Simple Shrug

Simple Shrug by Jennifer Chase-Rappaport

What is Being Made

The Simple Shrug is a beginner-friendly knitted bolero-style garment designed by Jennifer Chase-Rappaport. This one-piece shrug features an exceptionally flexible fit, making it suitable for a range of body types and style preferences. The garment is available in three sizes with body opening circumferences of 40 inches, 50 inches, and 60 inches, allowing wearers to choose between a closer, fitted silhouette or a looser, more jacket-like drape.

Sizing and Fit

The Simple Shrug offers unique sizing flexibility that sets it apart from traditional garment patterns. Rather than relying solely on standard measurements, the pattern provides guidance for selecting the appropriate size based on desired fit. For a closer, more tailored fit, the designer recommends choosing a body opening circumference approximately 12 inches larger than the wearer's actual bust measurement. For those preferring a looser, more relaxed jacket-like silhouette, a circumference about 18 inches larger than the actual bust measurement is suggested. The pattern includes detailed directions within the "Central Body" section for further customizing the fit to individual preferences.

Construction Techniques

The Simple Shrug is constructed as a single, continuous knitted piece worked flat from the center outward. Despite being worked flat, the pattern calls for a 24-inch circular needle to accommodate the large number of stitches cast on in the middle of the garment. This construction method allows for seamless integration of the shrug's design while managing the stitch count efficiently.

Materials and Yarn

The Simple Shrug pattern requires 5 to 7 skeins of Knitpicks' Comfy Worsted yarn, depending on the chosen size. The photographed sample is shown in the colorway "Peapod." Knitters should use a Size 9 circular needle, or whatever needle size is necessary to obtain the specified gauge for proper fit and drape.

Gauge

The pattern specifies a gauge of 18 stitches, which is essential for achieving the correct finished measurements and ensuring the garment fits as designed. Obtaining proper gauge is particularly important in this pattern, as it directly affects the body opening circumference and overall fit of the shrug.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as beginner-level, making it an excellent choice for knitters new to garment construction or those seeking a straightforward project. The straightforward one-piece construction and basic stitch work make the Simple Shrug accessible to knitters developing their skills.