Don Shoulder Shrug in Adriafil New Zealand Print - Downloadable PDF

Don Shoulder Shrug in Adriafil New Zealand Print – Free Knitting Pattern (Downloadable PDF)

The Don Shoulder Shrug is a stylish, contemporary bolero-style shrug designed to drape elegantly over the shoulders. Worked in Adriafil New Zealand Print yarn, this free downloadable knitting pattern produces a textured, cable-detailed piece that is as eye-catching as it is wearable. The design is sized for a 40 (42–44) bust measurement, making it a versatile addition to any knitter's wardrobe.

What Is Being Made

This pattern creates a shoulder shrug, sometimes called a bolero, which is a short, open-fronted garment that covers the shoulders and upper arms without a full body. The Don Shrug is designed to sit gracefully across the shoulders, making it ideal as a layering piece over dresses, tops, or eveningwear. The finished accessory is both functional and decorative, with rich cable textures adding visual interest and dimension.

Materials Required

• Yarn: Adriafil New Zealand Print, colour no. 85 – 150 g required. This is an aran weight yarn, known for its softness and the beautiful tonal, printed colour effects characteristic of the New Zealand Print range from Adriafil.
• Knitting needles: No. 4.5 mm straight needles
• Double pointed auxiliary needle – essential for working the cable stitches
• Crochet hook: No. 3.50 mm – used for finishing or edging details
• 1 hair hoop – incorporated as a decorative or structural element in the design
• Tapestry needle and glue for finishing

Techniques Used

This pattern brings together a satisfying combination of classic knitting techniques and cable work, making it a rewarding project for knitters with some experience of working cables. Key techniques include:

• Cable knitting – using a double pointed auxiliary needle to cross stitches either to the left or right, creating the signature twisted rope effect of traditional cable patterns
• Rib stitch construction – working sections in K2/P2 rib to create elasticity and structure
• Knit and purl stitch combination – forming the background fabric between cable panels
• Crochet finishing – using the 3.50 mm hook to neaten edges or add decorative detail
• Seaming and finishing – using a tapestry needle for joining sections and completing the garment neatly

Stitches Used

The Don Shoulder Shrug pattern uses several distinct stitch patterns, each clearly defined within the PDF:

• K2/P2 Rib Stitch – a classic two-by-two ribbing that provides stretch and a neat, structured edge
• Knitted Stitch (Knit) – the fundamental knit stitch forming the right-side fabric of cable panels
• Purled Stitch (Purl) – used on wrong-side rows throughout the cable patterns to maintain the raised cable effect
• Cable "A" – worked over 4 stitches; a left-crossing cable where on Row 7, 2 stitches are held on the auxiliary needle in front of the work, 2 stitches are knitted, and then the held stitches are knitted. Rows 1, 3, and 5 are worked in knit stitch; all even rows in purl. The pattern repeats from Row 3 after the cable cross row.
• Cable "B" – worked over 4 stitches; a right-crossing cable where on Row 7, 2 stitches are held on the auxiliary needle at the back of the work, 2 stitches are knitted, and then the held stitches are knitted. This mirrors