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Monday, January 30, 2012

DIY: Comfy Crochet Shrug

My version of the lionbrand crochet shrug:



I've been browsing the lionbrand.com pattern website for weeks now. I always seem to stop on this simple crochet shrug pattern.


Doesn't this look comfy? I must admit I didn't believe the pattern when I read the level was beginner, are they serious? with arm holes and everything, I just wasn't sure if I could do it.
Then around the fifth time I stopped on the picture I actually read the pattern. Much to my surprise this did look easy, the only stitch used is single crochet, then you basically fold the piece in half and sew up two sides for the arm holes.

Naturally, as you see above, I decided to attempt to make my own

Follow along with my process if you'd like:
Materials Needed
4 skiens of lion brand homespun creme yarn
size J crochet hook
scissors
measuring tape
darning needle

Step 1: Chain 85


Step 2: Single Crochet in the 2nd chain from the hook and in each chain across


Step 3: Chain 1, turn, in back loops only, single crochet in each stitch across
repeat row 2 until piece measures 42 inches long




Almost done!!
Fold piece in half to measure 21x 38inches


Place markers on each of the 21 in. sides, 7 in. below fold for armholes. Seam sides from markers down to lower edge.


Weave in ends
Wear!

39 comments:

  1. Thank you for sharing! I will certainly try to make it! Adela Olivero (will choose anonymous because the other profiles are N/A)

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  2. I intend on starting one of these shrugs soon. I was wondering if there is any way that I can crochet it where the seams go up and down and not from side to side.

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    1. Hi I was wondering the same thing! And I think we can, as long as we maintain the size..good luck ��

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    2. Hi- Thanks for writing in, I'm sure there must be a way to make the shrug with seams up and down, but unfortunately I'm not sure how.

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    3. would just have to figure the rows so that you end up with the right size square so that it is 42x 38 opposite sides from what is stated in the pattern. Just a bit more measuring

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    4. Please could you tell me what thickness is the Lion Brand Homespun yarn. It sounds like our Aran here in England. Thanks for pattern. I am itching to get cracking on this garment. Drene in Yorkshire England.

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    5. It looks to be about 3 cm thick, hope that helps!

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  3. I must try this, not sure I understand the pattern fully though...

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    1. Hi- Let me know if you have any specific questions.... I might not have been the best at explaining, but in essence all you need to do is crochet a rectangle, fold in half, and sew up sides, leaving a few inches at the top of each side for arm holes.

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    2. Hi I want to make this but I am a large woman and like things alittle bigger do you have suggestions on how to make it larger?
      Thank you,
      Jill

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  4. I was wondering how you actually seamed that sides. Also you don't seam the bottom?

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    1. Hi-
      I seamed the sides, by sewing.. and no need to sew the bottom.

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    2. If you seam clear across what you are calling the "bottom", you'd end up with a long cylinder. It's really hard to picture until your rectangle is finished, but simple from that point. When your rectangle is finished fold in half the long way. Pin the two layers together along the long edges, from each end inward for about 7". (The middle will remain open for access.) Repeat at other end. Try it on. Decide how far toward your body you want the sleeves to be sewn. Remember the only reason for the sleeves is the difference between a loose shawl and a sort of "sweater". The way this drapes is the top open edge will skim the shoulders, the sleeves hold it in place on you :), and the majority will drape down over your back. Whip-stitch those edges together (to create the sleeves) with same yarn as the garment. Hope this helps.

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  5. I saw a pattern similar to this one on a skein of Red Heart. Being a novice, I couldn't quite understand the armhole thing.... Thank you for sharing your project. I totally get it now!!! Yours is beautiful...

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  6. I have a very similar yarn like Homespun and found it is very difficult to crochet, I got dizzy.... :p
    This pattern call for "back loops only", how is it different from the regular stitch? Does it hold up well?
    Your shrug looks beautiful!

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    1. Back loops give you a nice ribbed looked to it. Being that it calls for single crochet it'll be a little tighter stitch as opposed to double crochet which would give you a looser stitch.

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    2. I simply love this shrug, I'm going to have to give it a go, especially in a neutral color.

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  7. How did you fold and sew the sleeves? I can't seem to figure it out? I have folded both ways don't see how you got the sleeves?

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    1. Hi! It's hard to explain, you won't actually see the sleeves until you put the sweater on. Take a look at this GIF, hopefully it'll clear up your questions http://thecraftynovice.blogspot.com/2013/11/your-questions-answered-crochet-open.html

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  8. Hi! Where did the shrug fall until? I just started mine and it stretched a few inches below my butt and im afraid if it will be too long. When i chained my length in the beginning it was just nice, but now its longer. Do you think i should unravel and chain shorter? Or after the shrug is done, only the center of he shrug will go below the butt, the rest is going up in a V shaped. ( I hope you understand what i'm trying t o say lol!)

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  9. Any tips for it you are a larger lady and want to make this? I am a size xl

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    1. Laura, I'm a size L and I'm trying to do it with a few extra stitches. I'm going to try 90 and see how that goes, for a bit more space. If you try something and it works, please post!

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  10. Does anyone have a picture of this being worn, from the back?

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    1. Sorry for the delay, I will try to take a picture tonight and repost at the bottom of the post.

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  11. How long did it take to make?

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    1. I worked on it for a few hours everyday for about a week. I know that's a vague answer but hope it helps a little.

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  12. Any idea how to Adjust pattern for a 2 ply sport weight yarn?

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  13. If l was to use double knitting wool , How many stitches would l need for a 42 inch bust ?

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  14. If l was to use double knitting wool , How many stitches would l need for a 42 inch bust ?

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  15. If l was to use double knitting wool , How many stitches would l need for a 42 inch bust ?

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    1. Hi Dee-
      Unfortunately I'm not sure, this is one size fits all, that said i would say to stitch to meet 42" by 38". Hope that helps!

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  16. I did a foundation chain of 90.... and my piece measures 25", I feel I'm crocheting fairly loosely too! What am I doing wrong?!

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  17. Beautiful! I´m planning to add some shurgs to my collection very soon!
    LiliaCraftparty

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  18. I found my length by using a piece of yarn to get the length I wanted and just chained to that length as for making a wider range I added another 10 stitches . ..
    with this type of garment I don't worry about the size as I use mine mostly in the house or outside and for camping . ..bigger is better and more snuggly . ..I call mine an afghan shrug . Some are longer and some shorter but they all keep away the chill. The best part is I don't loose the warmth when I have to get up for some reason like I do with my afghan (no one can steal it either ! LOL )

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  19. Did anyone answer about making this for xlg?
    I am curious as well. Thanks!

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    1. Oknana, for an XL you will simply add to the length of your beginning chain by whatever length is necessary for you, and increase the "height"(number of rows) of the rectangle to create a larger rectangle. Hoping this explanation makes sense: Measure from mid-nape of neck across shoulder and down to where you want the "sleeves" to end (ie: if you want it to come to the wrist, measure to the wrist, if you want 3/4 length "sleeve" then measure to there). I would add a few inches to this measurement to allow for drape. DOUBLE THIS MEASUREMENT (this measurement will be the same as measuring from wrist to wrist across the shoulders, but easier). This will be the length of your beginning chain and the length of your rows. The NUMBER of rows will depend on your choice of where down your back you want it to fall. Then, the sleeves - the easiest way to decide how far up to whip-stitch the opposite edges together to create the sleeves would be to finish the rectangle, then fold as instructed and pin up those edges and re-pin until you like where it "ends", mark that and whip-stitch up that far on both sides. Hope this helps!

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    2. Thank you so much ! Will give that a try!!

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  20. Muchas Gracias, fácil y bonito.
    Thank you, easy and beautiful.

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  21. It states repeat rows to 42 inches long. Should it read until 38 inches wide or...?

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