Do you want to look cute and show off your crochet skills at the same time? We sure hope so because in this article, we’re about to unravel a treasure trove of 25 fabulous and free crochet shrug patterns that will have you looking your best and feeling your coziest. 

But wait, you might be wondering, what exactly is a crochet shrug? 

These open-front garments are a quick project that can have many different looks. Some may have short sleeves or long sleeves, cropped or long, fitted or oversized, formal or casual look, and solid or lacy. They’re basically like fashion chameleon, adapting to your unique style and mood. 

They can be great for everyday wear or a more intricate pattern can be used to complement a beautiful evening dress. From simple for everyday to elegant for special occasions, these are a great addition to any wardrobe! We think it’s safe to say that these crochet shrug patterns are seriously versatile wardrobe additions and are the perfect complement to any outfit! 

A similar garment that you may have heard of is the bolero. People tend to use these terms interchangeably. 

If you have never crocheted a wearable before you might be a little intimidated by it. Lucky for you, there are a ton of crochet shrug patterns that are super easy and beginner friendly with very simple construction. Many designs start out with a basic shape like rectangles or squares and call for only basic crochet stitches. 

Of course, there are also designs that take things up a notch with exciting colorwork or tricky lacework. Whether you’re a seasoned crocheter or just starting out, we’ve got stylish shrug crochet patterns to suit every skill level.

As we dive into these 25 free crochet shrug patterns, you’ll discover a world of creative possibilities. And the timing couldn’t be more perfect – as we transition from the summer months into the crisp, colorful days of fall, having a stylish design like a crochet shrug on hand is the perfect addition to your wardrobe. 

So, grab your favorite yarn, dust off your crochet hooks, and get ready to embark on a crochet journey filled with warmth, style, and the joy of creating your very own lovely crochet garment. A beautiful crochet shrug can also be a great gift idea. Let’s get stitching and make this fall your coziest one yet!

Easy Shrug

A pretty self-striping skein of yarn takes all the guesswork out of trying to figure out what colors look good together and lets you just sit back, relax, and crochet this cute shrug. The pattern calls for just single and half double crochet stitches with some stitches worked into the back loops only. You’ll be working in rows to create a trapezoid shape that is sewn together along two sides.

Designer: Lion Brand Yarn
Yarn: Lion Brand Wool Ease Fair Isle (Aran Weight #4)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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Charme Yarn Shrug

A lacy, fringed, oversized crochet shrug is what bohemian dreams are made of. This is a fabulous light and airy garment to add to your wardrobe for when it’s just a little bit chilly or windy outside. The pattern calls for single and double crochet stitches along with V-stitches. The recommended sport weight yarn keeps the fabric from becoming too stiff and lets it drape beautifully around your shoulders.

Designer: Circulo Studio
Yarn: Circulo Charme (Sport Weight #2)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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Cadie Cocoon Shrug

Cocoon style shrugs are my go-to project for instant crochet coziness. The filet crochet technique is used int his design to create the checkerboard pattern of solid and lace blocks while shell stitches create the textured waves of the wide edging. Follow along with the Youtube video to learn how to work these two different crochet techniques using just single and double crochet stitches.

Designer: Let’s All Crochet
Yarn: Big Twist Value Solids (Aran Weight #4)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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Twirling Cocoon

If you are looking for crochet shrug patterns that are the star of the show rather than an outfit afterthought, then you have got to check out this design. This dramatically oversized cocoon is the perfect project to showcase your crochet skills. Special techniques include post stitches, puff stitches, popcorn stitches, and V-stitches.

Designer: Linda Dean for Cascade Yarns
Yarn: Cascade Yarns ® Cascade 220® (Worsted Weight #4)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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Sunday Brunch Shrug

You can keep wearing your pretty summer dresses well into fall when you pair them with a cute shrug liek this textured one! Waffle stitch is a popular choice for thick and comfy crochet blankets, but it takes on a whole new look with the thin yarn used for this shrug. The subtle all over texture that it gives this wardrobe accessory really elevates the whole piece and makes it feel more special.

Designer: Two Brothers Blankets
Yarn: Knit Picks Comfy Fingering (Fingering Weight #1)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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Helia Bolero

The next one of our crochet shrug patterns blurs the lines between shrugs, boleros, and cardigans. But the fact that it’s hard to pin down a description for it doesn’t make it any less adorable! All the basic stitches are present and accounted for – single, half double, double, and treble – as well as puff stitches.

Designer: Crochet by Chloe
Yarn: Stylecraft Special Double Knit (DK Weight #3) and
King Cole Giza Cotton 4 ply (Fingering Weight #1)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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Glitzy Bolero

A well made crochet shrug or bolero can instantly elevate a basic tank top or sleeveless dress into something that’s totally date night worthy. This glamorous design steals the show with some eye-catching lacework. The lacy shell stitch back is bordered on either side by solid half double crochet sleeves.

Designer: Raffamusa Designs
Yarn: Concept by Katia Pure (Worsted Weight #4)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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The Rainclouds Shrug

A classic cocoon style shrug starts out as a humble rectangle, so it’s really not much trickier than making something like a dishcloth. This pattern has you alternate between rows of half double crochet stitches and rows of shell stitches to create stripes of contrasting texture across the length of your rectangle. A couple simple seams create armholes and give the shrug its characteristic shape.

Designer: Mason Jar Yarn Designs
Yarn: Knit Picks CotLin (DK Weight #3)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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Iris Cocoon Shrug

Cocoon style shrugs can also be made from squares. This pattern uses the pretty and lacy iris stitch to crochet a large square. The square is then seamed along two parts to create the sleeves. This is a great lightweight piece to add to your transitional wardrobe.

Designer: Made by Gootie
Yarn: Lion Brand Nuboo (Worsted Weight #4)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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Season-Spanning Shrug

This colorful crochet shrug might qualify for cardigan status if it had some sort of front closure like buttons or a zipper. As it stands, it’s the perfect outfit topper to wear over a basic top. The pattern calls for single and half double crochet stitches along with front and back post double crochet stitches and extended single crochet stitches.

Designer: Rohn Strong for Yarnspirations
Yarn: Red Heart Unforgettable (Aran Weight #4)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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Samantha Sleeves Shrug

If you love the look or arm warmers but don’t love constantly having to keep them from falling down, then you are going to love this shrug design. It’s basically just two arm warmers connected by a little section of crochet across the back. Double crochet stitches paired with a larger than average hook for a worsted weight yarn give this piece lots of movement and drape.

Designer: Carroway Crochet
Yarn: Red Heart Super Saver (Aran Weight #4)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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Mom’s Hug Shrug

Here’s another one of our crochet shrug patterns that’s all about the sleeves. You can crochet this easy and stylish shrug using just half double crochet stitches. Instructions are included for knitting the sleeve cuffs in 2×2 ribbing, but you could substitute for your favorite crochet cuff instead.

Designer: Twilldo Threads
Yarn: K+C | Knit and Crochet Element (Worsted Weight #4)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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Pumpkin Pie Cocoon Shrug

You’ll be the prettiest pumpkin in the patch with this beautiful lacy cocoon shrug. The pattern calls for the fan puff stitch which delivers both lace and texture in spades. It might look like a complicated design, but the helpful Youtube video tutorial breaks everything down for you step-by-step.

Designer: Let’s All Crochet
Yarn: Lion Brand Pound of Love (Worsted Weight #4)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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Lacy Bolero Shrug

For those days when you’re feeling a little bit extra, you’re definitely going to want to reach for this lacy outfit topper. This rectangle shrug design uses double crochet shell stitches to create the lacy stitch pattern. Dramatically flaired sleeves combined with an eye-catching lace stitch pattern make this design an instant success.

Designer: Life and Yarn Designs
Yarn: Circulo Duna (Sport Weight #2)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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Tunisian Cocoon Shrug

Fans of the tunisian crochet technique adore the solid no-holes fabric that it produces and the fact that it looks a bit like knitting. This shrug pattern calls for the tunisian top loop stitch which produces an airier fabric with improved drape over other more common stitches like tunisian simple stitch which can be quite bulky.

Designer: Raffamusa Designs
Yarn: Knit Picks Comfy Color Mist Worsted (Worsted Weight #4)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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Evelyn Wrap

You can wear your favorite summer shirts all year round when you pair them with a cozy crochet shrug. Even with the lacework in this design, the extra layer is sure to afford a little bit of extra warmth. The lacy shell stitch pattern uses a combination of single, double, treble, and double treble crochet stitches.

Designer: HanJan Crochet
Yarn: Knit Picks CotLin (DK Weight #3)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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Star Dust Shrug

Bulky weight yarns and thicker are a popular choice for crochet projects like blankets so why not use them to make a cozy oversized shrug too? This voluminous design will probably feel a bit like wearing a blanket, or a more socially acceptable version anyway. The pattern uses the pretty star stitch.

Designer: Okie Girl Bling’n’things
Yarn: Knit Picks Wool of the Andes Bulky (Bulky Weight #5)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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Star Flower Shrug

Go from drab to fab with this gorgeous wardrobe upgrade. Crochet shrug patterns like this one are the perfect way to elevate any boring outfit into date night status. The pattern calls for single, half double, and treble crochet stitches. A light fingering weight yarn keeps the piece from becoming too bulky.

Designer: Emerald Cherub Crochet
Yarn: Loops & Threads Woolike (Light Fingering Weight #0)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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6-Day Shrug Wrap

Here’s a hybrid design that’s a cross between a wrap and a shrug. Whatever you want to call it, you have to admit that it sure looks cozy! The zigs and zags of the half double crochet chevron stitch really stand out with the self-striping yarn and the best part is that it works up in a jiffy.

Designer: Betty McKnit
Yarn: Lion Brand Mandala Roving (DK Weight #3)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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Hayride Shrug

Say goodbye to summer and hello to fall with this cute and cozy two-tone shrug. The easy level pattern uses mostly basic stitches with a few simple stitch upgrades including half double crochet stitches in the 3rd loop and extended half double crochet stitches. There are detailed tutorials for both of these techniques within the pattern, so don’t be discouraged if these concepts are new to you!

Designer: Tales of Knots
Yarn: Furls Wander (Aran Weight #4)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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Gea Jacket

The rectangular canvas of a cocoon shrug is the perfect place to practice a bit of colorwork without having to worry about increasing or decreasing. This design uses the mosaic crochet to create a geometric design in southwest-inspired shades. Mosaic is one of my favorite colorwork techniques since you can get contrasting colors with no changing colors in the middle of a row.

Designer: Lanas y Ovillos
Yarn: CasaSol Veggie Wool (Bulky Weight #5)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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Sidewalk Shrug

Add an extra dash of modesty to a spaghetti strap top or sleeveless dress with this quick and easy shrug pattern. This handy trick is a great way to make an outfit more acceptable for wearing to work or to dinner with the in-laws. The pattern uses the filet crochet to alternates stripes of solid and lace within the design.

Designer: Hooked on Homemade Happiness
Yarn: Uru.Yarn Cotton Basic (DK Weight #3)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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The Blanket Shrug

If I could get away with wearing a blanket in public, I totally would. Luckily, this blanket shrug is the next best thing! The beginner-friendly design calls for just single and double crochet stitches. My favorite part of this design is the pretty scalloped edging that runs along all the sides and the ends of the sleeves.

Designer: Jewels and Jones
Yarn: Loops & Threads Crème Cotton (Aran Weight #4)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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The Skyscape Shrug

Cute and casual is the name of the game when it comes to cocoon style crochet shrug patterns. For this design, you’ll be using simple stitches to create the rectangular shape. Some stitches are worked into the 3rd loops only to create extra ridges of texture.

Designer: Evelyn and Peter Crochet
Yarn: Lion Brand Landscapes (Aran Weight #4)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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Sherbet Shrug

Can’t decide between two different colors of yarn? You can use them both with this playful shrug design! Just as the pattern uses two colors of yarn it also uses two stitches: regular half double crochet stitches and half double crochet cluster stitches. Of course, you could make it all one color instead, but what would be the fun in that?

Designer: Divine Debris
Yarn: Mary Maxim Simply Natural (DK Weight #3)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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Final Thoughts on Crochet Shrug Patterns

It will be fall before you know it, so you might as well embrace it with a great layering piece! Now is the perfect time to add a touch of coziness and charm to your wardrobe with these delightful crocheted shrug patterns. Did you have a favorite easy shrug pattern from this list?

Don’t forget, sharing is caring! Send this free shrug crochet pattern round-up to all your crochet friends so they can join in on the fun too! Bookmark this page or save the link to your Pinterest board for amazing crochet patterns.

We’ll see you next week for another free crochet pattern round-up. Make sure to follow the blog so you never miss a post. <3

Happy Crocheting!