Weldon’s Mystery Project: Crochet Shawl—The Fascinator

We need your help! The Crochet Shawl—The Fascinator from Weldon’s Practical Crochet, Third Series (in Weldon’s Practical Needlework, Volume 1) has no illustration, and we’re longing to know what it looks like. Whip up a Fascinator from Weldon’s Practical Needlework for a special head covering, or make it larger, and wear it around your neck or shoulders.

Here is the pattern as it was published in 1886, with neither corrections nor alterations.

CROCHET SHAWL—THE FASCINATOR.

This pattern is one that is generally used for making those pretty light coverings for the head known by the name of “Fascinators.” It is also suitable for small three-cornered shawls and neck handkerchiefs. Work with Shetland wool or fine Eider yarn and good-sized bone crochet needle. Commence in the middle of the back with 5 chain, join round, make 4 chain, and work 13 long treble in the circle. Long treble are formed by putting the wool twice round the needle. Now make 5 chain to turn, 13 long treble in the last stitch of the 13 treble just done, 1 double crochet in the middle stitch of the 13 treble, and 13 more long treble on the chain stitch at the end of the row. 3rd row—5 chain to turn, 13 long treble in the last treble stitch of previous row, 1 double crochet in the middle stitch of the 13 treble of previous row, 13 long treble in the double crochet stitch, 1 double crochet in the middle of the last group of 13 treble of previous row, and 13 long treble on the chain-stitch at the end of the row. Every succeeding row is worked in the same manner as the third row, always remembering to increase at the beginning and end of every row, and work 13 long treble in every double crochet stitch and a double crochet in the middle stitch of every 13 long treble. When the Fascinator is the size required, finish it off by working a pattern row along the straight side where the rows are turned.

As always, remember that British crochet terms differ from those used in the United States. Here’s a handy translation of the English crochet terms.

Crochet your own modern version of Weldon’s hair Fascinator or keep on stitching to make a light and airy shawl. Then send a photo to us at piecework@longthreadmedia.com. We’d love to see the finished Fascinator!

Happy crocheting!
Elizabeth