Quick-ish Shrug Sweater Knitting Pattern

This shrug is the perfect blend of comfort and style—classic, effortless and a joy to knit.

Do you happen to be looking for a simple & quick-ish shrug sweater knitting pattern? That’s beginner friendly, using only knit a purl stitches? 🤨

Just keep scrolling or…

About the Pattern

Worked with just knit and purl stitches, the design is beautifully simple, creating a soft and textured fabric. With only a four-row repeat, the rhythm of the stitches becomes second nature, allowing you to relax as you knit. Whether you’re unwinding after a long day, enjoying a quiet morning, or catching up on your favorite show, this project is the perfect companion.

The shape drapes naturally, and thanks to the balance of knit and purl stitches, it lays flat without curling. No extra finishing needed—just a seamless, polished look.

The texture is soft yet structured, similar to seed stitch but smoother, giving the shrug an inviting feel. Knit with super bulky yarn, it works up quickly, adding warmth without feeling heavy.

This is the kind of piece you’ll reach for again and again—easy to wear, timeless in style, and made with your own hands. Simply cast on, settle in, and enjoy the process.

Available Sizes: This downloadable PDF pattern is available in 7 (XS – 3XL) sizes, which you can get on in my shop. Scroll down to get the size MEDIUM for free!

Sizes: Seven (XS – 3XL)
Pattern Format: Written Pattern, No Chart
Pattern Language: English
Skill Level: Beginner & Advanced Beginner versions
PDF Format: Printer Friendly
Pattern Name: Knitcation

Techniques

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

Knit Flat
Knit & Purl Stitches
Sew Seams

Yarn & Substitutions

Yarn Weight: Super Bulky
Yardage: 309 – 594 yards (282 – 543 meters)
Suggested Yarn: Yarnalia, Softy
Yarn Color: Antique Ivory

Here are some alternative yarns that will work great:

• Wool and the Gang Crazy Sexy Wool
• We Are Knitters The Wool
• Cascade Yarns Spuntaneous
• Malabrigo Rasta
• Madelinetosh A.S.A.P.

Needles & Notions

Needle Size: US 17 (12mm) Knitting Needles with a 40″ (100cm) Cable
Extras: Stitch markers (optional)
Darning or Tapestry Needle
Scissors

Gauge

7 STS & 12 rows per 4” (10cm) square, knit flat in the moss stitch

Size Chart

Size	W”	x	L”	# of CO STS (width)	# of rows (length)	Skeins Needed	Meters Needed	Yards Needed
XS	38	x	26	65	78	7	282	309
S	40	x	28	69	84	8	320	350
M	42	x	30	73	90	8	360	394
L	44	x	32	77	96	9	402	440
XL	46	x	34	81	102	10	447	489
2XL	48	x	36	85	108	11	494	540
3XL	50	x	38	89	114	12	543	594

*The width measurement is measured from wrist to wrist.
*The length measurement is measured from top (neck) to bottom (bum).

Fun Fact:
According to Scientific America “A person’s arm span is about equal to their height.” Taking that fun fact into consideration, you may want to knit more or fewer rows than recommended in the chart, depending on your height.

Side Note:
The length will depend upon your height. I’m 5’ 9” (175cm) with a long torso, I made mine 30” (72cm) long, just below my bum, so it covers my bum and so that it has that “scoop” to it that I like.

Notes

• Reversible.
• Knit top down.
• Knit using the moss stitch.
• This is knit in a rectangle with the sides sewn to create “sleeves.”
• The CO edge is the width, across your shoulders, measured from wrist to wrist.
• Knit flat, back & forth on circular needles, which are used to accommodate the large number of stitches, do not join in the round.

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

Beginner Knitting Pattern

CO the number of STS from the Size Chart above.

Row 1: *K1, P1* last stitch, K1 

Row 2: *P1, K1* last stitch, P1 (knit the knits, purl the purls)

Row 3: *P1, K1* last stitch, P1 (knit the purls, purl the knits)

Row 4: *K1, P1* last stitch, K1 (knit the knits, purl the purls)

Repeat rows 1-4 until desired length, see the Size Chart above.

BO loosely in pattern.

Steam blocking lightly before sewing the sleeves.

Advanced Beginner Knitting Pattern

CO the number of STS from the Size Chart above.

Row 1: WYIF S1PW *K1, P1* last 2 stitches, K1, WYIF S1PW

Row 2: K1TBL *P1, K1* last 2 stitches P1, K1TBL (knit the knits, purl the purls)

Row 3: WYIF S1PW *P1, K1* last 2 stitches P1, WYIF S1PW (knit the purls, purl the knits)

Row 4: K1TBL *K1, P1* last 2 stitches K1, K1TBL (knit the knits, purl the purls)

Repeat rows 1-4 until desired length, see the Size Chart above.

BO loosely in pattern.

Steam blocking lightly before sewing the sleeves.

How to Create the Sleeves

Lay it flat, with the wrong side up. 

On one side, bring the CO and BO corners together, with the garter stitch edges together.

Sew from the corner up to create the sleeves.

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

Repeat on the other side.

Weave in all your ends.

Download & Print this Pattern

Do you enjoy working from a paper copy? Get the downloadable, printer-friendly PDF completely ad-free.

That way you can have lifetime access to it and download it to any device and view it from anywhere, without ads (and the pattern might not be around forever).

Create Your Cozy Life

If you’re craving a project that’s equal parts cozy, classic, and calming, this pattern is the perfect match. With its familiar knit and purl rhythm, plush texture, and quick-knit design, it’s ideal for both beginners and seasoned knitters alike.

The simplicity of the stitch allows you to truly enjoy the process—whether you’re curled up on the couch or squeezing in a few rows during a busy day. In the end, you’ll have a beautifully balanced, timeless blanket that not only keeps you warm but also reminds you of the comfort that comes from creating something with your own two hands.

More knitting patterns that you’ll love…

1. Oversized Crop Shrug Sweater
2. Chunky Lace Crop Top Shrug
3. Shrug Sweater Crop Top