The Aurora Dune Wrap: A Free Tunisian Crochet Brioche Stitch Pattern for a Gradient Ombre Shawl
The Aurora Dune Wrap: A Free Tunisian Crochet Brioche Stitch Pattern for a Gradient Ombre Shawl
Wrap yourself in the shifting colors of a desert sunset with this luxurious, gradient Tunisian crochet shawl. The brioche stitch creates a plush, reversible fabric that feels like a warm hug, perfect for cozy evenings. This free pattern is designed for adventurous beginners and intermediate crocheters alike, offering a meditative rhythm and a stunning, modern result. The symmetrical gradient—from deep terracotta to warm amber to soft blush and back—evokes the shifting sands of a desert dune, making this wrap a true artisan statement piece.
Whether you're new to Tunisian crochet or a seasoned pro, the Aurora Dune Wrap is a rewarding project that showcases the beauty of color transitions and textured stitches. Let's dive into everything you need to create this cozy, handmade masterpiece.
Materials Needed
Before you begin, gather the following supplies. Using the exact materials will ensure your gauge matches and your wrap drapes beautifully.
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Yarn | Worsted weight yarn in 3 colors: - Color A: Deep Terracotta (approx. 133g) - Color B: Warm Amber (approx. 133g) - Color C: Soft Blush (approx. 133g) Total: approximately 400g |
| Tunisian Crochet Hook | Size 6.5mm (US K) with a 12-inch cable |
| Standard Crochet Hook | Size 5mm (US H) for the border |
| Other | Yarn needle for weaving in ends, scissors, blocking mats and pins |
Gauge: 14 stitches and 12 rows in Tunisian brioche stitch = 4 inches (10 cm) square, after blocking. Always check your gauge to ensure the correct size and drape.
Step-by-Step Instructions
This pattern creates a rectangular wrap worked from one short end to the other. The Tunisian brioche stitch is worked in two passes: a forward pass (FP) and a return pass (RP). Don't worry—it's simpler than it sounds! Follow along carefully, and you'll have a gorgeous wrap in no time.
Abbreviations
- TSS: Tunisian simple stitch (insert hook under front vertical bar, yarn over, pull up loop)
- TKS: Tunisian knit stitch (insert hook between front and back vertical bars, yarn over, pull up loop)
- TPS: Tunisian purl stitch (bring yarn to front, insert hook under front vertical bar, yarn over, pull up loop, take yarn to back)
- YO: Yarn over
- K2tog: Knit two together (in Tunisian, this is done on the return pass by pulling through two loops at once)
- Ch: Chain
- St(s): Stitch(es)
Foundation Row
With Color A, chain 61 stitches loosely. Insert your Tunisian hook into the second chain from the hook, pull up a loop, and continue pulling up loops across the chain until you have 61 loops on the hook. This is the forward pass of your foundation row.
Return Pass (RP): Yarn over, pull through one loop (this counts as the first stitch of the return pass). *Yarn over, pull through two loops* repeat from * to * until one loop remains on the hook. This completes the foundation row. You now have a solid base to work from.
Row 1
Forward Pass (FP): Skip the first vertical bar (this is your edge stitch). *YO, insert hook under the next vertical bar (as for TSS), pull up a loop, and keep it on the hook* repeat from * to * across the row. You should have 61 loops on the hook.
Return Pass (RP): YO, pull through one loop. *YO, pull through two loops* repeat from * to * until one loop remains. This creates the brioche stitch pattern—the YO creates a yarn over that will be worked on the next forward pass.
Row 2
Forward Pass (FP): Skip the first vertical bar. *Insert hook under the next yarn over (the one from the previous row), pull up a loop, then insert hook under the next vertical bar, pull up a loop* repeat from * to * across the row. You will have 61 loops on the hook.
Return Pass (RP): Same as Row 1 RP: YO, pull through one loop, then *YO, pull through two loops* across until one loop remains.
Row 3
Forward Pass (FP): Skip the first vertical bar. *Insert hook under the next vertical bar, pull up a loop, then insert hook under the next yarn over, pull up a loop* repeat from * to * across the row. This alternates the brioche pattern, creating that beautiful, plush texture.
Return Pass (RP): Same as Row 1 RP.
Continue the Pattern
Repeat Rows 2 and 3 for the brioche stitch. This is your main pattern—it's rhythmic and relaxing once you get the hang of it!
Color Sequence for the Gradient:
- Work 20 rows in Color A (deep terracotta).
- Switch to Color B (warm amber). Work 20 rows.
- Switch to Color C (soft blush). Work 20 rows.
- To create the symmetrical gradient, work 10 rows in Color C, then 10 rows in Color B, then 10 rows in Color A.
- Finally, work 10 rows in Color A, then 10 rows in Color B, then 10 rows in Color C.
This sequence creates a stunning, symmetrical fade that shifts back and forth, mimicking the dunes at sunset. When switching colors, simply fasten off the old color and join the new one at the beginning of a forward pass, leaving a tail to weave in later.
Binding Off
On your final forward pass, work as usual but do not pull up loops for the last stitch. Instead, insert hook under the last vertical bar, pull up a loop, then pull that loop through the loop on the hook (this is a slip stitch). Continue across the row, working a slip stitch into each vertical bar and yarn over, pulling through the loop on the hook. This creates a neat, secure edge. Fasten off and weave in all ends with your yarn needle.
Border
Using the standard 5mm crochet hook and Color A (deep terracotta), attach yarn to any corner of the wrap. Work a round of single crochet (sc) evenly around the entire edge, working 3 sc in each corner to keep the corners flat and square. Then, work a second round of reverse single crochet (crab stitch) for a clean, polished, finished edge. To work crab stitch, simply single crochet in the opposite direction (left to right if you're right-handed). Fasten off and weave in ends.
Blocking
Gently wet block the wrap to even out the stitches and enhance the drape. Soak the wrap in lukewarm water with a drop of mild soap, then gently squeeze out excess water (do not wring). Lay flat on blocking mats, pinning the edges to your desired dimensions. Allow to dry completely before unpinning. Blocking is essential for this pattern—it opens up the brioche stitch and gives the wrap its beautiful, flowing shape.
Final Thoughts
Your Aurora Dune Wrap is now complete! This plush, reversible shawl is perfect for cozy evenings, thoughtful gifts, or simply treating yourself to a handmade luxury. The gradient effect is truly mesmerizing, and the brioche stitch provides a texture that's both elegant and comforting.
We'd love to see your finished wrap! Share your photos on social media with the hashtag #AuroraDuneWrap and tag us so we can admire your work. Happy crocheting!
