The Shale Shrug is like wearing a hug! I’m so thrilled with how this turned out. This was the first time I’ve made this type of sweater and it was fairly easy to construct.

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I’ve designated this pattern to be intermediate only because of the stitch instructions. Even though the only stitches you will need to know are chains and double crochets, the instructions were long because of the squares pattern.

As long as you’re not brand new to crocheting, you should be able to complete this project. I have included photos of each row of pattern so that you will have a visual AND I am also including a stitch chart for any chart readers out there!

I wanted to make this pattern as easy to follow as possible because it’s fun and creates such a beautiful finished product!

The Shale Shrug pattern comes in three sizes: S/M, L/XL and 2XL/3XL. However, if you would like to customize the pattern, by shortening the length or increasing the width, instructions are given in the “Notes” section of the pattern.

The sleeves are 3/4 length sleeves and you can also customize the length of them by adding or removing rows. Personally, I enjoy the 3/4 length.

It is not true to size or form fitting. The Shale Shrug is designed to be a chunky, over-sized cocoon type sweater.

If you’d like to see any more of my sweater designs, click the link here.

Okay, let’s get to it then!

Add this pattern to your Ravelry queue here…

Shale Shrug

Materials Used:

• 6 (7, 8) skeins of Loops & Threads Country Loom in Shale — 104 yds/5 oz – 95 m/141 g
• Or any size 6 super bulky weight yarn.
• N (9.00 mm) crochet hook
• Four stitch markers
• Tapestry needle 

Finished Size Approximately:

Rectangle Size Without Trim

S/M — 33” Height x 38.5” Width

L/XL — 36” Height x 42” Width

2XL/3XL — 39” Height x 45.5” Width

Gauge:   

7 dc stitches and 4 rows in a 4” (10cm) square.

Skill Level:

Intermediate

Abbreviations:

FC – foundation chain

ch(s) – chain(s)

st(s) – stitch(es)

dc – double crochet

sl st – slip stitch

Notes:   

• If you’d like to make anything else using this pattern, you will need a foundation chain or starting chain with a multiple of 8 chains.
• This pattern is written for sizes S/M with sizes L/XL and 2XL/3XL in parenthesis. I recommend using a highlighter or circling your size throughout the pattern to avoid confusion.
• It is meant to be an over-sized shrug, not form fitting. It also doesn’t close in the front. The sleeves are ¾ length sleeves.
• This sweater is very long. If you would prefer a shorter shrug, simply omit a few rows as needed. Each row is equal to approximately 1”.
• If you use any size yarn other than the size 6 super bulky, it will affect the size of your finished shrug.
• When you see [Instructions] twice, it means to work the instructions within the brackets two times before moving on to the next instructions.
• A stitch chart is included at the bottom of the pattern.

*** American crochet terms used throughout.

Instructions: 

FC: Ch 96 (104, 112)

Row 1: In 6th ch from hook, dc. ★Ch 1, skip next ch, dc in next ch★ Repeat from ★ to ★ across. Turn.

Row 2: Ch 4 (counts as dc + ch 1), skip next ch-1 space, dc in next st, ch 1, skip ch-1 space, dc in next st, [dc in next ch-1 space, dc in next st] twice, ★[ch 1, skip next ch-1 space, dc in next st] twice, [dc in next ch-1 space, dc in next st] twice★ Repeat from ★ to ★ across until ch-1 space, dc and ch 4 turning ch remain. Ch 1, skip next ch-1 space, dc in next st, ch 1, skip 1 ch of ch-4 from previous row. Dc in next ch. Turn.

Row 3: Ch 4 (counts as dc + ch 1), skip next ch-1 space, dc in next st, Ch 1, skip ch-1 space, dc in next 5 sts, ★[ch 1, skip next ch-1 space, dc in next st] twice, dc in next 4 sts★ Repeat from ★ to ★ across until ch-1 space, dc and ch 4 turning ch remain. Ch 1, skip next ch-1 space, dc in next st, ch 1, skip 1 ch of ch-4 from previous row. Dc in next ch. Turn.

Row 4: Ch 4 (counts as dc + ch 1), skip next ch-1 space, dc in next st, ★ch 1, skip next ch-1 space, dc in next st, [ch 1, skip next st, dc in next st] twice, ch 1, skip next ch-1 space, dc in next st★ Repeat from ★ to ★ across until ch 4 turning ch remains. Ch 1, skip 1 ch of ch-4 from previous row. Dc in next ch. Turn.

Repeat Rows 2 — 4 of pattern for 40 (43, 46) rows.

Finish off. Weave in ends.

Finishing

Lay your panel out flat. (There is no Right Side or Wrong Side. It looks the same on both sides.) Fold your panel in half where the top is touching the bottom as shown in the photo below.

Sleeve Seams

Counting up from where the two corners come together, place your stitch marker in the corner and in 12 (13, 14) dc’s from that corner. Stitch markers are shown as light blue dots. Repeat for 2nd sleeve.

Using a tapestry needle, yarn and whichever seaming stitch that you prefer, stitch the sleeve seams as shown in the photo above. (Shown in purple)

You now have seams so you will need to flip your sweater inside out to finish.

This photo shows the sweater opened up with the seams already sewn.

Center Opening Trim

Using your crochet hook, attach your yarn in any stitch around the center opening as shown in the photo above in orange. 

Round 1: Ch 3, dc evenly around the entire opening. (See Note below) Sl st into the top of 1st dc made of round. Don’t turn.

Note: To dc evenly around the opening, dc once in the ch-1 space and dc once in the dc st, repeat.

Round 2: Ch 3, dc in every st around. Sl st in the top of 1st dc made of round. Don’t turn.

Round 3: Repeat Round 2. Finish off. Weave in ends.

Sleeve Trim

Using your crochet hook, attach your yarn in the armpit stitch (where the purple and pink lines meet) of the armhole opening. (Armholes shown in pink)

Round 1: Ch 3, dc evenly around the entire opening. (See Note below) Sl st into the 1st dc made of round. Don’t turn.

Note: To dc evenly around the opening, dc once in the ch-1 space and dc once in the dc st, repeat.

Round 2: Ch 3, dc in every st around. Sl st in top of 1st dc made of round. Don’t turn.

Round 3: Repeat Round 2. Finish off. Weave in ends.

Repeat Rounds 1 — 3 for 2nd sleeve opening.

I hope you’ve enjoyed the Shale Shrug crochet pattern! If you make one, please tag me @highlandhickorydesigns in your social media so I can oooh and ahhh over your work too!

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