Cosmos Shrug

Cosmos Shrug by Sarah Hatton

What is Being Made

The Cosmos Shrug is a lightweight, elegant shrug designed to fit sitting bust measurements of 32-34, 36-38, 40-42, 44-46, and 48-50 inches (81-86, 91-97, 102-107, 112-117, and 122-127 centimeters). This garment features a back panel construction with shaped armholes and sleeves, making it a versatile layering piece suitable for various occasions. The finished length ranges from 14½ to 18 inches (37 to 46 centimeters) depending on size selected.

Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project employs several essential shaping techniques. The pattern begins with a ribbed cuff worked in a 1x1 rib pattern to create elasticity and a finished edge. Armhole shaping is accomplished through strategic cast-offs at the beginning of rows, followed by decreases worked at the edges using ssk (slip, slip, knit) and k2tog (knit two together) decreases on the knit rows, with corresponding p2tog and p2togtbl (purl two together through back loop) decreases on the purl rows. This symmetrical decrease pattern creates smooth, tailored armhole edges. The pattern also incorporates bead placement details, with instructions to slip stitches and position beads strategically throughout the design for decorative enhancement.

Stitches Used

• Ribbing (1x1 rib): Alternating knit and purl stitches creating vertical lines and elasticity for the initial cuff section
• Stockinette stitch (st st): The primary fabric throughout the body, created by knitting on right-side rows and purling on wrong-side rows
• Slip stitch: Used in conjunction with bead placement for decorative detailing
• Decreases: Including ssk, k2tog, p2tog, and p2togtbl for armhole shaping and fitted construction
• Cast-off: Applied at armhole edges to bind off groups of stitches for shaping

Materials and Specifications

The Cosmos Shrug is designed to be knitted with Rowan Kidsilk Haze, a luxurious lace-weight yarn. The pattern requires 3 to 5 balls of 25-gram skeins depending on the size being knitted, with larger sizes requiring additional yardage. Two needle sizes are required: 2.75mm needles for the initial ribbed cuff section and 3.25mm needles for the main body worked in stockinette stitch. The use of lace-weight yarn combined with these needle sizes creates a delicate, drapey fabric ideal for a shrug silhouette. Beads are incorporated as embellishments, requiring a beading technique where yarn is positioned before and after slipped stitches to secure beads within the knitted fabric.

Difficulty Level

This project is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle garment construction, shaping techniques, and decorative embellishments. The combination of ribbing, stockinette stitch, symmetrical decreases, and bead placement provides a balanced challenge without requiring advanced techniques.