Free knitting patterns for shrugs and boleros are great for topping off evening wear, a special occasion dress, or even a bridal gown. But they are also great for casual wear too, making them a versatile way to keep warm and still be in style. Updated 10/13/24
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Free Patterns
Cozy Shrug
Cropped cardigan shrug knit in a two row repeat slipped stitch rib. Knit flat in pieces and seamed. Sizes To Fit Chest: 32" to 58" / 81cm to 147cm. Quick knit Bulky weight yarn. Designed by Paintbox Yarns. A kit is also available.
Lace Shrug
This clever shrug is based on a Victorian garment called a hug-me-tight knitted in one piece sideways with two seams at back. Blue version is knit in DK weight which results in a wider garmment. Cream version is knit with The cream version two strands of laceweight yarn or one of fingering weight. Designed by Jennie Atkinson.
Womens Bolero With Tie Front
Free for a limited time. Woman's cropped cardigan shrug bolero with lace detail on sleeves and tie front. Sizes To Fit Bust 32 - 42". Designed by Woman's Weekly. DK weight yarn.
Funnel Cloud Shrug
This statement shrug is bound to get comments. It's a giant cowl with cap sleeves. 2 Sizes. Designed by Betsy Farquhar. Bulky weight yarn.
Diamond Bolero Shrug
This cropped cardigan is knit with an 8 row repeat diamond brocade pattern with ribbed edging. Sizes XS (S, M, L, XL, 2X). Designed by Joan Horton for Cascade Yarns. DK weight yarn.
Nob Hill Shrug
This cropped cardigan may be worn open or closed, over a simple tank or lightweight sweater, and will carry you through many months of the year. To minimize seaming, this garment is worked in one piece. Sizes XS/S [M/L, 1X/2X, 3X/4X]. Designed by Ashley Adams Moncrief for Knitty. Super Bulky weight yarn.
Cable Trimmed Bolero
Shrug cardigan knit flat in stockinette. Cable trim is knit separately and sewn on. Sizes 34” (36, 38, 40, 42)”. Quick knit in bulky yarn. Designed by Susie Bonell for Cascade Yarns
Get Cabled Shrug
This cropped cardigan features cables that curve from neckline around back and up to other side. Versatile enough to go from casual to evening and always look great. Sizes S-XXL. Worsted weight. Designed by Alice Tang for Red Heart
Butterscotch Bolero
Cropped cardigan with short sleeves and ribbed trim. Sizes to fit bust 28-30, 32-34, 36-38, 40-42, 44-46 inches. DK weight. Designed by Jenny Watson
Bolero with Leaf Ties
Cropped cardigan with elbow length sleeves, scoop neck, and picot edge. Sizes 32 (34 ½, 37 ½, 40, 4 2½, 45). Worsted weight. Designed by Stefanie Japel for Knitty. Pictured project by Shalena
- Get the free knitting pattern
- Also available in Fitted Knits:
25 Designs for the Fashionable Knitter - See the Ravelry page
- Get the recommended Cascade Yarns® Indulgence yarn on Etsy
Waves and Waterfalls Lace Shrug
Beautiful shrug with two lace patterns and three-quarter length sleeves. Worsted weight yarn. Sizes Small, Medium, Large. Designed by Amanda Woeger
More Free Patterns
Xtreme Slip Stitches Shrug
This shrug is knit in garter stitch with a graphic design created with short rows and slip stitches in contrasting colors. Designed by Sybil R.
Lustrous Cabled Shrug
Edged with knit cables this style adapts to the personality of the outfit and its wearer. Designed by Amy Polcyn. Sizes 34 (38, 42, 46, 50)”
Cable Shoulderette
Shrug is worked in one piece from cuff to cuff. Designed by Bernat. Sizes To fit bust measurement Extra-Small/Small/Medium 28-38” [71- 96.5 cm], Large/Extra Large 40-46” [ 101.5-117cm], 2/3 X-Large/4/5 X-Large 48-62” [122-157.5 cm]
Prima Shrug
This ballet-inspired shrug is knit all in one piece so there is no seaming. Designed by Maggie Pace to showcase multi-color yarn though you can use a solid color too. Pattern and instructional video class available for free with a free trial at Creativebug.
Patons Cable Lace Bolero
Patons shrug features cables in worked in 4 stitches and with a 4 row repeat alternate with lace pattern also in a 4 stitch repeat. XS/S, M, XL, 2/3XL, 4/5XL
Lace Shrug
Atti Sanderlund provides detail instructions with a photo tutorial for this gorgeous lace pattern.
Golden Honey Shrug
This lace bolero sparkles when the recommended yarn is used.
Snapped Convertible Shrug and Cowl
Wear this knit bolero as is or roll it up and wear it as a cowl.
Japanese Alternating Leaf Stems Shrug
Designed by Pamela Young.
The Dancer’s Spirit Treeli Shrug
Designed by Jacqueline Perna, the pattern is knit in one pice without seams and comes with and without hood.
Amy Shrug
Knit in one piece with back edging sewn on.
Aurea Bolero
Kamellia Lace Bolero
Beautiful lace shrug in soft combed cotton.
Patterns for Purchase
Bontle Cardigan Shrug
This bolero features cables along the front and sleeves with cables and a textured panel on the back, all fastened with a wide ribbon. 9 Sizes XS to 5XL. Designed by Noma Ndlovu.
Miss Carter Tie Front Shrug
Ballerina shrug with ties across bust can be worn a variety of ways. Knit sideways from sleeve to sleeve. Sizes XS (S) M (L) XL (XXL) equals 37 (38) 42 (44) 45 (46) cm cross back. Designed by Artesanitarium Designs. Fingering weight yarn.
Angora Shrug
Get the knitting pattern on Etsy
Light Bolero
This lacy shrug is knit in a single piece.
Available in Finish-Free Knits on Amazon)
Pacifica Shrug
Lightweight shrug with drop stitch pattern. Uses just one skein of the recommended yarn for S, M, and L sizes. To fit: S (M, L, XL/2XL, 3XL/4XL)
Snowcloud Shrug
Hilary Smith Callis designed this shrug that is a knit top down in seed stitch and worsted weight yarn. Sizes Finished bust: 30.75 (34.5, 38.25, 42.5, 47.25, 49.75, 54.25, 58.5)” / 78 (87.5, 97, 108, 120, 126.5, 138, 148.5) cm.
