A knit shrug is one of the easiest “garments” you can make. Many are just a rectangle knit flat, folded and seamed at the ends to make sleeves. That means no complicated shaping, fast results, and a pretty layer to throw over a dress, a tank top or a sleeveless sweater.
We checked all 13 of these free knit shrug patterns ourselves. You will find super easy rectangle shrugs for beginners, chunky cocoon shrugs for cold days, airy lace boleros for summer and a couple of sparkly special-occasion pieces. Each one lists yarn weight, needle size and a direct link.
Knit Shrug Free Patterns
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What You’ll Need
- Long circular knitting needles (24–36 inch) in your pattern size
- Soft wool-blend, mohair or bulky yarn
- Stitch markers
- Cable needle for cabled shrugs
- Locking stitch markers or clips for holding seams
- Tapestry needle for seaming
- Blocking mats and pins
1. Summertide Shrug
Photo: Jennifer / Brome Fields
Summertide is a one-skein summer shrug in garter stitch. You knit a flat rectangle from the top down with fine lace-weight mohair on big needles, then sew two seams for sleeves. The result is airy and see-through, perfect over a sundress on cool evenings. The designer rates it beginner.
- Designer: Jennifer / Brome Fields
- Skill level: Beginner
- Yarn: Lace
- Needle size: US 13 (9 mm), 24-inch circular
- Price: Free web version (paid ad-free PDF)
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
2. Simple Knitted Shrug
Photo: Marni / The Yarny Way
Originally designed as a warm layer for barre or yoga class, this shrug is knit from the wrist up with two strands of worsted held together. You get 3/4 or longer sleeves and an optional crochet border. The designer calls it very easy and fun, and it comes as a free PDF.
- Designer: Marni / The Yarny Way
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: Worsted (held double)
- Needle size: US 13 (9 mm)
- Price: Free PDF
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
3. Super Chunky Slouchy Shrug
Photo: Michelle / The Snugglery
This slouchy shrug is knit bottom-up as one big square, then seamed. It uses only knit and purl rows, so it is ideal for a beginner. Even better, it comes in sizes from 2T all the way to 5XL. Jumbo yarn on huge needles makes it a quick, cozy project.
- Designer: Michelle / The Snugglery
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: Super bulky to jumbo
- Needle size: US 19 (15 mm)
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
4. Simsbury Shrug
Photo: Lion Brand Yarn
Simsbury is a cape-style shrug made from one large piece that you fold and seam. Super bulky yarn means it knits up fast and feels like a warm hug. It is rated easy for beginner-plus knitters, so it is a nice step up from scarves.
- Designer: Lion Brand Yarn
- Skill level: Easy
- Yarn: Super bulky (#6)
- Needle size: see pattern
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
5. Easy Cocoon Shrug
Photo: Susan / A Box of Twine
A chunky cocoon shrug with cables running down the back. It is knit flat as a rectangle with two strands of worsted held together, ribbed at the edges, and seamed at the corners to make sleeves. Once you learn the cable rows, the pattern is easy to repeat. Expect around 11–12 hours of knitting.
- Designer: Susan / A Box of Twine
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: Medium / worsted (#4), held double
- Needle size: US 15 (10 mm), 29-inch circular or longer
- Price: Free web version (paid ad-free PDF)
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
6. Sea Isle Buttoned Cocoon Shrug
This simple garter stitch rectangle uses a row of ten buttons to form the sleeves, so you can wear it as a shrug or unbutton it as a wrap. It is about 21 by 50 inches before buttoning. A very relaxing knit and a smart way to show off pretty buttons.
- Designer: Plymouth Yarn
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: see pattern (Plymouth Sea Isle)
- Needle size: US 9 (5.5 mm), plus US 10.5 for the bind-off
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
7. 50s Ribbed Shrug
Photo: Vintage booklet, shared by Liz / Zilredloh
This vintage 1950s pattern comes from an old knitting booklet, shared as a free PDF. It has just five steps and is roughly one size fits most, which makes it great for a new knitter. The ribbing hugs the shoulders for a classic retro look.
- Designer: Vintage booklet, shared by Liz / Zilredloh
- Skill level: Beginner
- Yarn: Heavy fingering (light sport also works)
- Needle size: see pattern
- Price: Free PDF
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
8. Chickadee Shrug
Photo: Tanis Gray / Ravelry
Chickadee is a one-piece shrug with a lace repeat, knit flat in bulky yarn. It needs only about 240 yards, so one or two skeins will do. It is one size at 17 by 24 inches, but the designer explains how to add repeats for a bigger fit.
- Designer: Tanis Gray / Ravelry
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: Bulky
- Needle size: US 10 (6 mm)
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
9. Robin’s Egg Blue Shrug
Photo: Barbara Hurd / Ravelry
A lacy shrug with a scalloped edge and belled sleeves. The designer made it to fit comfortably through the chest and underarms, and the silk and mohair yarn keeps the lace open without sagging. You can even wear it as a scarf. A lovely piece for weddings or spring parties.
- Designer: Barbara Hurd / Ravelry
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: Worsted
- Needle size: US 10 (6 mm)
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
10. Ribbed Lace Bolero
Photo: Kelly Maher / 10 Feet High (blog)
A rectangular bolero with a lace body and ribbed edges. You size it from your own shoulder and upper-arm measurements, which helps it fit well. It uses lace, small cable twists and mattress-stitch seaming. Cotton blend yarn makes it a nice summer layer.
- Designer: Kelly Maher / 10 Feet High (blog)
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: Worsted
- Needle size: US 8 (5 mm) and US 10.5 (6.5 mm)
- Price: Free (personal use)
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
11. Boucle Cocoon
Photo: Hilary Hues (Be Sweet) / Ravelry
A seamless, reversible wrap that drapes around your shoulders like a cocoon. Boucle yarn gives it a soft, nubby texture. Since it is not a fitted piece, sizing is easy, and it makes a thoughtful gift for a friend.
- Designer: Hilary Hues (Be Sweet) / Ravelry
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: Bulky
- Needle size: US 11 (8 mm)
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
12. Fenstal
Photo: Melanie Leeb / Ravelry
Fenstal is a small, airy shrug for not-quite-hot summer days. Fingering weight yarn on a larger needle keeps it light and breezy. It is a pretty way to cover your shoulders in air-conditioned rooms.
- Designer: Melanie Leeb / Ravelry
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: Fingering
- Needle size: US 2.5 (3 mm) and US 6 (4 mm)
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
13. Daisy Bolero
Photo: Filipa Carneiro / Ravelry
Inspired by Daisy Buchanan from The Great Gatsby, this bolero holds a sparkly paillette yarn together with silk mohair. The result is soft, airy and a little glamorous. Wear it over a dress for a party or with jeans for a modern twist.
- Designer: Filipa Carneiro / Ravelry
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: Sport (lace paillette + fingering mohair held together)
- Needle size: US 5 (3.75 mm), 80 cm circular
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
Which One Should You Make?
- Brand new to knitting? Start with #1 Summertide or #3 Super Chunky Slouchy Shrug. Both are simple rectangles.
- Want it done this weekend? #4 Simsbury and #5 Easy Cocoon use thick yarn and big needles.
- Need a summer layer? #12 Fenstal or #10 Ribbed Lace Bolero.
- Dressing up for an event? #13 Daisy or #9 Robin’s Egg Blue.
- Love vintage? #7 50s Ribbed Shrug has just five steps.
FAQ
How do you make a knit shrug from a rectangle?
Knit a rectangle about as long as your arm span from wrist to wrist and as wide as you want the back. Fold it in half lengthwise and seam each end for 10–16 inches to make the sleeves. The open middle becomes the back and front. Many patterns here, like Summertide, use this method.
How much yarn do I need for a knit shrug?
Shrugs use less yarn than sweaters. Light summer shrugs may use one skein, about 240–450 yards. Chunky cocoon shrugs can use 500–700 yards of worsted held double, or a few skeins of super bulky. Check your pattern and buy a little extra for sizing up.
What is the difference between a shrug and a bolero?
The words are often used the same way. A shrug usually means a simple piece with sleeves that covers the shoulders and upper back. A bolero is often a little more shaped and fitted, like a very short cardigan. Both are great over dresses and sleeveless tops.
Grab a skein and a long circular needle, and you will have a new layer ready to wear in no time.
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