These shrugs are knit in one or two pieces. Many of them are one knit as one rectangle and then seamed to create the armholes. No shaping, little seaming. These are great projects for beginners or any knitter looking for quick knitting gratification. Updated 6/9/22.
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.
All links on this site are for informational purposes, but please note that some links are to affiliate sellers that pay me a small commission on purchases.
Free Patterns
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.
- Get the free knitting pattern (web version)
- Get the pdf version on Etsy which also includes instructions for a headband
Easy Introspection Shrug
The lovely drape of this cardigan is created by knitting on large needles. Knit flat in one piece in stockinette and seamed. 12 sizes. Designed by Brome Fields who says it is suitable for beginners and that it took 9-12 hours to knit. Worsted weight yarn on size 15 needles.
Perfect Blanket Shrug
Easy shrug is knit in a rectangle with 4 row repeat stockinette and lace, then seamed. Photo tutorial included in the pattern. Designed by Jerica Tompkins.
- Get the free knitting pattern - Web version
- Buy the pdf at the Ravelry page
- See more 4 Row Knitting Patterns
Chickadee Shrug
This easy shrug is knit in one piece with an 8 row repeat lace pattern and ribbing, and seamed. Quick knit in bulky yarn. Designed by Tanis Gray. Rated easy by Ravelrers.
- Get the free knitting pattern
- Get the recommended Cascade Yarns® Pacific® Chunky on Amazon
Get more knitting patterns by Tanis Gray on Amazon
Ribbed Shrug
This easy shrug is knit in one piece and seamed. Designed by Erika Knight. Sizes 34-36, 38-40, 42-44. Pictured project by honeybeeknits. Excerpted from Glamour Knits
- Get the free knitting pattern
- See Ravelry page with errata
- Get Glamour Knits by Erika Knight on Amazon
Super Chunky Slouchy Shrug
This easy shrug is a rectangle knit in super bulky yarn.
Myciena Bolero
This easy shrug from Willow Yarn features a chevron stitch that is knit on a flat rectangle with ribbed edging and then folded and seamed to create the sweater front and sleeves.
- Get the free knitting pattern on the Internet archive
- See more One Piece Fold and Seam Knitting Patterns
Cozy Shrug
This easy shrug is a quick knit in super bulky yarn. The back is knit in one piece in garter stitch and then stitches are picked up for the border.
Cable Cross Shrug
Knit in one piece that is seamed at the ends and across the back to form arm holes. Designed by Willow Yarns. Sizes: Small (Medium, Large)
- Get the free knitting pattern on the Internet archive
- See different designs of this type of shrug on Etsy
Ribbed Lace Bolero
Easy shrug by Kelly Maher is a rectangle that is knit and then seamed to form the shrug shape.
Marni’s Simple Knit Shrug
Marni’s one piece shrug is knit in stockinette with double strands of aran weight yarn and seamed. Pattern includes video and photo instructions.
More Free Patterns
Speckled Shrug
Another folded rectangle shrug but this one from Lion Brand folds up with longer sleeves and more relaxed fit. Knit with ribbing at top and bottom and stockinette for the body. About 38 x 44 in. (96.5 x 112 cm), before folding and seaming. Pictured project by vcgroom
Cocoon Shrug
Shrug by Lion Brand is a quick project knitting 3 strands of bulky yarn together on giant size 50 needles. One size, about 27½ in. [70 cm] across. Shrug is very stretchy and will fit most sizes.
Shawl Collar Chevron Shrug
Amanda Berka’s design is another knit rectangle folded and sewn to form a shrug. Her design features a ribbed shawl collar and a chevron pattern in the back.
Something Lacy Shrug
The designer of this lovely shrug, Vera Sanon, says this is a great project for a first-time lace knitter. The candle flame lace is worked in a rectangle and seamed. The ribbing is added by picking up stitches and knitting. S, M, L, Xl, XXL
Fenstal Shrug
Melanie Leeb’s easy shrug / bolero features chevron lace and is knit in one piece and seamed. Available in English and German. Great for multi-color yarn!
- Get the free knitting pattern
- Get the recommended yarn on Etsy
- See more Multi-Color Yarn Knitting Patterns
Anthropologie Inspired Capelet
Julia Allen’s interpretation of Anthropologie’s “First Frost Capelet” from the Winter ’05 catalog is a quick knit with big needles and chunky yarn. Pictured project by hjortron
Boucle Cocoon
Hilary Carr designed this draped shrug for Be Sweet yarns. Seamless and reversible. XS/S, M/L
50s Ribbed Shrug
Super easy vintage pattern with only 5 steps and no gauge needed. (Don’t be confused by the cape directions at the bottom.)
Folded Rectangle Shrug
Easiest shrug ever by Echtstudio! Although the original post is not in English, the photo tutorial is clear and you can, of course, translate the page through Google. The basic instructions are
- Knit an elongated rectangle. Use any stitch pattern you want.
- To determine the length of the shrug you measure from your neck to where you want the end of the shrug. Their example is 70 x 85cm.
- Fold the piece in half and sew the sides with a darning needle leaving at least one-third open for armholes. That’s it! There are also instructions for adding longer sleeves
Fringed Shrug
Schachenmayr’s long sleeved shrug is knit in one piece with garter and stockinette stitch, then seamed and embellished with fringe. Great with multi-color yarn!
Cassie Bolero
Easy shrug by DROPS Design features a diamond lace pattern. Worked flat in one piece. Size: S/M – L – XL /XXL – XXXL
Patterns for Purchase
Snowdrift Shrug
Hilary Smith Callis designed this shrug that is a knit quickly top down in seed stitch and super bulky yarn for Knitscene Winter 2012. 33 (36½, 40½, 44, 48, 52)” bust circumference. One warning — the photo on the pattern page is not really flattering. The photo above is the designer’s photo of her own pattern.
Pocono Cocoon
This easy shrug is a giant rectangular wrap knit with an easy lace stitch, and its flowy drape adds elegance and movement. It’s knit back and forth from the bottom up, then the sides are seamed to create armholes. Rated easy by the designer. Sizes: 56 (62¼, 68¼, 80½, 86¾)" wide from cuff to cuff. Designed by Heather Zoppetti. Bulky weight yarn. One of the 20 patterns in knitscene, Winter 2018.
Simple Shrug
Worked in a combination of garter stitch and stockinette stitch with simple shaping, it can be worked as is or used as a canvas for other stitches you want try. Designed by Jennifer Chase-Rappaport. It looks like it is knit as one flat piece and seamed. Rated easy by designer and knitters.
Honor Shrug
The designer says this shrug is an advanced beginner level pattern. The pattern is worked sideways in basic stitches and there is some knitting in the round with dpns, I assume for the cuffs. To fit bust 30–34 (36–40, 42–46, 48–52)” / (76–86.5 [91.5–101.5, 106.5–117, 122–132] cm) Quick knit in bulky yarn. Designed by Nomandlovu
Circle Bolero
The designer says this shrug is a beginner level pattern, requiring just basic stitches. Quick knit in bulky yarn. Designed by
The Mailo Design
The Montreal
This super simple pattern for a shrug/cardigan with draped front by Karen Clements can easily be finished in a weekend in super bulky yarn.
- Get the knitting pattern on Etsy
- See more knitting patterns by Karen Clements
- See more Draped Cardigan Knitting Patterns
Olimpia Shrug
Knit side to side in fisherman’s rib. Sizes Small (Medium, Large, XL, 2X, 3X)
Azure Thing Shrug/Cardigan
This easy lace shrug comes in two lengths – shrug and cardigan. XS (S, M/L, XL, 2XL/3XL)
Easy Weekender Shrug
This long-sleeved chunky shrug knits up in one weekend, according to the designer. Pattern sizes: small, medium, L and XL. Plus size pattern also available.
