Fun & Squishy Shrug Knitting Pattern

Are you looking for a cozy, stylish, and beginner-friendly knitting project?
This shrug pattern is just what you need!

If you LOVE cozy & easy knitting projects, this shrug is perfect for you! It uses super bulky yarn, so it knits up quick and feels soft & squishy making it’s so warm & cozy.

This simple combination of knit & purl stitches gives it a beautiful drape, making it comfy and stylish. This pattern is great for beginners and it comes in 7 sizes, so you can make one that fits you just right… or for a gift. 😉

Whether you’re new to knitting or just want a fun, relatively quick project, you’ll love making & wearing this shrug! 😊🧶

About the Pattern

Available Sizes: 7 (XS – 3XL)
Pattern Format: Written Pattern, No Chart
Pattern Language: English
Skill Level: Beginner
PDF Format: Printer-Friendly
Bonus: Videos
Pattern Name: Foxfire

This cozy knit shrug is worked flat, just like a blanket, but uses circular needles to comfortably hold all the stitches. If you plan to knit lots of blankets or shrugs, long circular needles are a must-have!

Techniques

Here are some of the knitting skills you need to know before getting started:

Knit Flat
Knit & Purl Stitches
Sew Seams

This beginner-friendly shrug pattern is knit flat using only knit and purl stitches, no tricky increases or decreases. 😊 Once you’re done knitting, simply steam it, sew two 6-inch seams, weave in the ends and then slip into your new comfy-cozy shrug!

Yarn & Substitutions

Yarn Weight: Super Bulky
Yardage: 276 – 521 yards (253 – 476 meters)
Suggested Yarn: Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick & Quick

Alternative Yarn Substitute Options:

• Lion Brand Hometown Yarn
• Cascade Yarns Pacific Chunky
• Hobbii Umami
• Rico Designs Creative Twist
• Rowan Big Wool (100% wool)
• Yarn Bee Dream Supreme
• Paint Box Yarns Wool Blend Super Chunky

Check out Yarnsub’s for more yarn substitutions.

Needles & Notions

Needle Size: US 13 (9mm) Circular Needles with a 32” (80cm) Cable
Extras: Stitch Markers (optional)

Gauge

Gauge: 8 STS & 16 rows per 4” (10cm) square, knit in the seed stitch pattern

Photo Details

Model Details:
-Height: 5’9″ (175cm)
-Weight: 130lbs (59kg)
-Bust: 35″ (88cm)
-Waist: 25″ (63cm)
# of CO stitches: 101
Measurements, after steaming: 33″ x 40″ wide (84cm x 101cm)
Weight: 1lb 3.8oz (560g)
Gauge: 8 STS & 16 rows per 4” (10cm) square, knit in the seed stitch pattern

Sizes

Notes

• Not reversible.
• Knit top down.
• Knit flat, back & forth on circular needles.
• Knit using the rib stitch & basketweave stitch.
• The CO edge is the width, across your shoulders.
• This is a rectangle with the sides sewn to create “sleeves.”
• A circular needle is used to hold the large number of CO stitches.
• Optional: Place a stitch marker after the first 8 stitches and before the last 8 stitches as a physical reminder where the pattern changes.

Knitting Abbreviations

*– * – repeat between the asterisks
BO – bind-off in pattern
CO – cast-on (long-tail cast-on method)
K – knit stitches (K1 means to knit 1 stitch)
P – purl stitches (P2 means to purl 2 stitches)
RS – right side
STS – stitches
WS – wrong side

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The Warm Embrace: Benefits of Knitting Your Own Shrug

There’s something uniquely satisfying about creating something with your own hands, and when that creation is both practical and stylish, the rewards are even greater. Knitting a shrug, a versatile and cozy garment, is a project that not only offers these benefits but also provides a wealth of personal and emotional advantages. Whether you’re an experienced knitter or just starting out, here’s why knitting a shrug could be your next perfect project.

1. Customization to Fit Your Style

One of the most appealing aspects of knitting your own shrug is the ability to customize it to suit your personal style. You can choose the yarn, color, and pattern that best reflects your taste, making it a unique addition to your wardrobe. Whether you prefer a chunky, oversized shrug for cold winter days or a lightweight, lacy version for a summer evening, the possibilities are endless.

2. A Quick and Satisfying Project

Shrugs are often quicker to knit than larger garments like sweaters or cardigans, making them an excellent project for those looking for a relatively fast and rewarding experience. Depending on the complexity of the pattern and the weight of the yarn, you can have a completed shrug in just a few knitting sessions. This makes it perfect for those who love the satisfaction of finishing a project without a long time commitment.

3. Enhancing Your Knitting Skills

Knitting a shrug is a fantastic way to challenge and expand your knitting skills. If you’re looking to practice new techniques like lacework, cabling, or even simple shaping, a shrug provides an ideal canvas. The size and structure of a shrug allow you to experiment without the pressure of a larger, more complicated project. Plus, the skills you develop while knitting a shrug can be applied to other projects in the future.

4. Practical and Versatile

A shrug is one of those garments that can transition effortlessly between seasons and occasions. It’s perfect for layering over a dress in the spring or summer or adding an extra layer of warmth in the fall and winter. The versatility of a shrug means you’ll get plenty of wear out of your creation, making it a practical addition to your wardrobe.

5. Therapeutic and Relaxing

The process of knitting itself is known for its calming and therapeutic benefits. The repetitive motions of knitting can reduce stress, improve focus, and provide a sense of accomplishment. Working on a project like a shrug, which is relatively simple yet engaging, allows you to enter a flow state where worries and distractions melt away. It’s a mindful activity that offers both mental and emotional well-being.

6. A Perfect Gift

Handmade gifts are cherished for their personal touch and the thoughtfulness that goes into them. A knitted shrug makes a beautiful and heartfelt gift for friends or family members. Since it’s a one-size-fits-most garment, you don’t have to worry too much about sizing, making it an easy yet meaningful present.

Pattern Instructions

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CO the desired number of STS from the Size Chart above.

Collar Ribbing (2 1/2”/6cm):

Rows 1.3.5.7 (WS): *K1, P1* K1

Rows 2.4.6 (RS): *P1, K1* P1 

Body:

Row 1 (RS): K8, K1 *P2, K1* K8

Row 2 (WS): K8 *P1, K2* P1, K8

Row 3 (RS): *K*

Row 4 (WS): K8 *P* K8

Repeat rows 1-4 according to the Size Chart above, minus 2 1/2″ for the bottom ribbing, or until desired length.

Repeat rows 1 & 2

Bottom Ribbing (2 1/2”/6cm):

Rows 1.3.5 (RS): *P1, K1* P1 

Row 2.4.6 (WS): *K1, P1* K1

Row 7: BO in pattern: *P1, K1* P1

How to Create the Sleeves:

For the first sleeve, lay it flat, with the wrong side up. 

On a short side, bring the CO and BO corners together.

Sew from the edge in, to create the sleeves.

How far up you sew depends on the size you’re making. I sewed mine about 6” {15cm}.

Repeat on the other side to create the other sleeve.

Weave in the ends.

Steam-block lightly, which will add 1-2″/3-5cm of length and soften the stitches for a relaxed drape.

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Conclusion

Knitting a shrug is more than just a creative endeavor; it’s a way to enhance your skills, express your style, and enjoy the therapeutic benefits of a mindful craft. Whether you’re knitting for yourself or as a gift, the result is a cozy, versatile piece that will be cherished for years to come. So why not pick up your needles, choose your favorite yarn, and start knitting your way to the perfect shrug?