Knit Shrug in Lion Brand Homespun - 60082AD

Knit Shrug in Lion Brand Homespun – Free Downloadable Knitting Pattern (60082AD)

This free downloadable knitting pattern from Lion Brand Yarn guides knitters through creating a cozy, wearable Homespun® Knit Shrug — a bolero-style wrap that drapes elegantly from cuff to cuff across the back and shoulders. Rated Easy in skill level, this pattern is an excellent choice for knitters who have mastered the basics and are ready to explore simple shaping and garment construction. The shrug is worked in the beloved Lion Brand Homespun® yarn, known for its soft, textured, chenille-like feel that gives finished garments a rich, cozy appearance.

What Is Being Made

The finished project is a knit shrug, also categorized as a bolero — a short, open-front garment that covers the shoulders and upper arms while leaving the front of the body open. This style is versatile and flattering, suitable for layering over dresses, tops, or blouses for added warmth and style. The shrug is sized to fit a wide range of body types, with finished dimensions spanning six sizes:

• Small: 56 in. (142 cm) cuff to cuff, 22 in. (56 cm) length
• Medium: 63 in. (160 cm) cuff to cuff, 23 in. (58.5 cm) length
• Large: 65 in. (165 cm) cuff to cuff, 24 in. (61 cm) length
• 1X: 67 in. (170 cm) cuff to cuff, 25 in. (63.5 cm) length
• 2X: 69 in. (175.5 cm) cuff to cuff, 26 in. (66 cm) length
• 3X: 71 in. (180.5 cm) cuff to cuff, 27 in. (68.5 cm) length

The inclusive size range — from Small through 3X — makes this pattern accessible and appealing to a broad audience of knitters looking to create a garment that fits beautifully at any size.

Yarn and Materials Used

The pattern calls for Lion Brand Homespun® Yarn in colorway Russet (790-397), with 3 balls required for the project. Lion Brand Homespun® is a chunky, textured yarn with a soft, loopy surface that mimics the look of handwoven fabric. Its warmth and drape make it particularly well-suited to shrug and wrap-style garments.

The full materials list includes:

• Lion Brand Homespun® Yarn – Russet (790-397), 3 balls
• Lion Brand Knitting Needles – Size 9 (5.5 mm) straight needles
• Circular needle – Size 10 (6 mm), 24 in. (61 cm) for the main body sections
• Lion Brand Crochet Hook – Size E-4 for finishing details
• Lion Brand Stitch Markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping
• Large-Eye Blunt Needles (Set of 6) for seaming and weaving in ends

The use of two needle sizes — a Size 9 (5.5 mm) and a Size 10 (6 mm) circular — allows for gauge adjustment between sections, which is a common technique in garment knitting to achieve proper drape and fit across different parts of the piece.

Gauge

The pattern gauge is 12 stitches and 18 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in Seed Stitch using the larger (Size 10) needles. Checking gauge before beginning is strongly emphasized, as matching gauge ensures the finished shrug will match the intended dimensions and that the specified yarn quantity will be sufficient.

Stitches and Techniques Used

The primary stitch pattern throughout this shrug is Seed Stitch, a classic knitting texture created by alternating knit and purl stitches in