Knitting patterns for shrugs, boleros, and cropped cardigans in baby, toddler, and child sizes. Updated 4/19/23
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.
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
Diamonds Rib Lace Baby Shrug
Easy baby shrug knit flat in one piece with a 4 row repeat lace and seamed. Includes video. Sizes 6-18 months. Uses one skein 100 - 250 yards (91 - 229 m) of Aran weight yarn. Designed by Christy Hills for whiteflowerneedle
Dainty Bolero
Cropped cardigan shrug for babies and children with lace sleeves and lace edges. Sizes Birth to 7 years. DK weight yarn. Designed by Elle
Pippa Shrug
Designed by Martin Storey, this child sized cropped cardigan sweater features a ribbed border and ribbed cuffs. Sizes 3-4 years, 5-6 years, 7-8 years, 9-10 years. Worsted weight yarn. Pictured projects by the designer and frenchmere.
- Get the free knitting pattern
- See the Ravelry page
- See more Knitting Patterns by Martin Storey on Amazon
Little Garter Gerkin
Shrug / bolero that is knitted in one piece using garter stitch shaped with short rows. You can use any needles and yarn, and can customize as you knit. All sizes (baby/child/adult). Designed by Gina Jones
Little Scapulae
Baby shrug with button front, knit seamlessly from the top down. Free version is written to fit a chest circumference of approximately 47.5cm (12-18 months of age) with 10ply/light worsted weight yarn. Other sizes available for purchase. Designed by Kelly van Niekerk. Pictured project by oliveandemma. Available in English and Italian.
Shrug + Hoodie = Shroodie
Child sized shrug with hood knit in garter stitch. Designed by Nicole Johnson. Pictured project by SaraGresbach.
- Get the free knitting pattern - scroll down past the dress pattern comments
- See the Ravelry page
- Get the recommended Lion Brand Nature's Choice Organic Cotton yarn at Amazon
Baby Bolero
Cropped cardigan sweater knit from side to side with cable trim, and with and without sleeves. Sizes 3m / 6m / 12m / 2y / 3y / 4y. Designed by Yarn-Madness. Pictured projects by Violinka and zephrbabe who knit longer sleeves and added a button made of i-cord. Available in English and Swedish. On the destination pattern page (see link below) click on the language you want to download the pattern.
More Free Patterns
Daisy Lace Child’s Bolero
This easy long-sleeved shrug features a band of daisy stitch along sleeves and back. Sport weight yarn. Designed by Kirsti Ummelas. Available in English and Estonian.
Spring Peplum Cardy
Bolero cardigan with lace peplum border. Sizes 6-9 mnths, 9-12 mnths, 12-18 mnths, 18-24 mnths, 3-4 yrs! 5-6 yrs. Worsted weight yarn. Designed by Charm Knits
Peppar Baby Shrug
Pullover shrug with ribbed front collar so it will stay on little ones comfortably. Knit top down without seams. Sizes Newborn-3m/6-12m/12-18m/2-3y (4-6y/8y/10y/12y). Worsted weight yarn. Designed by Yarn-Madness. Rated very easy by Ravelrers. Pictured project by listentothelion
Fiesta Baby Shrug
Cabled short cardigan with ruffles at cuffs and hem. Sizes 0-3 months and 3-6 months. Fingering weight yarn. Designed by Verde Celadon
Baby Lace Shrug
Lace shrug with 2 ribbing options. Sizes doll, 6 months, 12 months, 2 years, 4 years, 6 years, 8 years, 10 years. Designed by Gabrielle Danskknit, Pictured project by ilovemath
Easy Little Girl Shrug
This easy child’s cardigan is knit in a 4-row repeat trinity stitch. Sizes 2, 4, 6, 8 years. Designed by Cathy Payson for Red Heart
Knotted Openwork Girl’s Shrug
This shrug features a 4 row repeat lace pattern. Also comes with matching American Girl size. Sizes Girl’s 10/12 and 18-inch doll. Sport weight yarn. Designed by Kristen Renneker
Warming Up Shrug
Quick knit in bulky yarn. Sizes 4 years – 10 years. Designed by Cathy Payson for Red Heart
Hugs and Kisses Bolero
X and O cables embellish the long sleeves of this baby shrug. Sizes 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12. Sweet Reflections shrug designed by Rachel Dickman
Patterns for Purchase
Lace Bolero
No longer free. Lace shrug with knit lace edging. Sizes 3-6 mths, 6-12 mths, 1-2 Years, 3-4 Years, 5-6 Years. Designed by Sirdar. DK weight yarn.
Baby Bolero Cardigan and Hat Sirdar 1817
No longer free. Matching cropped baby cardigan shrug and hat with knit flower. Sizes To Fit Premature (3 sizes), 0-6 Months, 6-12 Months. 1817 designed by Sirdar. DK weight yarn.
Miss Daisy Shrug for Babies and Children
This cardigan features a stylish shawl collar and flared shape. Sizes: 3mo (6mo, 12mo, 18mo // 2y, 3y, 4y, 5y, 6y). Designed by Lisa Chemery of Frogginette Knitting Patterns. Worsted weight yarn. Available in English and French.
- See more pics and get the knitting pattern at Loveknitting
- Get the recommended Malabrigo Worsted yarn at Lovecrafts (140 shades)
- See more designs by Frogginette Knitting Patterns
Snuggly Baby Bolero
NO LONGER FREE. Ribbed border with optional color stripes, attached knitted flower. Sizes Birth – 7 years (chest 16-26″/41-66cm). Designed by Sirdar. DK weight yarn.
Here are a few sources. The original source Deramores went out of business.
Wendy Bolero
NO LONGER FREE. Pretty shrug sized for toddler and children, worked flat. Sport weight yarn. Designed by Thomas B. Ramsden & Co
Seedling Shrug for Babies and Children
Every project I saw with this shrug was darling! This lace shrug will cover your girl in elegant Cabernet Cable whether she is getting ready for a event like a wedding party, posing for a special photo, or just needs a little extra warmth on a summer day. Sizes: 6 months - 14 years. Designed by Monika Sirna. Sport weight yarn. Pictured projects by the designer and LauraPNW.
Speedy Shrug for Babies and Toddlers
Knit today for baby to wear tomorrow (or for that last minute shower gift)! Speedy Shrug can easily be knitted in a few hours according to the designer and does not need to be blocked. This is designed for super bulky yarn, but you can double bulky, or use 4 strands of worsted or aran yarn. Sizes 0-6 months(6-12 months, 12-18 months, 2T, 3T, 4T, 5T, 6T). Designed by Taiga Hilliard Designs.
- See more pics and get the knitting pattern at Lovecrafts
- Get the recommended Malabrigo Yarn Rasta yarn at Amazon
- See more designs by Taiga Hilliard
Marian Shrug for Baby through Adult
Marian is a feminine open cardigan/shrug, and has a flared lace back panel. 3 patterns in sizes from newborn to adult. Designed by Taiga Hilliard Designs. Worsted weight yarn.
- Get the Baby and Child Marian Shrug knitting pattern at Lovecrafts. Sizes- Newborn to 4T
- Get the Baby Marian Girl knitting pattern at Lovecrafts Sizes Newborn to 10 years
- Get the Adult Marian Shrug knitting pattern at Lovecrafts
Papillon Bolero
This beautiful bolero is knitted bottom up as one piece with no seams. It has beautiful lace butterfly pattern on the back and raglan sleeves.
The pattern is written for seven sizes: 9-12 months; 12 – 18 months; 2 years, 3 – 4 years; 5 – 7 years, 8 – 10 years, 11 – 12 years.
