This knit is a flattering cross between a bolero and a shrug, so if you like the cropped-top look but want to cover up as well, it’s ideal. The openwork-pattern rows are really easy: Simply wrap the yarn around the needle twice for each stitch; then, on the next row, drop the extra wraps to make long loops, which are crossed over. The other rows are just knit or purl.
ESTIMATED TIME TO COMPLETE
The first-size shrug took just 6 hours to make, including the edging.
ABOUT THIS YARN
Rowan Big Wool is a thick, soft, lightweight, 100% merino wool yarn. This colorway has two different shades twisted together. It has 87 yds. (80 m) to each 100 g (approx. 3½ oz.) ball and can be hand-washed or dry-cleaned.
SIZES
To fit: bust: 32 to 34[36 to 38:40 to 42] in. (81 to 86[91 to 97:101.5 to 107] cm) Actual measurements: cuff to cuff 47[49½:52] in. (120[126:132] cm) with cuff folded back; back length 16¼[18¼:20¼] in. (41.5[46.5:51.5] cm) including edging. Figures in square brackets refer to larger sizes; where there is only one figure, it refers to all sizes.
YOU WILL NEED
• 4(5:6) x 100 g balls (approx. 14[17½:21] oz.) of Rowan Big Wool in Bohemian, shade 028
• pair each of size US 15 (10 mm) and size US 17 (12 mm) knitting needles
• 32-in. (81-cm)- long size US 17 (12 mm) circular needle
GAUGE
8 sts and 10 rows to 4 in. (10 cm) over crossed openwork patt on size US 17 (12 mm) needles. Change needle size, if necessary, to obtain this gauge.
ABBREVIATIONS
beg = beginning; cont = continue; dec = decrease; foll = following; inc = increase; k = knit; kfb = k into front and back of st; patt = pattern; p = purl; RS = right side; skpo = slip one, k1, pass slipped st over; st(s) = stitch(es); st-st = stockinette st; tog = together; [ ] = work instructions in square brackets as directed.
NOTES
• The shrug is knitted all in one piece, from cuff to cuff; then the edging is picked up and worked in the round.
• The increase and decrease rows for the sleeves are always on the 5th pattern row, which is a knit row.
SHRUG
Left sleeve. Using US 15 (10mm) needles, cast on 30(34:38) sts.
Row 1 (RS) K2, [p2, k2] to end.
Row 2 P2, [k2, p2] to end.
These 2 rows form rib patt. Rib 19 more rows.
Change to US 17 (12 mm) needles.
Row 1 (RS) P.
Row 2 Wrapping yarn twice around needle for each st, p all sts in row.
Row 3 Dropping the extra wraps for each st, k first st, [slip next 4 sts purlwise, return sts to left needle, k into front of 3rd st, lift over 2nd and first sts and off needle, k 4th st in same way, k first, then 2nd sts] 7(8:9) times, k1.
Row 4 K.
Row 5 K.
Row 6 P.
These 6 rows form crossed openwork patt.
Patt 10 more rows.
Inc row (RS) Kfb, k to last 2 sts, kfb, k1. 32(36:40) sts.
Cont in patt, crossing 2 sts at each end of patt Row 3 where necessary to keep patt correct, inc in this way at each end of 2 foll 6th rows. 36(40:44) sts.
Shape left armhole. Bind off 7 sts at beg of next 2 rows. 22(26:30) sts.
Back Patt 28(34:40) rows.
Shape armhole. Cast on 7 sts at beg of next 2 rows. 36(40:44) sts.
Right sleeve. Patt 4 rows.
Dec row (RS) K1, k2tog, k to last 3 sts, skpo, k1.
Cont in patt, dec in this way at each end of 2 foll 6th rows. 30(34:38) sts. Patt 17 rows.
Change to US 15 (10mm) needles.
Next row P2, [k2, p2] to end.
This row sets rib to match beg of left sleeve. Rib 20 more rows. Bind off in rib.
Edging. Join sleeve seams, reversing seam for turn-back cuff on ribbings. Using circular needle and beg at left sleeve seam, pick up 42(46:50) sts around lower edge of back to right sleeve seam and 42(46:50) sts around upper edge of back. 84(92:100) sts.
Round 1 P.
Round 2 [K1, p2, k1] to end. This round forms rib. Rib until edging measures 2¾ in. (7 cm). Bind off loosely in rib.
TIP
• If you don’t have a size US 17 (12 mm) circular needle, use straight needles and work the edging in rows, in two pieces, before joining the sleeve seams. Just pick up half of the stated edging stitches at a time. Begin and end with k2 for the first rib row, then continue in rib as set for 2¾ in. (7 cm) and bind off. After completing the second side of the edging, join the sleeve and edging seams.
Softer than a shrug, bigger than a bolero, this natty knit can be slipped over a top for an added layer of style.