Charlotte Shrug

Charlotte Shrug by Emily J. Designs

What Is Being Made

The Charlotte Shrug is a versatile cardigan shrug featuring an elegant all-over lace design. This garment is designed to be layered over tank tops and dresses during warmer months, or worn over long-sleeve shirts when temperatures drop. The shrug offers a sophisticated, feminine silhouette suitable for multiple seasons and styling occasions. Available in six sizes ranging from XS to XXL, with finished bust measurements from 32 inches (81 cm) to 52 inches (132 cm) and finished lengths between 17 and 19.5 inches (43.5 to 49.5 cm).

Construction Technique

The Charlotte Shrug is constructed using a one-piece knitting method, worked from the bottom up. This efficient construction approach minimizes seaming and creates a cohesive garment. The sleeves are added by casting on stitches at the body division point, and shoulders are seamed after the main body is complete. This technique reduces the number of finishing steps while maintaining structural integrity and proper fit.

Stitches and Stitch Pattern

The garment features an all-over lace stitch pattern that creates the distinctive visual appeal of the design. The lace pattern is worked throughout the body and sleeves, requiring attention to detail and intermediate-level knitting skills. Knitters should be comfortable reading lace charts and managing yarn overs and decreases to achieve the intricate openwork design.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

Yarn: The Charlotte Shrug is designed to be worked in The Plucky Knitter Primo Sport, a sport-weight yarn. The fiber content is 75% merino wool, 20% cashmere, and 5% nylon, providing a blend of warmth, softness, and durability. Each skein contains 275 yards (251 meters) and weighs 100 grams (3.5 ounces). Yardage requirements vary by size: XS and S require 4 skeins, M and L require 5 skeins, XL requires 6 skeins, and XXL requires 8 skeins. The sample shown was knit in the colorway Cloche.

Needles and Notions: US 5 (3.75 mm) circular needles measuring 32 inches (80 cm) or longer are required, or needles sized to obtain the specified gauge. Additional notions include a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and seaming, two stitch holders for managing stitches during construction, two removable stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats, and an optional crochet hook for any finishing details.

Gauge and Blocking

The pattern specifies a gauge of 22 stitches and 36 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) when worked in the lace pattern stitch, measured after blocking. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements and ensuring the lace pattern displays as designed. Blocking is recommended to open up the lace stitches and set the garment dimensions.

Skill Level

The Charlotte Shrug is rated as an intermediate knitting project. Knitters should have solid foundational skills including the ability to work with circular needles, read and follow lace charts, execute yarn overs and decreases, and manage multiple stitches. Experience with garment construction and seaming is beneficial for successfully completing this design.