The Virus Shawl is one of the most beloved crochet designs worldwide. Its flowing, lacy repeats create a beautiful and timeless accessory that drapes elegantly over the shoulders. Perfect for beginners who want to challenge themselves and for experienced crocheters who enjoy a relaxing project, this shawl grows with each round into a stunning piece.
One of the best parts of the Virus Shawl is its versatility. Depending on the yarn weight and hook size you choose, you can create a lightweight summer wrap, a cozy winter shawl, or even a glamorous evening accessory. The pattern is a simple repeat of rows that build outward in symmetrical arches, making it easy to memorize once you’ve completed a few sections.
Whether you use a single solid color for a classic look, gradient yarn for a smooth color transition, or contrasting tones for a bolder style, the Virus Shawl is always striking. Below you’ll find the full step-by-step written pattern so you can create your own beautiful version.
Virus Shawl Crochet Pattern (Written Instructions)
Note: The chain 3 (Ch 3) counts as the first double crochet (DC) throughout this pattern.
To Start:
Chain 10, slip stitch to form a ring.
Row 1:
Ch 3 (counts as first DC), then work 19 DC into the ring. (20 DC total). Turn.
Row 2:
Ch 3 (counts as first DC), DC in each stitch, then DC in the ch-3 stitch of the previous row. (20 DC). Turn.
Row 3:
Ch 3 (counts as first DC), Ch 1, 1 DC into the next DC of the previous row.
Repeat across (19 times). End with 1 DC in the ch-3 stitch of the previous row. (20 DC + 20 Ch-1 spaces). Turn.
Row 4:
Ch 10, 1 SC in the 2nd ch-1 space of the previous row.
Ch 4, skip next ch-1 space, 1 SC in next ch-1 space. Repeat 2 more times (3 total).
Ch 7, skip next ch-1 space, SC in next ch-1 space. Repeat once more.
Ch 4, SC in next ch-1 space. Repeat 2 more times (3 total).
Ch 7, DC in the turning ch-3 stitch of the previous row. Turn.
Row 5:
Ch 3 (counts as DC), 9 DC into the first large chain space.
SC in next small chain space, Ch 4, SC in next small chain space, Ch 4, SC in next small chain space.
10 DC in next large chain space, 10 DC in next large chain space.
SC in next small chain space, Ch 4, SC in next small chain space, Ch 4, SC in next small chain space.
10 DC in last large chain space. Turn.
Row 6:
Ch 3, DC in next 9 DC.
SC in small chain space, Ch 4, SC in next small chain space.
10 DC in each DC across the two arches (20 DC).
SC in next small chain space, Ch 4, SC in next small chain space.
10 DC across last arch, 1 DC in the turning Ch-3 stitch. Turn.
Row 7:
Ch 3, Ch 1, DC in next DC. Repeat across until ch-4 space.
Skip ch-4 space(s) and continue (DC + Ch 1) across. End with DC in turning Ch-3. Turn.
Row 8:
Ch 10, SC in 2nd ch-1 space of previous row.
(Ch 4, SC in 2nd ch-1 space) 3 times.
Ch 7, skip 3 spaces, SC in 4th ch-1 space.
(Ch 4, SC in 2nd ch-1 space) 3 times.
Ch 7, SC in 2nd ch-1 space, repeat once more.
(Ch 4, SC in 2nd ch-1 space) 3 times.
Ch 7, skip 3 spaces, SC in 4th ch-1 space.
(Ch 4, SC in 2nd ch-1 space) 3 times.
Ch 7, DC in turning Ch-3. Turn.
(For Row 8 you will have: 1 Ch-10, 5 Ch-7, 12 Ch-4 spaces.)
Row 9:
Ch 3, 9 DC in first big chain space.
Continue following Row 5 sequence of 10 DC in large chain spaces, with (SC + Ch 4) in small chain spaces.
End with 10 DC in last large chain space. Turn.
(For Row 9 you will have 6 sets of 10 DC and 8 sets of chain-4 spaces.)
Row 10:
Repeat Row 6.
Row 11:
Repeat Row 7.
Row 12:
Work the sequence of Row 8, but alternate 3 (Ch 4, SC) groups and (Ch 7, skip 3 spaces).
At the center back, repeat (Ch 7, skip 1, SC) two times.
Continue alternating until the end, finishing with Ch 7, DC in turning Ch-3.
(For Row 12 you will have: 1 Ch-10, 7 Ch-7, 18 Ch-4 spaces.)
Row 13:
Repeat Row 9.
Continuing the Shawl
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Repeat Rows 9–12 until your shawl is the desired size.
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Each repeat increases the number of arches and chain spaces, allowing the shawl to grow outward beautifully.
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Finish on a row similar to Row 7 for a neat edge.
Notes on Growth:
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Row 16: 1 Ch-10, 9 Ch-7, 24 Ch-4 spaces.
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Row 20: 1 Ch-10, 11 Ch-7, 30 Ch-4 spaces.
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Row 24: 1 Ch-10, 13 Ch-7, 36 Ch-4 spaces.
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Row 28: 1 Ch-10, 15 Ch-7, 42 Ch-4 spaces.
The Virus Shawl is a relaxing and rewarding crochet project that quickly becomes addictive. Once you learn the rhythm of the repeats, you’ll be able to work on it almost without looking at the instructions. This makes it a perfect “TV crochet project” or a piece to take on the go.
Experiment with different yarns and colors to make each shawl unique. Self-striping yarns create a gorgeous gradient effect with no effort, while solid colors highlight the lacework beautifully. Whether you make it as a gift or keep it for yourself, the Virus Shawl is sure to be cherished.
