Watercolor Shrug

This small shrug is perfect for using a small amount of handspun or luxury yarn, and is great for layering over summer dresses or camisoles. The body of the shrug is a rectangle that knits up quickly in a simple openwork pattern that highlights the texture of the yarn. After the sleeves are seamed, stitches are picked up to work the front edging and short-row shaped collar.

FINISHED DIMENSIONS:

Bicep Circumference: 10"(12", 14", 16", 18")

Width from Sleeve Hem to Sleeve Hem: 23"(24", 25", 27", 29")

Back Length from Neck to Hem: 11.75"(13.75", 15.75", 17.75", 19.75")

Sleeve Length to Underarm: 3"

Sleeve Length to Underarm: 17.5"

MATERIALS:

180(225, 275, 340, 410) yards worsted weight yarn

size 10 circular needles 24" or longer

size 8 circular needles 24" or 29"

stitch marker

darning needle

GAUGE: 4" = 18 sts by 22 rows in Pillar Openwork Stitch on larger needles

Note: this stitch pattern pulls in so a larger needle than usual for these yarns has been used. Yarns shown usually knit at 18 sts to 4" in Stocking Stitch on size 8 needles.

Yarn shown to left and below right: 3-ply handspun from Tactile Fiber Arts Merino/Tencel unspun fiber (50% merino/50% tencel; 194 yards/4 ounces; 11 wraps per inch)

Yarn shown below left: Be Sweet Bambino (70% organic cotton/30% bamboo; 95 yards/50 grams)

Yarn shown above right: Debbie Bliss Pure Cotton (100% cotton; 96 yards/50 grams)