I’m calling it right now. The must-have accessory trend for spring this year is going to be the knit shrug! They’re cute, they’re versatile, and they’re surprisingly easy to knit too. What’s not to love?
If you’ve never knit a shrug before, then you’re in for a real treat! Seriously, you are going to love these easy knit shrug patterns. And when I say easy – I mean easy! For most of the patterns on this list, all you have to do is knit up a rectangle using basic knitting stitches, sew a couple small seams, and you’re done. You can use a circular needle or straight needles for these.
The simplicity of these patterns also helps cut down on time, since you won’t be scratching your head and turning the directions upside down to try and make some sense of them. The other great perk to these easy shrug knitting patterns is that they work up really quickly and you don’t have to stress about the size like you do with regular sweater patterns. The majority of the patterns are cropped in length and short sleeved. That means less time spent knitting and more time that you get to wear your creation!
And don’t even get me started on all the different ways you can wear these cute shrugs! They’re fancy enough to wear over a sleeveless dress and casual enough to throw on over a tank top. They look equally amazing with both skirts and jeans. You can really pull together a whole look with a well made shrug. And the added boost of warmth and coziness from long sleeves will certainly not go unappreciated during the transitional winter to spring weather that we’ll be having.
Whether you are new to the wonderful world of knitting or you are just looking for a relaxing project to work on after a long day, then you are going to love this curated list of easy shrug knitting patterns! Scroll down and prepare to see all of these gorgeous easy shrug knitting patterns for yourself.
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25 Free and Easy Shrug Knitting Patterns
1. Ribbed Collar Bolero
Punchy purple and a wide ribbed shawl color really make the Ribbed Collar Bolero stand out from the crowd. Boleros and shrugs aren’t technically the exact same thing but most people use the terms interchangeably. You’re sure to appreciate the simplicity of this design. It’s worked flat all in one piece using 2×2 rib and stockinette stitch.
Designer: Lion Brand
Yarn: Lion Brand Homespun (Bulky Weight #5)
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2. Serena Bolero
The Serena Bolero presents a more sophisticated and form fitting style. It still starts out as a rectangle but this time you’ll be making arm holes in your rectangle. Then you’ll pick up stitches along the openings to knit the sleeves. The design features ½ length sleeves, a waterfall style neckline, and a tie front.
Designer: Adriafil
Yarn: Adriafil Fusione (Sport Weight #3)
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3. Gaia Shrug
While a lot of these easy shrug knitting patterns are small and really only cover the shoulders, we do have a few oversized designs as well. These cocoon style shrugs are the epitome of coziness. You’ll love wearing them around the house and they’ll keep you warm while you run errands too. This shrug pattern is worked flat with just the knit and purl stitch.
Designer: Adriafil
Yarn: Adriafil Charme (Super Bulky Weight #6)
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4. Simply Red
If you are a beginner knitter who has only ever done garter and stockinette stitch, then it’s time to learn something new. The lovely and textured seed stitch can be made using just knit and purl stitches. You can practice it with this knitted shrug. The design is worked in pieces and it involves simple shaping for a posh fit and feel. 2 strands of yarn and 1 strand of glittery thread are all held at once.
Designer: DROPS Design
Yarn: Garnstudio DROPS Glitter (Thread Weight)
Garnstudio DROPS Vivaldi (Sport Weight #3)
Garnstudio DROPS Alpaca (Aran Weight #4)
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5. Riptide
Here’s another seed stitch design that you might like. The construction of this one is more simple and straightforward. It’s knit flat with seed stitch to create a rectangle. The pattern also calls for rib stitch for the edging. You might be surprised to hear that this dainty design is actually made with bulky weight yarn!
Designer: Susan Mills Knits
Yarn: Classic Elite Yarns Sprout (Bulky Weight #5)
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6. Aurea
If you really want to capture that “wow” factor with these easy shrug sweater patterns, then you’ve got to start by selecting a really nice yarn. I’m head over heels for the look of this Aurea Shrug knit in Berroco Captiva. The pattern uses stockinette and rib stitch and it’s knit flat in pieces. There is a little bit of shaping involved which lends the finished piece a softly tailored fit.
Designer: Berroco Design Team
Yarn: Berroco Captiva™ (Aran Weight #4)
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7. Side to Side Shrug
Self-striping yarn highlights the side to side construction of this simple knit shrug pattern. As an added bonus, it also creates slimming vertical lines along the work. You’ll be knitting this one in stockinette and rib stitches. The pattern involves picking up stitches along the bottom of the work to add a little length.
Designer: Cheryl Beckerich for Cascade Yarns
Yarn: Cascade Yarns ® Tangier® (Aran Weight #4)
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8. Sparkling Shrug
The Sparkling Shrug is a classic cocoon style accessory that starts out in the shape of a rectangle. Everything is knit flat in back and forth rows and you only need to know 2 stitch patterns: stockinette stitch along with 1×1 rib stitch for the edging. What an excellent project for beginner knitters!
Designer: Lion Brand Yarn
Yarn: Lion Brand Vanna’s Sequins (DK Weight #3)
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9. One Skein Bolero
Sometimes sock yarn is just too pretty to hide away in your shoes. This One Skein Bolero is the perfect project for that nice skein of sock yarn you’ve been saving for something special. The pattern provides variations for a plain stockinette stitch bolero or a slightly snazzier design knit using 1×1 rib stitch.
Designer: Chi-Sze’s Designs
Yarn: (Fingering Weight #1)
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10. Born To Be Blue
Underrated garter stitch makes a rare appearance in our list of easy shrug knitting patterns. It’s a real shame because I think it looks simply stunning, especially shown here in the Born to be Blue shrug. The basic pattern includes both casting on stitches and binding off stitches at the beginning of a row in order to shape the accessory.
Designer: DROPS Design
Yarn: Garnstudio DROPS Paris (Aran Weight #4)
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11. Butterfly Shrug
The light and airy feel of the Butterfly Shrug design brings to mind a sophisticated style. The design is knit flat using garter stitch to create a thin edging and then using stockinette stitch for the main attraction. Every few rows you’ll do a tiny bit of lacework to create the lovely lines of lace across the back.
Designer: The Loom Silk Yarns
Yarn: The Loom Speck (Fingering Weight #1)
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12. Cozy Shrug
Wrap yourself in warmth with this cute and cozy shrug made with soft and squishy super bulky yarn. The back piece is knit flat with garter stitch and then the ribbed border is knit in the round. Everything is made all as one piece, so there’s no seaming involved. As far as easy shrug knitting patterns go, this one might be the quickest make on the list!
Designer: Lorna Miser for Yarnspirations
Yarn: Red Heart Grande (Super Bulky Weight #6)
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13. Myciena Bolero
Beautiful silver gray elevates the Myciena Bolero from something you might wear to brunch with the ladies to something you might wear to a wedding reception. The design features an oversized fit that’s effortlessly elegant and a lovely textured surface. The textured chevron stitch pattern uses only knit and purl stitches.
Designer: Willow Yarns Design Team
Yarn: Willow Yarns Cub (Aran Weight #4)
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14. Simple Sunrise Knit Shrug
Sunshine-y yellow is the perfect addition to your new spring wardrobe. The Simple Sunrise Shrug is knit in stockinette stitch with a fisherman’s rib edging (which could easily be substituted for regular rib stitch). There is also a single row of lacework on the middle of the back that involves yarn overs, slip slip knits, and knit 2 togethers.
Designer: Sustain My Craft Habit
Yarn: Topsy Farms Pure Sheep Wool (Worsted Weight #4)
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15. Nebula Shrug
The Nebula shrug is part shrug, part cardigan, and all adorable. Boucle yarn makes this accessory extra soft and touchable. It also disguises your stitches a bit, so you might have to slow down a little when you knit with it. On the bright side, your friends are sure to ask you where you bought it! The pattern calls for stockinette, garter, and rib stitch.
Designer: DROPS Design
Yarn: Garnstudio DROPS Alpaca Bouclé (Aran Weight #4)
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16. Nervatura Shrug
A unique construction method and an angled front opening really make the Nervatura Shrug something special. The pattern is made in pieces and then seamed. There is some shaping involved, and the construction is a tad more advanced, but the stitch pattern is nice and easy. It’s all done in 2×2 rib stitch.
Designer: Angela Juergens for Cascade Yarns
Yarn: Cascade Yarns ® Venezia Worsted (Worsted Weight #4)
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17. Garter Shrug
Add some texture to a flat day with this gorgeous garter shrug. The design features a slightly oversized fit, ¾ length sleeves, and a garter stitch trim with stitches that point in the opposite direction of the main part of the shrug. This fuss free accessory is sure to get along great with the rest of your closet.
Designer: Kristen TenDyke
Yarn: Cascade Yarns ® 220 Superwash Merino (Worsted Weight #4)
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18. Perfect Day Shrug
If you really needed this list of easy shrug knitting patterns like, yesterday, then you are going to love how quickly the Perfect Day Shrug works up. The pattern uses 4 strands of aran weight yarn held together which gives the piece excellent stitch definition and makes it quick to knit too. It is knit using just stockinette and moss stitch.
Designer: DROPS Design
Yarn: Garnstudio DROPS Air (Aran Weight #4)
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19. Diamond Bolero Shrug
A fitted bolero adds instant polish to a plain t-shirt or top. Even when paired with jeans, the Diamond Bolero Shrug is sure to make you feel a little fancier than normal. The pattern uses a 3×2 rib stitch pattern for the edging and a textured diamond stitch pattern for the main event. For both stitch patterns, all you need to know is how to knit, purl, increase, and decrease.
Designer: Joan Horton for Cascade Yarns
Yarn: Cascade Yarns ® Sarasota Solids (DK Weight #3)
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20. Summertime Cocoon Sweater
If your temperature tends to run hot, then you may be in the market for easy shrug knitting patterns with a lightweight feel. The Summertime Cocoon Sweater is knit on needles that are larger than you would normally use for worsted weight yarn. This simple trick, along with the basic lacework, keeps this shrug easy and breezy.
Designer: Leelee Knits
Yarn: Knit Picks Brava Worsted (Worsted Weight #4)
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21. Zing
The defining feature of the Zing Shrug is the dramatic width of the sleeves. They’re emphasized even further by the buttons that run along their inside edges. This classic cocoon style shrug is knit mainly in stockinette stitch. There’s also a few inches of moss stitch bordering the sides and cuffs.
Designer: Martin Storey
Yarn: Rowan Selects Patina (DK Weight #3)
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22. Super Simple Shrug
The Super Simple Shrug is instantly appealing to me. Just look at that understated rolled collar, those ¾ length sleeves, and that sassy pose! The pattern is knit in stockinette stitch and it’s all worked flat in back and forth rows. There’s also some simple shaping involved that yields a more fitted style of shrug.
Designer: Marni Made It
Yarn: Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice (Aran Weight #4)
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23. Speckled Shrug
This wrap style shrug has a touch of added rustic romance thanks to the stunning speckled yarn. It’s an elegant accessory that says “I just woke up like this but also I look amazing.” The best part is that the pattern is easy as pie. There are only two basic stitch patterns involved: 1×1 rib and stockinette stitch.
Designer: Lion Brand Yarn
Yarn: Lion Brand Fishermen’s Wool (Aran Weight #4)
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24. Verdant
The Verdant shrug turns up the drama with eye-catching bell sleeves. The unique sleeve silhouette is further emphasized by the contrast in texture between the cuffs and the arms. The cuffs are knit in a stitch pattern called rich man’s garter stitch and everything else is stockinette. It’s all knit in one piece from one cuff to the other.
Designer: Gina Bonomo
Yarn: Malabrigo Yarn Worsted (Aran Weight #4)
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25. Shrug Seelenwarmer
You’re sure to feel cozy and cute in this oversized cocoon style shrug design from Schachenmayr. The pattern uses basic rib stitch and moss stitch to create a simple rectangle. A couple quick seams later and you’ve got yourself one adorable accessory. You won’t want to take this one off!
Designer: Tanja Steinbach for Schachenmayr
Yarn: Schachenmayr Fashion Nordic Dream (Bulky Weight #5)
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Get busy and prepare to bundle up, because you’ve got a lot of shrugs to make! Well, if you had to pick just one of these easy shrug knitting patterns to make, then which one would it be? Let me know in the comments!
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I’ll see you next week for another free knitting pattern round-up. Make sure to follow the blog so you never miss a post. <3
Happy Knitting!
Amanda