. Turn
Row 3
CH 1, SC in the same SP, SC in the CH 2 SP, CH 4 [SC in the SC ST, SC in the CH 2 SP, CH 4, SK 4 DC]. Repeat across between [ ]. End with a CH 4, SC in the SC SP. Turn
Row 4
SL ST into the first CH 4 SP. CH 3 (Counts as DC), work 3 DC into the same CH 4 SP [CH 2, SK next SC, work 1 SC into the next SC, work 4 DC into the next CH SP]. Repeat across between [ ]. End with 4 DC in last CH 4 SP, CH 2, SC in the last ST. Turn
Row 5
Change yarn to the Clay color
Repeat row 3
Row 6
Repeat roe 4
Row 7
Repeat row 3
Row 8
Repeat row 4
Finishing
Weave in all yarn ends and snip off the excess yarn
YouTube Video Tutorial on How to Crochet Journey Through the Stones Crochet Shawl Pattern
Should You Block This Shawl?
Yes.
Blocking opens the lace border, improves drape, smooths the stitches, and helps the finished shawl reach its intended size.
How to Block Crochet Spray, Wet, or Steam Blocking
If you enjoyed this shawl, you might also love these free crochet patterns featuring relaxing repeats, lightweight stitches, and beautiful drape. Whether you’re making a gift or treating yourself, there’s another favorite waiting for your hook.
You can find Victoria crocheting, quilting, and creating recipes. She has cooked in restaurants for over 20 years, including many larger parties. She learned to crochet when she was just 11 years old and has been crocheting ever since; over 50 years now. Over 40 years ago, she loved her first class in sewing and continues to hone her skills in quilting. Many have enjoyed the handmade gifts over the years. In her professional career, she has worked in management in a wide variety of businesses including higher education as a dean of a division. All the while attending college part-time to achieve her doctorate in higher education with an emphasis in e-learning.