Easy shrug knitting patterns for cropped cardigans that are knit flat in one piece. Updated 7/15/23
To get the knitting patterns, scroll down the page to the individual pattern you want and click on the link to that pattern.
These patterns are not my designs but links to other designers who have generously shared their patterns. If you have questions about how to knit a specific pattern, please contact the designer directly.
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Free Patterns
Burnished Bronze Shrug
Easy shrug cardigan knit flat in one rectangular piece and seamed. No picking up stitches. Designed by Lion Brand. Sport weight yarn.
Lacy Shrug
Easy shrug cardigan knit flat in one rectangular piece with a 6 row repeat and seamed. No picking up stitches. Sizes S (M, L, XL, XXL). Designed by Shannon Dunbabin for Cascade Yarns. Worsted weight yarn.
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Verdant Shrug
Easy shrug cardigan knit flat in one rectangular piece with stockinette and a 4 row repeat slipped stitch cuffs. No picking up stitches. Rated easy by Ravelrers. Designed by Gina Bonomo. Knit with Aran weight yarn.
Sofia Shrug
Cabled shrug cardigan knit flat in one rectangular piece and grafted. No picking up stitches. Sizes Small/Med (to fit 32 – 38” bust), Med/Large (to fit 38 – 44” bust) Designed by Manos del Uruguay Design Team.
Zing Shrug
Easy shrug knit as a rectangle in stockinette and moss stitch and fastened with buttons. Just leave unbuttoned to wear as shawl or scarf. No picking up stitches. Designed by Martin Storey. DK weight yarn.
Easy Cocoon Shrug
Easy shrug cardigan with cable detail on back. Knit flat in one rectangular piece and seamed. No picking up stitches. Designed by Susan Frick of A Box of Twine who says it is suitable for beginners. Knit with 2 strands of Aran weight yarn held together. Web version is free. PDF available for purchase.
More Free Patterns
Ocean Waves Kimono Sweater
Easy cable and lace shrug cardigan knit flat in one rectangular piece and seamed. No picking up stitches. Designed by Natalie Einterz. Quick knit in Bulky weight yarn.
Weaved Flowers Shrug
Easy basketweave texture shrug cardigan knit flat in one piece with a 12 row repeat. Sizes S - M/L (instructions available on how to make other sizes). Sport weight yarn. Designed by Wiam's Crafts. Web version is free.
Bobblicious Shrug
Easy shrug cardigan knit flat in one rectangular piece in stockinette with bobble cuffs. No picking up stitches. Designed by Estee Moscow for Knitty. Super Bulky weight yarn.
Lacy Summer Shrug
Easy lace shrug cardigan knit flat with a 4 row repeat in one rectangular piece and seamed. No picking up stitches. Sizes 1X, L, M, S, XS. Designed by Lion Brand. Worsted weight yarn.
Basic Shrug
Beginner-level shrug cardigan knit flat with stockinette and ribbing in one rectangular piece and seamed. No picking up stitches. Designed by Lion Brand. Worsted weight yarn.
Everyday Shrug
Easy shrug cardigan knit flat in one rectangular piece and seamed with a contrasting color cast-on for an interesting detail. No picking up stitches. Designed by Lion Brand. Worsted weight yarn.
Booming Bolero
This stylish bolero cardigan is knit flat in one piece with a lacy striping effect created by dropping stitches. No picking up stitches. Designed by Sugar Bush Yarns.
Patterns for Purchase
Triplex Shrug
Versatile accessory knit flat in one piece with buttons that allow you to change the look by buttoning in a different ways to create a shrug, poncho, shawl cape, ruana, or scarf. Knit in stripes of color and drop stitches. Sport weight yarn. Designed by Laura Nelkin.
Big Lace Shrug
Lace shrug drapes perfectly down to your waist; or leave it unseamed and wear it like a shawl. Knit flat in one piece. Bulky weight yarn. Designed by Karin Wilmoth of karinknits.
Bright Boho Shrug
Easy striped shrug with eyelet lace knit flat in one piece. Fingering weight yarn. Designed by Dana Young for HitsKnitsPatterns.
Entrechat Shrug
Shrug knit with cables. Knit flat in one piece and then seamed. Sizes Small (28-34 inch bust), Medium (36-42 inch bust), Large (40-46 inch bust), Extra Large (46-52 inch bust). Bulky weight yarn. Designed by Kristen Hanley Cardozo.
Afton Shrug
Shrug cardigan knit with garter stitch and ribbing as a simple rectangle in one piece and joined under the arm. This layering piece works well with jeans and dresses and is great for all seasons. Sizes XS to XL. Aran weight yarn. Designed by Sarah Smuland.
