EASY Granny Stripe Crochet Shrug Pattern {FREE!}

Crochet shrugs are a popular and trendy style, and no wonder! A cozy shrug (aka crochet bolero) is simple, stylish and designed to catch attention. I enjoy crocheting a shrug as a long rectangle, because you get to try on the shrug as you go and adjust the length accordingly. If you enjoy beautiful crochet shrug patterns, this easy pattern with granny stripes is a great project to start with. These shrugs are very beginner friendly and can make great gifts for fashionistas, too.

I’m sharing an easy crochet shrug pattern today, which includes tips for adjusting the size. The size as written should fit easily, but you can certainly make yours wider/longer/shorter. I’ve got all the details and step-by-step instructions for the shrug in the free pattern below, so keep reading. It may just become one of your favorite shrug patterns.

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FREE CROCHET SHRUG PATTERN

The idea behind a crochet shrug/bolero pattern is to create one big rectangle with BASIC CROCHET STITCHES, working in rows. You will be crocheting the shrug in one long panel, using 3 colors in a granny stitch pattern. You can decide which yarn colors to use for your rows. For symmetry, try to use the same mirrored stripe color pattern for both sides of shrug. Next, you will block the panel. Lastly, you will create two long sleeves by seaming together sections of the long edges of the panel, near where you want your arm holes. You will have created a cozy cocoon sweater!

The following is a list of supplies you would need to create one shrug. Feel free to use similar yarn (size 4, worsted weight yarn) and the same size crochet hook to make your own. This is a great way to use up scrap yarn. The easy shrug pattern shouldn’t take took long – about 8 hours total – so it’s a terrific weekend quick project!

Supplies

• Size J (6mm) hook size
• Size 4 Medium yarn weight –
• Lion Brand Pound of Love (1 skein = 1020 yds) in colors:
  • A– White, 230 yds
  • B – Elephant Gray, 270 yds
  • C – A Little Blush, 270 yds (from Schitts Creek Lion Brand yarn: now discontinued, but Basic Stitch Blush Heather is similar)
• scissors
• tapestry needle (aka yarn needle)
• stitch marker

Crochet Abbreviations

US Crochet terminology is used. (US terms)

Ch – chain

dc – double crochet

sc – single crochet

rep – repeat   

sl st – slip stitch  

sm – stitch marker                        

st(s) – stitch(es)

tch – turning chain

RS – Right Side

WS – Wrong Side

PATTERN INFORMATION

The FREE simple shrug crochet pattern for the crochet shrug is provided below, friendly for beginner crocheters.

• but you can also get the ad-free, printable pdf pattern for the CROCHET SHRUG in the ETSY SHOP!  The pdf has some helpful photos included, as well as the exact color stripe pattern I used.

How to Crochet a Shrug

Are shrugs easy to crochet?

Yes! Especially with a repetitive stitch pattern using basic stitches and simple techniques!

Here I will walk you through each step of making a basic shape shrug, using your favorite colors. You will be using an easy granny stripe stitch pattern, repeated every 2 rows using mainly basic double crochet stitches. Feel free to design your own stripe pattern with contrasting colors.

Gauge: 4″ (10cm) square = 11 sts by 7 rows (in granny stitch pattern repeat).

The resulting simple rectangle panel will be 18″ width by 60″ length as written, but I provide tips to adjust to different sizes.

NOTE –

• Ch 1 does not count as a st.
• Ch 3 does count as a dc st.
• You can place a SM in top of tch of every row to keep track of first st.

Shrug Crochet Pattern

Shrug Panel

Using size J crochet hook, ch 50 with your starting color yarn.

(The foundation row and final row form the sleeve edges.)

Foundation Row: Sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in each ch to end. Turn. (49 sts)

Row 1: Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), 1 dc into same place, skip 2 sc, *3 dc in next sc, skip 2 sc; rep from * across until last st, 2 dc into last sc. Turn. (49 sts)

Row 2: Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), *3 dc into next sp between dc groups; rep from * across until tch, 1 dc into top of ch 3. Turn. (50 sts)

Row 3: Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), 1 dc into same place, *3 dc into next sp between dc groups; rep from * across until tch, 2 dc into top of ch 3. Turn. (49 sts)

Rep Rows 2-3 until reach approx. 60″ length (about 106 rows), alternating yarn colors in various rows by breaking off yarn color at end of a row and joining with a new color at start of next row.

Final Row: Ch 1, sc in 1st st and in each st across.

Fasten off.

You can find the exact stripe pattern I used on my shrug in the ad-free PDF SHRUG PATTERN on Etsy.

I worked a total of 106 rows, with each half (53 rows) being a mirror of the other.

Finishing/Blocking Shrug

Determine which side you would like for the Right Side (RS).

Weave in all loose ends.

Block the long panel. Use steam blocking for acrylic yarn.

Wrap the shrug panel around your shoulders, centered.

Place stitch markers where you would like your sleeves to begin at your underarms.

For reference, I marked 34 rows from the edges.

With RS together, seam up long edge to create one sleeve, starting at stitch marker and working down to bottom of sleeve. Use any yarn color from your 3 colors to work the seam.

Ensure rows are properly aligned while seaming.

Repeat for 2nd sleeve.

I used a slip stitch to work the seam, but you can choose any method you prefer:

Weave in loose ends.

Turn shrug Right Side (RS) out after seaming sleeves.

Important Tips for Crocheting your Shrug

Some things to keep in mind as you work the shrug crochet pattern are:

• When crocheting the granny stripe rows, design your color stripe pattern for half the shrug, then work the mirror of that pattern for the rest.
• It’s a good idea to use a stitch marker (SM) to keep track of the first st in each row. It is the top of the turning chain (tch).
• Try to weave in the ends as you go during yarn color changes. Make sure to block the panel when finished so that it forms a straight-edged rectangle.
• Feel free to adjust size as follows (adjust chain count before you begin):
  • chain more/less sts to adjust width; must be a multiple of 3, plus 2
  • work more/less rows to adjust length

Finished Size

The finished piece measures approximately 18″ width by 60” length before seaming.

Crochet Cozy Shrug

The bolero style crochet shrug makes a great layering piece. Just pull your arms into the sleeves and feel the extra warmth! Feel free to customize your shrug to your personal style by using different colors in your granny stripe rows. The stylish design of this shrug is on trend – you’re bound to get compliments from making this beautiful pattern. Isn’t it amazing what you can crochet with simple shapes? And stylish shrug crochet patterns will never disappoint.

Layer the shrug over a tank top or light shirt during the warmer months. You can wear it with different outfits – jeans, a dress, or shorts. The extra layer provides a little bit of extra warmth without getting too hot.

Don’t forget that this crochet shrug pattern is also available in an ad-free digital pdf pattern.  The pdf has a few helpful photos and the exact color stripe pattern I used.  Grab the CROCHET SHRUG pattern in my Etsy shop.

Love crochet garment patterns? Check out these other favorites…

Did you enjoy this free crochet pattern? The shrug would also make a lovely gift for a stylish friend during the spring and summer months. Plus it’s one of the easiest garments you can crochet, especially if you are a beginner.

Check out all of my FREE CROCHET PATTERNS HERE.

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