Sweater Shrug, Bolero, Cardigan

Sweater Shrug, Bolero, Cardigan by Knit Me One

What Is Being Made

This is an original design by Patricia Askew for a sideways-knit Sweater Shrug in a dolman style, functioning as a versatile indoor/outdoor accessory. The shrug is designed to fit size small through sizes 14 to 16, with the finished garment's dimensions and fit varying based on the fibers, colors, and stitch definition chosen by the knitter. The straightforward construction makes each completed shrug unique, as the final appearance depends entirely on the materials and personal knitting style of the maker.

Techniques Used

This pattern employs a sideways-knit construction method that simplifies the overall building process. The sleeves are knit in-the-round, while the back is knit flat using garter-stitch throughout. The design eliminates complex shaping techniques—there are no increases, no decreases, and no purls required. The primary technique for adjusting fit involves changing needle sizes rather than manipulating stitch counts during the knitting process. Customization for different sizes is achieved by adjusting cast-on stitches, needle size, or yarn weight, making this an adaptable pattern for various body measurements.

Stitches Used

The pattern relies exclusively on garter stitch, which is created by knitting every row. This fundamental stitch creates a textured, reversible fabric with horizontal ridges. The simplicity of using only knit stitches—with no purl stitches involved—makes this pattern accessible to beginners while still producing a visually interesting finished garment.

Materials

This pattern is designed for chunky weight yarn, which works up quickly and creates a substantial fabric. The specific yarn fiber content and color choices are left to the knitter's preference, as the pattern notes that every shrug will be unique depending on the fibers and colors selected. Knitting needles appropriate to the chunky yarn weight are required, with the pattern instructions specifying that needle size adjustments serve as the primary method for customizing fit across different sizes. No additional materials such as seaming supplies are needed, as the pattern includes no seams to sew together.

Pattern Details

• Designer: Patricia Askew, Knit Me One™
• Craft: Knitting
• Difficulty Level: Beginner
• Format: Downloadable PDF
• Construction Method: Sideways knit with in-the-round sleeves and flat back
• Sizing: Adjustable from small through sizes 14–16 by modifying cast-on stitches, needle size, or yarn weight
• Finishing: No seaming required; simply cast-on, knit, and bind-off