Simple shoulder snuggle

Simple Shoulder Snuggle by Corrina Ferguson

What is Being Made

The Simple Shoulder Snuggle is a knitted wrap-style cape designed to drape comfortably around the shoulders. This versatile garment is constructed as a rectangular piece that is sewn together to create a cozy shoulder covering suitable for layering. The finished wrap accommodates a 40-inch bust and provides an elegant, casual accessory for warmth and style.

Craft and Technique Overview

This project combines knitting and crochet techniques to create a textured, multi-yarn shoulder wrap. The design uses a straightforward construction method that makes it accessible to intermediate knitters while producing a sophisticated finished piece. The pattern employs a simple rectangle-based approach with strategic yarn switching to create visual and textural interest through contrasting materials.

Knitting Stitches and Methods

• Garter Stitch – The primary stitch throughout the project, created by knitting every row to produce a dense, textured fabric with horizontal ridges
• Knit (k) – Basic knit stitch used consistently in garter stitch construction
• Knit Front and Back (kfb) – An increase technique for shaping as needed
• Single Crochet – Applied around the bottom edge using a Size M/N crochet hook to finish and define the lower boundary of the wrap

Pattern Construction

The Simple Shoulder Snuggle begins with casting on 40 stitches in Claudia Handpaint Boucle yarn and working 12 rows of garter stitch. The knitter then switches to double-stranded Claudia Handpaint Kid Mohair and works 6 rows of garter stitch. This two-section pattern repeats until the rectangular piece reaches 52 inches in length. Once the rectangle is complete, it is sewn together according to a provided diagram, and single crochet edging is worked around the bottom edge in the boucle yarn to create a finished border.

Yarn and Materials

This pattern uses two distinct yarns to create textural contrast and visual interest. The primary yarn is Claudia Handpaint Boucle, a chunky-weight yarn available in 100-gram skeins with 215 yards of yardage. The secondary yarn is Claudia Handpaint Kid Mohair, a lace-weight yarn supplied in 25-gram skeins with 245 yards of yardage. The kid mohair is worked double-stranded to achieve the correct gauge and create a lighter, airier texture against the denser boucle sections.

Needles and Tools

• Size 13 Circular Needles (9.0 mm) – 16-inch length for knitting the main rectangle
• Size M/N Crochet Hook (9.0 mm) – Matches needle size for consistent gauge and used for single crochet edging
• Tapestry Needle – For weaving in yarn ends and seaming the wrap together

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 10 stitches to 4 inches when working in garter stitch. This gauge measurement is essential for achieving the correct finished dimensions. The wrap as written fits a 40-inch bust comfortably. The pattern notes that the wrap can be customized with different yarns or yarn combinations if the crafter makes appropriate gauge adjustments. A helpful tip suggests pinning the unfinished wrap around the shoulders of the intended wearer to test sizing before completing the project.

Difficulty Level

This project is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters with some experience who are comfortable with basic stitches and garment construction. The straightforward garter stitch pattern and simple rectangular shape make it forgiving, while the yarn switching and finishing techniques provide opportunities to develop skills in texture work and edge finishing.