Knit Shrug

Knit ShrugAn ideal first project. Large needles and three strands held together produce almost instant results and there are only two small seams to sew. You'll need to know how to: cast on, knit (k), purl (p), increase by knitting twice into the same stitch, knit two stitches together (k2tog), bind off, and sew a seam using yarn.

SIZES

To fit Small (30-32 chest), Medium (34-36 chest), Large (38-40 chest). Directions are for smallest size with larger sizes in parentheses. If there is only one figure, it applies to all sizes.

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS

  • sleeve width at top of arm 20 1/2 (21 1/2, 22 1/2)/52 (55, 57)cm
  • center back neck to cuff 29 1/2 (30 1/2, 31 1/2)/75 (77.5, 80)cm

MATERIALS

  • two, 3-oz./85g skeins (each approximately 197yds/177m) of worsted weight yarn in a dark color (A)
  • two, 3-oz./85g skeins (each approximately 197yds/177m) of worsted weight yarn in a medium color (B)
  • two, 3-oz./85g skeins (each approximately 197yds/177m) of worsted weight yarn in a light color (C)
  • Size US 15 (10 mm) needles OR SIZE TO OBTAIN GAUGE
  • contrast yarn or safety pins for marking end of sleeves
  • yarn or tapestry needle for sewing seams

GAUGE

9 stitches and 12 rows to 4"/10cm using size US 15 (10 mm) needles and 3 strands of yarn held together.

TO INSURE PROPER SIZE, TAKE TIME TO CHECK GAUGE.
Note:

Hold one strand each of A, B and C together throughout.

STITCHES USED

Stockinette Stitch: Knit on right side (RS) rows; Purl on wrong side (WS) rows.

FIRST SLEEVE

With size US 15 (10 mm) needles and one strand each of A, B and C held together, cast on 20 (22, 22) sts. Row 1 (WS): Purl. Row 2: Knit. Row 3: Purl. Row 4: Knit twice into 1st st, knit to last st, knit twice into last st22 (24, 24) sts. Repeat these last 4 rows until a total of 13 (13, 14) increase rows have been made46 (48, 50) sts. Work even in Stockinette stitch until piece measures 20/51cm (Row 60). Tie contrast yarn markers (or pin safety pins) on first and last stitch of this row to mark top of sleeve.

BACK

Work even in Stockinette stitch until piece measures 19 (21, 23)/48 (50.5, 53)cm from markers, end with WS row. Tie additional yarn markers (or pin safety pins) on first and last stitch of this row (to mark top of second sleeve).

SECOND SLEEVE

Work 8 (8, 4) rows even, end with a WS row. Row 1 (decrease row): K2tog, knit to last 2 stitches, k2tog. Row 2 (WS): Purl. Row 3: Knit. Row 4: Purl. Repeat last 4 rows until a total of 13 (13, 14) decrease rows have been made20 (22, 22) sts. Be sure to end with row 4 (60 rows should have been worked from top of sleeve). Next (RS) row: Bind off loosely.

FINISHING

Lay piece flat, pinning to measurements, and lightly steam with iron. Using 1 strand of B (medium color yarn) threaded double through tapestry or yarn needle, sew sleeve seams from cuff to markers. Remove markers. Darn in any yarn ends.

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of these instructions. We cannot be responsible, however, for variances in individual techniques, human errors or typographical mistakes.

© 2007 Craft Yarn Council of America