Hey all!
After the immense (and very unexpected) popularity of my original No Seam Shrug Free Crochet Pattern, I have had numerous requests to design another shrug that was at least similar to the first one, because a. I designed the first one before my blogging days, so I didn’t have step-by-step pictures and some of the concepts of how the shrug was “put together” confused some; and b. the first shrug is very heavy and some wanted a lighter shrug using worsted weight yarn.
I hope it was worth the wait! The yarn is worsted weight and much different from the yarn I used for the original pattern, though the colors are very similar. I realize now I should have done it in different colors, but I really seem to have a thing for seaside colors. Oh well- it’s not like you can’t use different colors just because I can’t.
This is, as always, a free pattern. It is a size medium in misses. I’ve included some ideas on how to make the shrug smaller or larger at the end of the pattern. The sleeve is a 3/4 sleeve on me, but I do have ape arms so keep that in mind. I’ve added how to increase or decrease the arm length the end of the pattern as well. I’ve also added the step-by-step pictures to try to convey some of the more abstract concepts of the pattern. Please note if the direction I’m working in the pictures seems jacked up, it’s because I crochet left-handed. Don’t pay so much attention to the direction as to the concept of what the picture shows.
Measurements of the shrug pictured that I made using this pattern:
Sleeve: 21 inches (from shoulder to end of sleeve)
Back Panel: 11 inches (the “Back” part in the instructions)
Back: 18 inches (measured between armpits)
Top of the neck to bottom of the back: 17 inches
PLEASE NOTE these measurements will vary depending on your gauge and if you use a different yarn.
Lightweight No Seam Shrug Free Crochet Pattern
Supplies:
Crochet Hook size N/15 10mm
Marker
Scissors
Yarn Needle
3 Skeins Red Heart Boutique Unforgettable in Tidal where to buy
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Please note: The notation in parentheses at the end of each line of directions is simply a count of how many stitches you should have at the end of working that particular line of directions to help you keep track of your stitch count.
Gauge: 8 double crochet = 4 inches and 6 rows of double crochet = 4 inches. Use whatever size crochet hook needed to achieve this gauge. For best results, please check your gauge before beginning this pattern.
Directions:
Sleeve 1:
Chain 37 stitches; join ends with slip stitch forming a loop (36 stitches).
Round 1: double crochet around round, join with slip stitch (36 stitches).
Rounds 2-10: double crochet 1, decrease 1 double crochet, double crochet around round to last stitch, decrease 1 double crochet (18 stitches at the end of row 10).
Rounds 11-12: double crochet around round (18 stitches at the end of row 10).
Rounds 13-20: increase 1 double crochet, double crochet around round (26 stitches at the end of row 20).
Rounds 21-30: double crochet 1, increase 1 double crochet, double crochet around round to last stitch, increase 1 double crochet (46 stitches at the end of row 30).
Back:
Rows 1-15: chain 3, turn, double crochet 22 stitches (23 stitches). When you start the back, you will begin working off the sleeve you just finished in rows and turning your work instead of working in rounds and not turning your work. Make sure you start the first row on the bottom of the back (armpit) and end the last row at the top of the back.
Sleeve 2:
Chain 24 off the top of the back. Join chain to the bottom of the back with a slip stitch to form the round for the sleeve.
Rounds 1-10: double crochet 1, decrease 1 double crochet, double crochet around round to last stitch, decrease 1 double crochet (26 stitches at the end of row 10).
Rounds 11-18: decrease 1 double crochet, double crochet around round (18 stitches at the end of row 18).
Rounds 19-20: double crochet around round (18 stitches at the end of row 20).
Rounds 21-30: double crochet 1, increase 1 double crochet, double crochet around round to last stitch, increase 1 double crochet (36 stitches at the end of row 30). Cut yarn, tie off and weave in ends.
Front:
Join yarn on bottom of back; double crochet 8 rows around. You will work from the bottom of the back up one sleeve, across the top of the back (neck), down the other sleeve, and back across to where you started. Once you’ve completed 8 rounds by doing this, cut yarn, tie off and weave in ends.
Ideas to make this shrug smaller (XS-S):
Follow the pattern as written, but use a smaller hook. The weave will be a little tighter if you do it this way.
OR
Use the same hook size but start the pattern with 2-4 stitches less, then follow the pattern as it’s written as far as increasing/decreasing, but it will be 2-4 stitches less than shown all around (stitch counts at the end should be 2-4 stitches less than shown). Also, remove the last 2-4 rows on the first sleeve and the first 2-4 rows on the second sleeve, and 2 rows across the back.
Ideas to make this shrug larger (L-XL):
Follow the pattern as written, but use a larger hook. The weave will be a little looser if you do it this way.
OR
Add 2-4 rows to the back, 2-4 more rounds to the front, and 2-4 more stitches to the sleeve rounds.
To make the sleeves shorter: remove rounds 11-12 in sleeve 1 and rounds 19-20 in sleeve 2.
To make the sleeves longer: add rounds as needed between rounds 11-12 in sleeve 1 and rounds 19-20 in sleeve 2 using the same stitch count (18).
Here’s the step-by-step breakdown. The pictures show the pattern being worked from left to right because I am left handed. This pattern is symmetrical, so it can be worked either left to right or right to left and achieve the same results.
This is the first few rounds on the first sleeve. You will be decreasing to create the flair on the bottom.
Sleeve 1 finished.
Working the back off of sleeve 1.
Chain 24 off of the top of the completed back.
Join the chain at the bottom of the back to form the loop for sleeve 2.
Sleeve 2 worked off the loop.
Starting the front of the shrug.
Working the rounds for the front of the shrug.
Don’t forget to check out my other free crochet patterns!
ah ha! This should be of great help to the visual learners…
And now I don’t know which pattern to use to make one for my daughter,…..
Do you have an idea of how many hours to crochet this shrug?
Just had an idea ….as a suggestion….:
It might be a good thing to indicate the yardage used or skein size in yards…
thank you
Nancy
I’m guessing that it would take around 8-10 hours to do it if you are working off the pattern. It’s hard for me to time it in process since I was writing the pattern while I was making the shrug, but that’s a good guesstimation. 🙂 I will include the skein yardage and approximately what I used myself. Thanks for the feedback! 🙂
Psst….
*whispering*…. I just read the suggestions for making this smaller/larger…
in the ‘make it larger’ your instructions say to use a SMALLER hook (same as for making smaller)..
I’ll bet you meant LARGER…
😉
Nancy
Thank you for catching that! 🙂 I copied and pasted this from the “make it smaller” directions and just changed some of the verbage, but I must have missed this one. Thanks again!!!
😉
I’ve made this shrug twice now for my daughter. The first one was with the yarn called for but I didn’t add the “front” as it was big enough without it. The second one was done with two strands of worsted weight yarn held together, the Q hook and I did add the “front”. She was happy with the first one so I’m sure she will be happy with the new one.
Wonderful!!! 🙂 I love to hear from people who have used and enjoyed the pattern. Thank you Ellen!
Very nice and attractive Shrug. I have to make this one for me — and maybe my sister and my daughter. Thank you so much for sharing your talent
You’re welcome Aimee, and thank you! 🙂
I have read all the comments on the 1st one & I am kinda visual when I do my projects… Thanx for the new helpful pictures. I’ve been crocheting @ 44 years & rarely read a pattern. The more I read the comments & your reply ~ this pattern sounded less complicated. I plan to start soon. I’ve been given some spare yarn from a friend so I’ll be blending different colors & textures & possible even the size hook. I’ve been looking for a project to use that yarn gift; this is it. I’ve never done a gauge, but I might this time.
Thanx again ~ Kathy ~
You’re welcome Kathy! 🙂
–Kathy
I will be interested to see how this goes for you. Please post some pics as you go, if you can. I too am working on this.
— Michelle
I am going to try to start the second sleeve with a foundation dc, to see if I can avoid the tightness of a starting chain. But you know how it goes when you don’t follow directions 😉
Nancy
Just try to make the starting chain for the second sleeve as loose as you can stand it. No matter what you do, it’s probably still going to seem a little tighter than the first sleeve when you compare them, but once it’s finished you won’t see the difference when worn. Just as long as you get it in the ballpark of loose-ness, you’ll be good 🙂
Love the shrug. One question though. When I start round 2 do I do a chain 2 or 3 to step up?
Hi Terry!
I’m glad you like the shrug! You can chain to step up, but you don’t have to… I didn’t and it turned out as you see in the picture. It’s totally up to you! 🙂
Awesome! Have a wonderful weekend.:-)
I haven’t made this crochet shrug yet, but I would like to say, give yourself more credit! Your pictures are very helpful and precise, and I think you made the pattern extremely easy to follow. Just by readling and looking I’m able to see what to do. Plan to make for my mom and sister. Thanks again for the great post!
You’re welcome Ashley, and thank you for your kind words! 🙂
I absolutely love this pattern. I wish I had your creativity, but now I can make something beautiful just for me! Keep up the good work- it is very appreciated.
Why thank you! It’s always nice to know that my efforts are appreciated! 🙂
Love the shrug, working on it now. Do you block this when finished?
I’m glad you like the shrug! 🙂 I didn’t block it.
This looks beautiful! Iam fairly new to crocheting, having started within the last year. I have been looking for a crochet project at an intermediate level to make. Definitely going to give this a try.
I only have 2 questions though. When you say increase/decrease does that mean 2dc in ast and dc2tog? I dont have this particular yarn on hand but i do have some worsted weight yarn. Would i be ok if i used that instead?
Hi Ashley!
I’m glad you like the pattern! 🙂
First question: the way you inc and dec is the same way I do it, so that will definitely work. I just put inc and dec instead of a specific way to do it because there’s like 10,000 ways to inc and dec and I wanted to leave it open for people to do it their own way.
Second question: Worsted weight yarn should work just fine with this pattern. Actually, the yarn I used is worsted weight; it’s just more “fancy” and a bit lighter than what “regular” worsted weight (like Red Heart) is.
I hope this helps! Let me know if you have any more questions!
For your second
Wow, what a great pattern! I made this for my sister for her birthday, she really loves wearing all sorts of jackets, wraps and shrugs, so I hope that she enjoys it. It certainly is beautiful. Thank you!!!
You’re welcome Gabby; thanks for the great feedback! 🙂 I’m sure your sister will love it!!!
Hi Michelle, I think this is a beautiful pattern. My sister has asked me to make her an old fashioned bed jacket, but I can’t find a simple pattern anywhere, at least not one using a more chunky yarn. I think this will work up beautifully (and quickly). I also love the idea of ‘no seams’ as my sewing skills usually let me down. Thanks for sharing!
You’re welcome Claire; I’m sure your sister is gonna love it! 🙂
Hello, my name is Joanne and I am new. I just want to say this is awesome!!!!! I have been looking for something beautiful and not too complicated to make and here it is. I plan on making this using cotton worsted weight, because I heard that is the best for summer or spring, and I am a 2x – 3x size if you have any tips for me to make it in this size, or using the type of yarn, or if anyone else have any suggestions I am open and would appreciate it. I am intermediate and still learning. Thank you in advance. P.S. the pictures are great because I am a visional learner so this makes it even better. Also thank you for sharing this project.
You’re welcome Joanne! I’m glad you like it 🙂
To make this to fit you, I would first suggest to add 4-6 rows to the back, 4-6 more rounds to the front, and 4-6 more stitches to the sleeve rounds. The back and front are a little more forgiving than the sleeves, so I would try on the first sleeve as you work it up and add or subtract as needed. When you work the back, work it until it will confortably reach to the other shoulder while you have the first sleeve on. When working the rounds in front, keep adding rounds until you get the fit in front that you would like.
I hope that helps! 🙂 Let me know if you have any other questions.
Michelle
How would you suggest I edit the pattern to make a straight sleeve? Thanks!
Hi Emilie!
For the first sleeve, chain 18 stitches, form a round, crochet 18 stitches for rounds 1-10, and then follow the pattern as written. For the second sleeve, follow pattern as written for rounds 1-10, then crochet 18 stitches for rounds 11-20.
Hope that helps and let me know if you have any other questions!
Thanks very much. Cant wait to try it out.
Hello Michelle, the shrug is awesome, I have been looking to make something like this for my daughter, she is petit – so a small size should be ok. The pattern I see runs into a long trail. Can you please direct me to a written pattern to help me start off crocheting one for my daughter.
PS: To start off with can I use a 4.5 or 5mm hook with a 4-ply wool. thx
Hi Dilnavaz!
I’m not sure what you mean by the pattern you see “runs into a long trail”? That is the written pattern; perhaps it’s not displaying correctly in the browser/device you’re using? And yes, you can use that yarn and size hook, but with a smaller hook the pattern will run small so you may have to add stitches as you work. I would size it to your daughter as you make it and add more stitches as necessary.
Also if possible, guide me to a video if you’ve managed to make one..:)
I don’t have a video for making this shrug, but if I ever make one, you’ll be the first to know. 🙂 Thanks!
Thank You so Much for this!
I was looking for an airy long sleeved shrug to wear for a southern Autumn night and this is perfect…(great year round I think)!
You’re welcome Tina! 🙂
Hi! SO I lovvvvvvvveeeeeeeeeeeeeee this pattern as well as the first one. IN fact, I’m having a hard time deciding which one to make.
I’m a dancer and need a warm shrug for the cold Maine winters and was wondering if there was a way I could make the sleeves straighter on this one. We aren’t allowed to have angel sleeves or anything “hanging” so to speak.
Thanks!
Victoria
Hi Victoria!
I’m glad you love the pattern! 🙂 Here’s how to make the sleeves straighter:
For the first sleeve, chain 18 stitches, form a round, crochet 18 stitches for rounds 1-10, and then follow the pattern as written. For the second sleeve, follow pattern as written for rounds 1-10, then crochet 18 stitches for rounds 11-20.
Hope that helps and let me know if you have any other questions!
So I’m currently trying this pattern out in a brown to wear with my deer costume. I’m making it bigger since I need a larger size so I’m doing some guess work. I’ll let ya know how it turns out!
Thank you Kandess- I look forward to it! 🙂 If you haven’t already, check out some tips at the end of the pattern about how to make the shrug larger.
it is so very nice to see that you respond to the comments!!!!!
Thank you very much Dawn! I really appreciate the people who take the time to comment, so I always make sure to return the love! 🙂
Dear Michelle,
I am just making this wonderful shrug.
Shall I need to increase when I make the front of it?
Hi Emese! 🙂
I don’t know- is there a reason you need to increase it? I need to know why before I can tell you for sure. Thanks! 🙂
That was just an idea which came when I read the pattern but I will try how it will be better…honestly, I modified your pattern a bit. I am using 8 mm hook so I think 8 rows will not be enough. And firstly I was not sure that you used American or British terminus technicus (double crochet) because the number of stiches in one row was more than yours.
These sleeves are not so ‘kid-compatible’ 😀 I choosed Dragonfly color of this yarn. That’s all 😀
Okay, now I understand 🙂 Yes, if you are using a smaller hook, then you will have to increase the front like everything else. I am using American terms in the pattern.
I hope that helps! 🙂
Thanks! Of course it helped. I did not need to increase.
I am ready 🙂
Great! 🙂
It would be nice to see your finished garment measurements as a guide to know whether or not to make it larger or smaller. Not all Medium/ Large are the same. I have medium weight yarn (3) that I’m trying to find a shrug pattern for and yours is gorgeous but I have wide shoulders and long arms.
Hi Jenn!
Thanks for your suggestion! I still have this shrug, so I will measure it and post the results as soon as possible- probably sometime next week. I have wide shoulders and long arms as well and this shrug ended up a little small on me; that’s why I put it in the Medium/Large category because when it comes to tops, I’m definitely a large 🙂
I love this shrug and would also like to know the measurements of the finished garment in order to know if I need to make a larger size. I am a medium, but sometimes need to wear a larger size, as I too have longer arms. When you say this is a misses size medium, is that a teen size or ladies size medium? Also do you have a shrug pattern with short sleeves? And where can I find the pattern you mention for your first shrug? Thanks so much for posting your pattern. There isn’t much available online for shrugs. I will be using Red Heart Super Saver. I have colors in Monet, Macaw, Cherry Red, Black. I want to make many of these, and I have 4 girls that are going to want one as well. Would love to see a picture of you wearing the shrug. Would give us a nice idea of how it wears on a person, than your beautiful wicker figure. Thanks again for sharing this fabulous pattern.
Hi Veronica!
I’ve updated the post to include the measurements. This is a ladies size medium. If you look through the comments, I’ve posted ideas on how to make the sleeves shorter. The link to my first shrug is in the first sentence of the post where I mention it. I would love to model the shrug, but it is too snug on me right now (especially after the holidays!) 🙂
I hope this helps! Let me know if you have any other questions.
Hi there! I love love love this pattern! It is so easy! But do you have a pattern for lighter, 0 weight yarn or maybe fingering, sport, lace, or something like that? I can’t get worsted here. Thanks!
Hi Charis! I’m sorry, but I don’t have any patterns for lightweight yarn. You could try working this pattern holding 2 strands of lightweight yarn together.
I really want to make this shrug however I couldn’t find how many rows for the back I need to make 22 stitches for. If you could help me out I’d appreciate it thank you
ok figured it out I just had to read the pattern 4 times before it clicked that you already gave me the Rows right in the beginning well I’m off to crochet
Hi Michelle. I have just finished this pattern and am so pleased with it. It looks terrific and was very quick to make. Thank you so much for sharing this. Best wishes
Hi Ange! I love hearing from my readers who are using and enjoying my patterns- thank you for letting me know! 🙂 Happy New Year!
I’m new again to crochet after a 20+ year hiatus, so kinds starting all over again in some ways. Forgive me if the sounds elementary, but for rows 2-10 and 11, 12 and 13-30 do you join each round with a ss or continue with rounds creating a spiral so it doesn’t create a seam? Thanks for the pattern, it’s gorgeous!
Hi Donna!
When I make this, I just went round and round, but this pattern is very forgiving, so even if you did join each row with a ss it will not leave a seam or affect the outcome of the pattern. So the choice is yours!
You’re very welcome for the pattern; I’m glad you like it! 🙂
Wow, I just ran across this Shrug. I love it. I am very new to crocheting; Teaching myself and confuse easily. I think I am more of a Visual Learning. Any chance of a Youtube Video ? I think there is a error in the pattern.
Sleeve 1:
Rounds 2-10: double crochet 1, decrease 1 double crochet, double crochet around round to last stitch, decrease 1 double crochet (18 stitches at the end of row 10).
Sleeve 2:
Rounds 1-10: double crochet 1, decrease 1 double crochet, double crochet around round to last stitch, decrease 1 double crochet (26 stitches at the end of row 10).
I am thinking sleeve 1 has a written error. Is my assumption below correct?
Both sleeves start with 1 dc; then (1) Inc/or (1) Dec ( Depending on the Sleeve); then continue to dc around to last stitch Then finish the last stitch as (1) Inc/or (1) Dec ( Depending on the Sleeve)==Which makes (2) inc/dec per round)?
Hi Terri!
If you are referring to the decrease of sleeve 1 on rounds 2-10, you do decrease here to create the wider sleeve while ending to fit the arm snugly. Is that what you are referring to?
Thanks for your response Michelle,
Yes, Sleeve 1 rows 2-10; and Sleeve 2 rows 1-10 start out the same is this Correct?
Also please confirm that I would need to start both with the Decrease and Finish with a Decrease per row.
Yes, this is all correct 🙂 I know the pattern may not look correct at first glance, but once you start making the shrug, it will make sense to you.
Let me know if you need any help as you work the pattern! 🙂
Love this scrug and can’t wait to make it. Do you happen to have this pattern in a PDF version? I like to keep my patterns on my iPad. Thanks. Mary
Hi Mary! I’m glad you like the pattern! 🙂
I don’t currently have any of my patterns in PDF, but I am getting a lot of requests for them so I may do it sometime in the future.
I am new to crocheting. What skill level would you rate this at? Also, I would like to make this for summer and would like to shorten it much shorter than 2 rows. I was thinking just above the elbow so it would clear it when the elbow is bent. Where would you recommend starting/stopping the sleeve at? Thank you!
Hi Lori! 🙂
I’d rate this pattern as “easy”; just above a beginner level. But, don’t let that stop you from trying it… if you have any problems, just ask and I’ll be happy to help you. 🙂
To put this above the elbow (without the flair), just start the first sleeve at round 15 and end the second sleeve at round 15. You may have to add/subtract some rounds depending on your arm length; just measure it against yourself as you work.
I hope that helps! 🙂 Let me know if you have any more questions.
LOVE THIS! Thanks so much for the FREE pattern, esp tips on how to adjust sizing! I dont have any Boutique Unforgettable right now… I am trying to decide if I should just wing it with what I’ve already got, or make a trip to the craft store later this week.
You’re welcome Nicole! 🙂
I would like to make this shrug longer in the back – do I just continue the back stitches for more rows?
Hi Nan! 🙂
If you want to make the shrug longer in the back (longer between the neck and waist) you will want to add some stitches to each row of the back rows. You will want to keep track of where you leave off the first arm so you can attach chain for beginning the second arm at the same spot.
I hope that helps! Let me know if you have any more questions.
would like to use this over a formal gown. thought the Fun Fuzzy yarn would be cute Think this will work?.Want a furry look.
Hi Pamela! Yes! I can picture what it would look like using the fuzzy yarn and I think it should work quite well actually! 🙂
Hi Michelle
I am learning to crochet garments and with your pattern, which I love, I am having trouble with beginning the sleeve. It is probably with the decrease 1 double crochet. After the first row of stitches, each row after is still 36 stitches. Can you clarify for me how the first three stitches on row two are to be worked (exp., dc in first stitch and then in next stitch….etc.)? Thank you! I want so badly to make this pattern.
Hi Sue,
The first three stitches in the row would be at follows: dc 1, decrease 1 dc (in other words, dc two stitches from the previous row into one stitch in the current row) and then dc 1. So the first 4 dc stitches in the previous row is now the first 3 stitches in the current row. If you keep working the rows this way, you should have 18 stitches total at row ten.
Does this help? Let me know if it doesn’t! 🙂
I am just wondering would you ever make a tutorial to crochet a tablecloth?
Thank you
Nancy
Not as of yet 🙂 It seems making video tutorials is the way to go these days so please check back with me soon!
hello , I am new at crochet and love your shrug, but I have one question. I have a long back is it possible to make it longer? can i try do make it even if I am new at crochet?
Hi Nathalie,
Yes, you can make the back a little longer; just add four additional rows to the rows on the directions for the back of the shrug. You can certainly try to make this if you are new to crochet, but I’d probably start with some simpler projects (like scarves or potholders) before attempting this one.
Hi, I was wondering how I would go about making the bottom of the sleeves a full flair then making it slimmer up the arm. Thank You…
Hi Liliana,
Do you mean you want more of a flair then it is now?
I wanted the sleeve to have a wide flair on bottom and slimmer towards the top. I want the flair to have the same length not on an angle if this makes sense. Thank You…
Let me think on how to do it and I will get back to you in a couple days. 🙂
Ok thank you
Hi Liliana,
Sorry it took me so long to get back to you.
Replace the directions for Rounds 2-10 for Sleeve 1 and Rounds 21-30 for Sleeve 2 with the following:
Rounds 1-10: decrease 1 double crochet, double crochet halfway around the round, decrease 1 double crochet, crochet the rest of the round (26 stitches at the end of row 10).
Rounds 21-30: increase 1 double crochet, double crochet halfway around the round, increase 1 double crochet, crochet the rest of the round (36 stitches at the end of row 30). Cut yarn, tie off and weave in ends.
You will have to keep track of your stitches for each round to calculate the halfway point for each round.
Thanks for your patience! 🙂
Michelle: Just found your No-Seam Shrug on another craft site. Have been crocheting all types of clothing and household decorations since my Grandmother taught me to crochet at around 5-6, (am now 81) and found this to be one the easiest patterns I have run across. Unlike yours, the instructions along with pictures are very confusing. Did the back/sleeve part 3 times before it clicked. was beginning to think I had lost it. Thanks again for a delightful pattern. have been reading the comments and some of your answers would be very helpful to beginners as well as to “joggle” the mind of some of us oldies. Keep up the good work. Can hardly wait to get started on this one.
Thanks so much Maude! I’m glad you are enjoying the pattern 🙂
I love this shrug making one in rainbow right now for a Rainbow Brite cosplay but I’m a little confused is the sleeve supposed to be a spiral or is there a slip stitch i’m missing at the end of the rounds? thank you so much
I just worked it in a spirial. If you want to do the rounds using a chain and slip stitch, feel free to- just count the chain stitch as one of the stitches in the round.