Oh, shrugs and boleros! As a knitter, I just adore them. They’re the perfect project – small enough to be satisfyingly quick, but with enough scope for creativity to really get your needles clicking. They’re that perfect little extra layer, aren’t they? A little something to drape over your shoulders on a cool evening, or to add a pop of handmade style to a simple outfit. And the best thing? You don’t need to spend a penny on patterns to create some truly gorgeous pieces!
I’ve been on a mission to gather the best free knitting patterns for shrugs and boleros, and I’m so excited to share them with you. Whether you’re a beginner just starting out, or a seasoned knitter looking for a new challenge, there’s something here for everyone. I’ve personally found that shrugs are a brilliant way to use up leftover yarn from bigger projects, too – a little stash-busting bonus!
I’ve organized these patterns to make it as easy as possible for you to find your next knitting adventure. You’ll find everything from the simplest garter stitch shrugs (perfect for those evenings when you just want to relax and knit) to intricate lace and cable designs that will really show off your skills.
Sakura Shrug – Designed by Kate Atherley for Estelle Yarns Difficulty Level – Advanced Beginner Sizes and Finished measurements: Teen (Adult S, M, L, XL) Width (from cuff to cuff): 31 (32, 34, 36, 38) inches Depth of body (including ribbing): 26 (28, 30, 32, 34) inches Free shrug knitting pattern: link
Crystal Palace Yarns Aran Cabled Shrug free knitting pattern. Crystal Palace Yarns Aran Cabled Shrug in Kaya Wool The striated colors of Kaya form random color in the knit garments. Below shows a close-up of the yarn. See more Kaya Patterns HERE Materials: Crystal Palace Kaya 100% wool, 11 (13, 15) 50 gm balls (Model…
A lacy mohair shrug with elbow-length sleeves and deep ribbing. The simple ripple pattern makes the most of colour-change yarn. Suitable for novice knitters who want to tackle new skills, this is a great introduction to knitting lace and working in the round. By Suzie Blackman fromIt’s a Stitch Up.Find the free shrug knitting pattern…
I have an unreasonable love of cables. Cables are, in fact, the reason that I started knitting. They’re beautiful; so intricate, so full of texture, and yet so simple to execute. A shrug was the perfect way to indulge my passion for cables, as a simple rectangle with no shaping and only two short seams…