The Willow Shrug

The Willow Shrug by The Queen Stitch

Garment Overview

The Willow Shrug is a feather-light crochet garment designed as a dancer's shrug that drapes elegantly over tank tops and slip dresses. This intermediate-level project creates a willowy, flowing piece that combines delicate construction with purposeful design inspired by natural forms.

Design Features and Construction

The shrug showcases distinctive crochet techniques that create visual interest and texture. The garment features crochet puff stitches combined with front-post ridges that work together to form a willow leaf inlay pattern. This combination of stitch techniques creates dimensional detail while maintaining the lightweight aesthetic essential to a dancer's garment.

The pattern incorporates a special stitch called 2BPCL, which is a cluster stitch worked around the back post of two stitches. This stitch is executed by yarning over and inserting the hook around the back post, creating the textured ridges that define the willow leaf motif throughout the piece.

Yarn and Materials

The Willow Shrug is constructed using a lace weight yarn held double, creating a cloud-like fabric perfect for layering. The pattern calls for:

• Debbie Bliss Rialto Lace in Sea Green (lace weight): 600-950 meters total (2-3 skeins)
• Debbie Bliss Angel yarn (specific yardage and quantity noted in full pattern)

The mohair yarn combination creates a cozy, delicate fabric that feels substantial enough to wear while remaining ethereal and breathable—ideal for a dancer's shrug designed for movement and comfort.

Skill Level and Pattern Information

This pattern is rated intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for crocheters with foundational skills who are ready to work with specialty stitches and post-based techniques. The pattern is available as a downloadable PDF from The Queen Stitch, an independent designer.

About This Design

The Willow Shrug is part of The Tree Collection created in collaboration with Love Crafts. The design was inspired by the designer's friend Anne and carries meaningful purpose: 25% of the proceeds from this pattern are donated to the Minneapolis Parks and Recreation department to support their urban tree initiatives in Minnesota.