Shrug in Schachenmayr Silk Wool - 1762

Shrug in Schachenmayr Silk Wool – Knitting Pattern Summary (Free Downloadable PDF)

This free downloadable PDF knitting pattern from Schachenmayr provides instructions for a stylish shrug (bolero) knitted in Schachenmayr Silk Wool. The design is available in sizes XS/S, M, and L/XL, making it a versatile project for a range of body types. The finished piece has an elegant, lightweight character suited to layering over dresses, tops, or blouses.

What Is Being Made

The pattern produces a bolero-style shrug — a short, open-front garment that covers the shoulders and upper arms while leaving the front of the body largely open. Boleros and shrugs are perennially popular knitwear pieces because they add warmth and style without the bulk of a full cardigan. This particular design is worked in a single piece, knitted sideways (horizontally) from one side to the other, as indicated by the directional arrow in the schematic included in the pattern.

Construction Method

• Knitted in one piece: The bolero is worked entirely in one piece, knitted from side to side (laterally), which minimises seaming and creates a clean, continuous fabric.
• Sideways construction: Rather than being knitted from the bottom hem upward, the piece is cast on along one side edge and worked horizontally across the back and around the sleeves. This technique is well suited to stitch patterns with strong horizontal visual lines.
• Armhole shaping: Armhole openings are created at specific row heights — at 20.5 cm, 21 cm, and 21.5 cm depending on size — using contrast-thread markers (referred to as Marker B in the pattern) to define the beginning of the first armhole. Stitches are divided and reorganised at this point to separate the sleeve and body sections.
• Stitch count adjustments: The pattern notes that the stitch count changes within the pattern repeat due to the nature of the Persian stitch, and knitters are reminded to account for these increases and decreases carefully throughout.

Stitches and Techniques Used

• Persian stitch (Persianermuster): The main body fabric is worked in the Persian stitch, a textured knitting pattern that creates a rich, dimensional surface. In this pattern, the Persian stitch section involves temporary stitch count changes — 2 extra stitches are added to the needle and then decreased again every 4th pattern row. This is an inherent characteristic of the stitch pattern and must be tracked carefully throughout the project.
• Rib/welt border (Bündchenmuster): A 8-stitch ribbed border is worked along both edges of the piece to provide neat, elasticated cuffs and edgings. The rib begins with 2 knit stitches and ends with 2 purl stitches on one edge, and is mirrored on the opposite edge. This ribbing frames the Persian stitch panel and gives the shrug a polished finish.
• Edge stitches (Randmaschen): Selvedge stitches are worked at both edges throughout to keep the sides tidy and to facilitate any finishing.
• Stitch markers: Contrast thread markers are used to indicate key construction points such as armhole beginnings, which is a practical technique for managing the sideways construction method.

Stitch Counts and Gauge

The pattern specifies a cast-on of 90, 98, or 106 stitches for sizes XS/S, M, and L/XL respectively. The gauge is given as:

• 22 stitches and 24 rows = 10 x 10 cm in the Persian stitch pattern

Achieving the correct gauge is especially important in this pattern because the sideways construction means that row count determines the width of the garment across the back, while stitch count determines the length from cuff to cuff.

Materials

The pattern is designed specifically for Schachenmayr Silk Wool, a yarn that combines the softness and sheen of silk with the warmth and structure of wool. This fibre blend is well suited to the Persian stitch, as the slight lustre of silk enhances the textural definition of the