How to Crochet a Shrug for Beginners
If you're new to crochet and are looking for a simple wearable project, try making a shrug. A type of cropped cardigan with short sleeves, the shrug is a fashionable accessory that provides extra warmth on colder days and nights. Ideal for beginners, this shrug is made from one rectangle that is worked entirely in single crochet.
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Things You'll Need
- 150g double-knitting yarn
- Size I-9/5.5mm crochet hook
- Measuring tape
- 2 sewing pins
- Tapestry needle
Instructions
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1
Make a slipknot about six inches from the end of the yarn. Insert your crochet hook into the center of the loop and tighten around your hook.
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2
Draw the yarn over your hook, from back to front, to work a 'yarn over' and pull the loop through your hook. This makes a chain stitch. Repeat this until you have made 95 chain stitches.
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3
Insert your crochet hook into the second chain from the hook. Work a yarn over and draw the yarn through the chain. Work another yarn over and draw the yarn through the two loops on your hook. This makes one single crochet. Continue working one single crochet into each chain across the row. Make one chain sttitch and turn your work.
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4
Work one single crochet (as in step 3) into each stitch across the row. Make one chain stitch and turn your work.
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5
Continue working in rows of single crochet (as in step 3) until your work measures 14 inches from the beginning, as recommended by the Sirdar Yarn Company. Alternatively, crochet until the shrug reaches a comfortable length for your back.
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6
Fasten off your work by drawing the yarn through the last stitch of the row and pulling tight to secure.
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7
Fold the shrug in half lengthways and place a sewing pin 6.5 inches along the fold from each outer edge. This is your sleeve marker.
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8
Thread a new piece of yarn through the tapestry needle and sew along the line from the outer edge to the sleeve marker. Be sure to leave the main body of the shrug open. Repeat for the opposite side.
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1
Tips & Warnings
This shrug will fit a small/medium woman. For a medium/large shrug, chain 107 in step 1 and continue as instructed.
References
- "Crochet Patterns For Dummies"; Susan Brittain; 2007
- Sirdar Pattern Booklet: Cotton Crochet
- Craft Yarn Council; Double Crochet Shrug; 2009
Resources
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Polka Dot/Getty Images
