Scarlett Shrug

I’ve always wanted to design a shrug – they’re simple in concept and easy to make, but the little details can really make them stand out! This pattern has been months in the design – but takes only a few evenings to make! Introducing the Scarlett Shrug!

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The Scarlett Shrug features a simple stitch pattern that I came up with while playing with stitch dictionary – mine is more simplified and much easier to make, and still gives great texture! And because I know too well the pain of sizing issues, it goes all the way from XS to 5X. I would say when in doubt, go with the larger size. You can always seem up more of the front for longer sleeves and a snugger fit if needed!

The Scarlett Shrug is easy to make – even for beginners! It’s a simple rectangle, seamed at the sides and then edged at the sleeves. And in LB Collection Superwash Merino in Cayenne it’s so delicious – and spicy! Definitely a “scarlet” shrug any lady can flaunt!

Alas, the seasonal ick got ahold of my model, so all I was able to get of the shrug being worn by an actual human was the photo above. I hope to add better photos when we’re in better health! But I didn’t want to make you wait either… and so… Also, just to note, the color of this gorgeous yarn is closer to the deep red shown in the indoor photo. Again, better photos when our health returns…

Scarlett Shrug

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• US – I, 5.5mm hook (Furls Fiberarts Cocobolo used)
• 330 – 820 yds DK weight yarn: Lion Brand LB Collection Superwash Merino in Cayenne shown (100 % Merino; 306 yds/280 m); 100 g/ 3.53 oz)
• yarn needle (Susan Bates Finishing needles used)
• Click on the linked stitches within the pattern to go to their video tutorials, or go to the Crochet Abbreviations page for other stitch info
• Sizes include (bust measurement): XS (28-30″); S (32-24″); M (36-38″); L (40-42″); XL (44-46″); 2X (48-50); 3X (52-54); 4X (56-58″); 5X (60-62″)
• Gauge: 18 sts (6 repeats) x 8 rows = 4″ in pattern

Because there are so many sizes available, you can use the green Print Friendly button at the bottom of this pattern to print out the pattern, and then circle the numbers that apply to your chosen size. The stitch counts are written in the pattern as XS (S, M, L, XL, 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X).

Special Stitch: dc cluster – yo, insert hook in indicated stitch, yo and pull up a loop, yo and pull through 2 loops (2 loops remain on hook), yo, insert hook in same stitch, yo and pull up a loop, yo and pull through 2 loops (3 loops remain on hook), yo and pull through all 3 loops.

Row 1: Ch 83 (89, 98, 104, 107, 113, 116, 122, 125), dc cluster in 5th ch from hook (the 4 skipped chs count as a dc and ch 1), skip 2 chs, *(dc, ch 1, dc cluster) in next ch, skip 2 chs; repeat from * until 1 ch remains, dc in last chain, turn.

Row 2: Ch 4 (count as a dc and ch 1), dc cluster in 1st st, skip next st and ch sp, *(dc, ch 1, dc cluster) in next st, skip next st and ch sp; repeat from * until end of row, finishing with a dc in the top of the 3rd ch skipped at the beginning of Row 1.

Row 3: Ch 4 (count as a dc and ch 1), dc cluster in 1st st, skip next st and ch sp, *(dc, ch 1, dc cluster) in next st, skip next st and ch sp; repeat from * until end of row, finishing with a dc in the top of the 3rd ch.

Repeat Row 3 until you have 28 (30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44) rows, or until desired back depth measurement is reached. Break yarn and finish off, leaving a 12″ tail.

Assembly:

Fold the edges of the rectangle as shown above, to create the armholes. Sew a seam on each side (use the tail on one side, and join new yarn on the other side) – each seam should be 1 (1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3, 3.5, 3.5, 4) inches long. Try the shrug on, and see if you need to adjust the seams for a custom fit! I used the mattress stitch, but you could whip stitch them if preferred.

Sleeve Edging:

(Note – I found it worked best for Round 1 to work 2 hdc around each dc  or ch 3, so that the stitch count would be the number of rows times 2 – so 56 (60, 64, etc) sts. However, exact stitch count here isn’t important, so you can work it however you like for best results.)

Round 1: Join to sleeve opening in any stitch, from right side of shrug. Ch 1, hdc evenly around opening, join with a sl st in 1st st.

Round 2 – 3: Ch 1, hdc in the 3rd loop of each st around, join with a sl st in 1st st.

Round 4: Ch 2, sc in 3rd loop of each st around, join and finish off. Repeat for other sleeve opening.

Body/Neck Edging (1 round):

Join to opening in any stitch, from right side of shrug. Ch 1, hdc evenly around opening, join with a sl st in 1st st.  (Again, final stitch count here doesn’t matter.)

And that’s that! The Scarlett Shrug is a very simple garment to make, but I just love that stitch pattern! It’s perfect all dressed up with a sleeveless frock, or with a tshirt and jeans! I’m already thinking of more items I want to make with this stitch pattern too, so I’m sure you can look forward to that. I hope you enjoy making this pattern, and wearing it as well!

Written pattern copyright Tamara Kelly 2014. Please do not reprint or repost this pattern, but please do link to this page to share this pattern with others. If you wish to make items for sale from this pattern, please visit the About page for details. To print this pattern for personal use, please use the Print Friendly button below –tutorial HERE. Thank you to Lion Brand Yarn for providing the yarn for this pattern!