Spruce up your outfit with this easy beginner-friendly crochet blanket shrug pattern. This free crochet shrug pattern is cozy, comfortable, and made using a one-stitch repeat.
It’s the perfect shrug to pair with some jeans and a top or wear over a dress.
Continue to read through for the inspiration behind this design or scroll down for the free pattern + guided video tutorial.
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Crochet Blanket Shrug
My latest design and free pattern is the crochet blanket shrug. This simple crochet cocoon is made from a rectangle and uses basic stitches.
It’s the perfect weekend project as you can have this shrug done in a day! So if you’re new to crochet or more advanced and looking for a quick project, this shrug pattern is perfect for you.
I’ve also included a guided video tutorial to help with any tricky parts.
Inspiration + Design
My inspiration behind this crochet cocoon came from one of my other crochet designs. If you guessed the simple crochet throw, you are right!
The simple crochet throw was one of my first crochet patterns and I loved the stitch that I used for that pattern. It’s the reverse blanket stitch and it’s made using only chain, single crochet, and double crochet.
Anyhow, as I was curled up on the couch with my new blanket. I thought about how this design would look so good as a shrug. So I grabbed my notepad and started sketching an idea for this design.
That’s also how this shrug, got its name. It reminds me of my cozy blanket. Plus, imagine all the different outfits you can wear with this comfy shrug.
Yarn Choice
For this crochet pattern, I chose to work with Michaels Loops & Thread Crème Cotton yarn. It’s a number 4 worsted weight cotton yarn that’s so soft and comes in a variety of different colors.
I loved working with this yarn and highly recommend it for this project. However, you can easily substitute a different yarn for this project. Lion Brand Feels Like Butta or Lion Brand Wool-Ease would be a great alternative.
Some of my favorite colors in this line are cream and light blue. Which colors are your favorite?
Sizing of Crochet Blanket Shrug
I chose to make this project one size, as I wanted a very open loose-fitting crochet shrug. The sides are not meant to close, but they can easily be closed by adding a button.
However, if you want to make a different size. You will need to adjust the initial chain and either subtract or add chains. You also need to take into account the multiple, which is four.
So to make it bigger, add additional chains, and to make it smaller, subtract chains.
How to seam the blanket shrug together?
The blanket shrug is made by crocheting one long rectangle. Once you have your panel made, you want to fold in the sides to the middle and whip stitch it together.
That’s it! It’s a super simple project and would be great for beginners who are getting into crochet garment making.
Other Patterns You Might Like
- Easy Crochet Cardigan – Learn how to crochet a simple oversized crochet cardigan with this free crochet pattern + guided video tutorial.
- Seaside Crochet Top – This tank top is made from only 2 rectangles! It’s made using only single crochet and double crochet + includes a guided video tutorial.
Free Crochet Shrug Pattern
Description:
Crochet an easy blanket shrug using a one stitch repeat. This beautiful and effortless shrug will keep you warm and stylish!
Materials:
- 5.0 mm (H) crochet hook.
- 4 balls of Loops & Thread Crème Cotton Yarn in the color cream (Weight 4/5.29 oz, 324 yds), a total of 1,296 yards or another worsted weight cotton yarn.
- Darning Needle.
- Stitch Marker.
- Scissors.
Yarn Substitution: Lion Brand Feels Like Butta Yarn.
Gauge:
4 stitches x 8 rows = 4 inch square in reverse blanket stitch.
(stitches in 1 chain space count as 1 stitch when checking gauge)
Abbreviations:
ch – chain: Yarn over, pull through loop on hook.
sc – single crochet: Insert hook into stitch, yarn over and pull through, yarn over and pull through last two loops on hook.
dc – double crochet: Yarn over, insert hook into stitch and pull through, yarn over and pull through first two loops on hook, yarn over and pull through last two loops on hook.
sp – space
Finished Size:
One Size (one size will fit most)
32 1/2 ” wide
42 ” long
Notes
- Pattern written in U.S Terms.
- Pattern is worked in one long rectangle.
- Sleeves are formed by seaming the sides together using the whipstitch method or any other method you prefer.
- Step-by-step video tutorial is included with pattern.
Crochet Blanket Shrug Pattern
ch 132
Row 1: dc in 3rd ch from the hook, ch 2, sc in the next ch. *skip 2 ch, 2 dc in the next ch, ch 2, sc in the following ch. Repeat from * across row. Turn.
Row 2: ch 2, skip the first stitch, make (2 dc, 2 ch, and 1 sc in the chain space). *skip next 3 stitches and make (2 dc, 2 ch, and 1 sc in the chain space). Repeat from * across row, turn.
Row 3 – Row 82: repeat row 2
Finish off and weave in ends.
Construction: Seaming
Step 1: Starting from the right, fold the top and bottom corners to the middle. Repeat this process on the left side.
Step 2: Using the whip stitch method, seam the two sides together on the right leaving a 5.5 inch opening. Repeat this process on the left side of the panel.
Step 3: Once edges are seamed together, flip your blanket crochet shrug inside out. This will hide the seams.
You’re done with the Blanket Shrug!
I hope you enjoyed making this pattern and that the tutorial was helpful! Don’t forget to share your project with me on Facebook or Instagram at @jewelsandjones.
If you have any questions about the pattern, be sure to check out the YouTube video or you can always leave them below.
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Belinda Watson
Wednesday 31st of July 2024
Hi. Iβm late to this pattern. Have gotten quite a few rows in and think it wonβt be wide enough. Can I add a border? If so, how?
Nicky
Monday 5th of August 2024
Hi there, yes, you could always add a border at the end to make it bigger. I would recommend a simple single crochet border for the stitch that is being used. So you would want to reattach your yarn to the rectangle and then start making single crochets all the way around the rectangle. After making a few rows, you could pin the rectangle together with some stitch markers and see how it looks on you. I would do this first before seaming it together, this way you can add some more rows if needed without having to take out the seaming part. I hope that helps! π
Patti
Thursday 20th of June 2024
Thank you for this pattern. My daughter wants me to make it for her but she wants the normal sleve. Is there any way to make a shrug look (with the curved bottom) but without the open skeves. Maybe somehow crochet sleves in the round? Any ideas or suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
Nicky
Monday 1st of July 2024
Hi there, I would make the pattern as its written and then I would crochet in the round for the sleeves. I think this would work best and it'll still look like a shrug. So you want to reattach the yarn to the sleeve part and then repeat row 2 in the round. I hope that helps! π
Debbie
Wednesday 6th of March 2024
I am 5 feet tall and 120 pounds. I would love to make this but would like it to be a shorter cardigan to fit my height better. In order to do that, I was wondering if I need to adjust my starting chain or do I simply just crochet fewer rows? Thank you so much. And the video is super helpful and easy to follow!
Nicky
Thursday 7th of March 2024
Hi there, I would recommend crocheting fewer rows. I would keep the starting chain the same, but I would decrease the amount of rows for the panel. You could always hold the panel up against yourself and see if you like where it's hitting (hold it by the shoulder). If the panel is too long, decrease the amount of rows, and if its to short, add additional rows. I hope that helps! π
Judy
Saturday 27th of January 2024
Hi. I really love this beautiful pattern and that it is so easy to follow. But I am having trouble understanding measuring fingertip to fingertip, my case it is about 50 inches, do I chain (in multiples of 4) a length equal to 50 inches (seems way way too big) or my foundation row will be 52 chains? Now that I said it out loud (haha) 52 chains makes sense plus some extra for looseness. Am I on the right track now? Thank you.
Nicky
Monday 29th of January 2024
Hi there, yes, so you would want to chain in multiples of 4 till you reach 50 inches. It may seem big, but remember you'll be folding in the corners to create the sleeves of the shrug. It also allows for a little bit of looseness. So yes, I think you're on the right track. π
Tami Demascal
Monday 1st of January 2024
Hi there! I would love to make a smaller version for my 8 year old on her birthday. Any tips on how to adapt for her? Thank you! Tami
Nicky
Thursday 4th of January 2024
Hi there, thank you so much! I personally haven't made it in a child size, but I would measure from fingertip to fingertip and then chain that amount. This will give you a rough estimate on the size. Plus, you can always add a border to to extend the sides if you need to make it a bit bigger. I hope that helps.