Summer calls for open-lace crochet patterns with beachy vibes and lightweight yarn. I have the perfect crochet shrug pattern for the warm months that adds a stylish layer! The “Seashell Shrug” is made with DK (light) cotton yarn and works up repetitively in one rectangular panel, seamed together to make short sleeves.

The crochet pattern is part of my FREE “Lazy Days of Summer” crochet-a-long, happening May 26 through June 13, 2025.

Click the button below to sign up for the CAL – you’ll get notifications when each pattern releases, encouragement & tips, and a supply list. Be sure to share your makes on Instagram using hashtag #LazyDaysCAL!

Wrap yourself in summer softness with the Seashell Shrug—a light and airy layering piece that’s as elegant as a sea breeze. 

This delicate shrug features simple stitches with beautiful texture, inspired by the graceful patterns of seashells and shoreline ripples. It’s lightweight enough for warm weather, yet adds just the right touch of coverage over a swimsuit, tank top, or sundress. 

With its Boho-inspired fringe and flowy drape, the Seashell Shrug brings effortless coastal style to your wardrobe—perfect for beach days, evening walks, or music festivals under the stars. 

Designed for easy construction and a relaxed fit, this is a calming project you’ll love to wear often!

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FREE SHRUG CROCHET PATTERN

How to crochet a shrug

The free crochet pattern is not too difficult if you are comfortable with working ‘shells’ (groups of stitches in one stitch). The crochet shrug main panel is worked in repetitive rows, top down. Short sleeves are added working in rounds. You only need to know the BASIC CROCHET STITCHES to work this piece.

You will need the following supplies to make the crochet shrug:

Supplies

• Lion Brand Coboo Size 3 cotton (232 yds per skein)
  • Color: Silver, 215 yds total
• Size G/6 (4.25 mm) hook (or size to meet gauge)
• Scissors
• tapestry (yarn) needle
• Stitch Markers

Crochet Abbreviations

US Crochet terms are used.

Ch – chain

Ch- – refer to chain or space previously made, e.g., ch-1 sp

dc – double crochet

sc – single crochet

sl st – slip stitch

sk – skip

st(s) – stitch(es)

sm – stitch marker

PATTERN INFORMATION

The crochet shrug FREE pattern is provided below, but you can also get the ad-free, printable pdf pattern (plus more!) as part of the PREMIUM CAL collection…

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SUMMER CROCHET NECKLACE PATTERN

Gauge: 4″ (10 CM) SQ in rows 2 & 4 STITCH PATTERN: (1 sc, ch 5, 1 sc, 1.5 grps of 5 dc) sts by 7.25 rows

How to crochet a shrug

There are different types of crochet shrugs, and this one features one main panel joined at corners to make short sleeves. Hit the coast or streets with this airy, seaside summer shrug. With mermaid vibes, the fringed shrug is perfect for a beachy layer in your summer wardrobe.

NOTES: You will be crocheting the main piece of the shrug in one wide panel, top down. Next, you will block the panel to 24″ width by 16″ length. Next, you will create two short sleeves by joining corners of the short edges, and adding rounds. Lastly, you can add optional fringe at the bottom.

What yarn is best for a crochet shrug for summer?

Light cotton yarn is the best choice for a summer shrug, as are linen or bamboo yarns. You want the shrug to be lightweight & breathable for summer, and these natural fibers are great for that purpose.

Instructions to make the shrug are as follows…

Shrug Crochet Pattern

Follow the instructions below in the order indicated.

NOTE – Ch 1 does not count as a st, Ch 3 counts as one dc st throughout pattern.

It’s highly recommended to place a stitch marker in every row to keep track of the first st.

Shrug Panel

Using size G/6 crochet hook, ch 100 with your yarn.

(The foundation row forms the top row of the shrug).

Foundation Row: 2 dc in 4th ch from hook (1st 3 ch count as 1 dc), sk next 2 ch, *sc in next ch, ch 5, sk next 5 ch, sc in next ch, sk next 2 ch, **5 dc in next ch, sk next 2 ch; rep from * across, ending last rep at **, 3 dc in last ch. Turn.

Pattern Repeat:

Row 1: Ch 1, sc in 1st dc, *ch 5, sc in next ch-5 sp, ch 5, **sc in 3rd dc of next 5 dc group; rep from * across, ending last rep at **, sc in top of tch (last dc). Turn.

Row 2: Ch 5 (counts as 1st dc and ch 2), *sc in next ch-5 sp, 5 dc in next sc, sc in next ch-5 sp, **ch 5; rep from * across, ending last rep at **, ch 2, dc in last sc. Turn.

Row 3: Ch 1, sc in 1st dc, *ch 5, sc in 3rd dc of next 5 dc group, ch 5, **sc in next ch-5 sp; rep from * across, ending last rep at **, sc in 3rd ch of tch (last dc). Turn.

Row 4: Ch 3 (counts as 1st dc), 2 dc in same st, *sc in next ch-5 sp, ch 5, sc in next ch-5 sp, **5 dc in next sc; rep from * across, ending last rep at **, 3 dc in last sc. Turn.

Rep Rows 1-4 six more times.

Fasten off.

Blocking and Adding Sleeves

Block the long panel 24″ wide by 16″ long to form a straight rectangle.

Add 1st short sleeve:

With RS facing, join yarn to a short row edge corner of your panel using the G hook.

Use a sm to keep track of 1st st in each round. Do not turn after each round.

** If you worked a shrug panel longer than 16″, you may need to work more than 49 stitches in this first round. Ensure your stitch count is a multiple of 4, plus 1.

Round 1: Work 49 sc sts evenly across the row edges, join with sl st to 1st sc st. (49 sts)

Rounds 2-3: Ch 1, sc in first and each st around, join with sl st to 1st sc st.(49 sts)

(add decorative spike edge in last round)

Round 4: Ch 1, sc in 1st st, ch 3, 3 dc in same st, sk next 3 sts, *sc in next st, ch 3, 3 dc in same st, sk next 3 sts; rep from * around until last st, sc in last st, join with sl st to 1st st.

Fasten off.

Add 2nd short sleeve:

With RS facing, join yarn to the other short row edge corner of your panel using the G hook.

Use a sm to keep track of 1st st in each round. Do not turn after first 2 rounds.

** See note above regarding stitch count – ensure it is the same as 1st sleeve.

Round 1: Work 49 sc sts evenly across the row edges, join with sl st to 1st sc st. (49 sts)

Rounds 2-3: Ch 1, sc in first and each st around, join with sl st to 1st sc st.(49 sts)

(add decorative spike edge in last round)

Prior to working this last round, turn your work so that WS is facing to ensure that the ‘spikes’ lean in the same direction as the first sleeve.

Round 4: Ch 1, sc in 1st st, ch 3, 3 dc in same st, sk next 3 sts, *sc in next st, ch 3, 3 dc in same st, sk next 3 sts; rep from * around until last st, sc in last st, join with sl st to 1st st.

Fasten off.

Adding Fringe

Weave in loose ends to WS.

If desired, you can add fringe to the bottom row of the shrug.

I did this by:

• cutting 70 pieces of yarn approx 14″ length each
• folding each piece in half
• using crochet hook to loop each piece evenly through the bottom row of the shrug panel
• trim fringe pieces to even them out if desired

Important Tips for Crocheting your shrug

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

• It’s highly recommended that you use a stitch marker (sm) to keep track of the first st in each row.
• Make sure to block the panel when finished to open up the stitches and form a straight-edged rectangle.
• Make sure to change direction when working the last round in the 2nd sleeve to ensure the ‘spike’ leans in the same direction as the 1st sleeve.
• Feel free to adjust panel size as follows (adjust chain count before you begin):
  • chain more sts to adjust width; must be a multiple of 12, plus 4
  • work more rows to adjust length (top to bottom)

Finished Size

The finished crochet shrug panel measures approximately 24″ width by 16″ length. Measurements are for finished & blocked shrug panel prior to adding short sleeves. (sleeves add approx. 2″ to width)

Using your Summer Crochet Shrug

Now it is time to enjoy showcasing your crocheted shrug! Wear it for a day by the sea, or evenings out in the warm weather. The seashell shrug definitely gives Coachella and Boho vibes.

Feature it as a showcased layer your favorite summer outfits…

What do you think of this free crochet shrug pattern? If you are a beginner at crochet, you can give this shrug a try. The main panel isn’t too hard to work up using the 4-row pattern, and it’s easy to add the short sleeves. Be sure to add this crochet shrug project to your list this summer. It would make a great weekend project.

Don’t forget that this shrug crochet pattern is also available in the premium crochet-a-long collection.  The collection includes helpful photos and a video tutorial for the shrug.

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Be sure to share your finished shrug for the crochet-a-long: use hashtag #LazyDaysCAL on Instagram!

Love easy crochet shrug patterns? Check out this other FREE crochet pattern for a granny stitch shrug…

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