The Four L Shrug

The Four L Shrug by Rian Anderson

What is Being Made

The Four L Shrug is a knitted bolero-style garment designed for larger sizes, featuring a distinctive silhouette that flares from the neck to the hem. The design is specifically engineered to fit better at the front, making it an elegant layering piece. Available in sizes 18/20, 22/24, and 26/28, this shrug showcases a lacy construction that celebrates the use of specialty and fancy yarns from your stash.

Design Philosophy

Large, Loose, Long & Lacy – these four characteristics define the Four L Shrug. The garment is intentionally oversized and relaxed in fit, with a generous length and openwork lace patterning throughout. This design approach allows the shrug to drape beautifully while accommodating a range of body types within the larger size range.

Knitting Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project employs lace knitting techniques to create the openwork patterns characteristic of the design. The flared shaping from neck to hem requires strategic increases and shaping techniques to achieve the proper silhouette. The construction method allows for creative yarn combinations, enabling knitters to layer different textures and effects within a single garment.

Stitches and Construction

While specific stitch patterns are detailed in the full PDF instructions, the Four L Shrug utilizes lace stitches that create the openwork aesthetic. The garment is constructed using standard knitting stitches combined with yarn overs and decreases typical of lace knitting. The flared construction requires careful attention to stitch counts and shaping rows to achieve the intended silhouette.

Materials and Yarn Requirements

This project is designed as a stash-busting opportunity, allowing knitters to combine up to three different yarns in weights ranging from 4 ply to 10 ply thickness. Recommended yarn types include ribbon yarns, silky chainette, tramline yarns, and special effect yarns, which can be mixed with plainer yarns for textural contrast.

• 100–130 metres each of two different fancy yarns
• 120–150 metres of main colour yarn (recommended at 8 ply or thicker)
• Total yardage varies depending on the specific size and yarn weight selected

The flexibility in yarn choice means that yarns do not need to match in thickness or type, providing creative freedom while using up specialty fibres from your collection.

Needles and Tools

• 1 pair 10 mm (US 15) needles with pointed tips (preferred for lace work)
• 1 larger needle, size 12 mm or similar, for casting off
• 1 pair 7 mm needles for ribbing or finishing details
• Tapestry needle for weaving in ends

Skill Level

Rated as intermediate difficulty, the Four L Shrug is suitable for knitters with experience in basic shaping and lace techniques. The combination of multiple yarns and the flared construction require attention to detail and familiarity with reading knitting patterns.

About the Designer

The Four L Shrug was designed by Rian Anderson and is part of the boleros project collection. This free downloadable PDF pattern was published in 2011 and represents an independent designer's approach to creating versatile, size-inclusive knitwear.