Crochet Shrug Pattern : Countess of Diamonds

Featuring a stunning granny square motif on the back, my versatile crochet shrug pattern is an easy project with no shaping, increasing or decreasing.  Get the free pattern below or purchase the ad-free printable PDF from my Etsy or Ravelry store.

The construction of this granny square shrug is similar to my chunky cocoon cardigan pattern.  I love the drape and fit of the chunky cardigan and wanted to design a new shrug that could be worn throughout the year.  I used the same technique I used on my Queen of Diamonds poncho and Princess of Diamonds lap blanket… which is why I’ve named this crochet pattern ‘Countess of Diamonds!’

I love how the technique worked out for this shrug with the position of the granny square at the back and the rows on the front.  It gives the garment a boho vibe, perfect for adding flair to your everyday outfit or even as festival wear. 

Instructions are written for sizes S – 5X in UK crochet terms and US crochet Terms.

How the pattern is worked

The cocoon cardigan begins with working a granny square and then the corners are worked to create the diamond shape.  

To construct a rectangle from the square and to fit the different sizes, rows of granny stitch are added to extend the width on each side.

Once assembled, the ribbing around the edging and cuffs is crocheted and you’re done!

The magic happens in the assembly 🙂 Assembly is easy! With the right side of the shrug facing inwards, the fabric is folded in half.  Measurements are made on each side from the top (where the fold is) and stitch markers are placed to show where to start sewing the seam.  The seam is sewn from the stitch marker to where the folded fabric is open at the bottom (see image below).

The crocheted fabric is turned so the right side is facing outwards before working the ribbing.  To work the ribbed edging, yarn is rejoined at the bottom front edge and continues to work around the back of the neck, returning to the bottom front edge on the opposite side (see image below).

The ribbing is worked by crocheting a number of chains, working back loop only stitches, slip stitching along the edge of the cardigan before working the next row.  This repeats around until you reach the opposite side.

Finally, the sleeve cuffs are worked in the same stitches and the same technique as the ribbed edging.  The cuffs are seamed together by slip stitching the beginning and end of the rows.

Related Crochet Cardigan Patterns

• With a one-row repeat, this seamless cardigan is an easy project.  You’ll enjoy the freedom of choosing the length to suit your personal style.
• Made-to-measure, you’ll crochet two hexagons using a combination of stitches (not granny stitch!) in the Ocean Hues cardigan.
• Two hexagons also look great as a pullover!  Check out the Moon Shimmer sweater pattern.
• The Stella granny square cardigan is worked in one large granny square for the back and smaller squares for the front.  This made-to-measure cardigan is an easy make.  You’ll find different designs and constructions in this collection of free granny square cardigans.
• My hooded granny stitch cardigan is the perfect garment to wear during spring and summer
• Worked in 7 rectangles, the Selene long cardigan looks great worn with a dress or t-shirt and jeans.  You’ll find different designs in this collection of free long cardigan patterns.
• Looking for a quick make?  These chunky cardigan patterns could be just what you need.
• If you’re wondering what to do with those odds and ends in your yarn stash (and a blanket just isn’t grabbing your interest), have a browse of these of patchwork cardigan patterns.
• Looking for simple but stylish?  You’ll love this cocoon cardigan.
• Planning your summer makes?  Try this lacy summer cardigan. This bright striped cardigan or long-sleeved cardigan worked in open stitches are great for the summer too.  Browse these free summer crochet cardigans for inspiration.
• Style this lacy cardigan from day to night.
• Suitable for wearing all year, you’ll have this two-row repeat cardigan worked up in no time

Yarn Choice

Lately I’ve been enjoying working with yarns that are a mix of fibres (15% wool and 85% acrylic gave this cardigan a lovely drape – even though it’s only 15% wool you can really notice the different texture).

When I saw Wool Warehouse had a deal on their Yarnsmiths Daydream Aran, even though I didn’t have a project in mind at the time, I couldn’t resist buying some to try it out.  It worked up so well for this shrug!  I will definitely use it again.

Blending 20% cotton and 80% acrylic gives the Daydream Aran some breathability and gives it a squishiness I love.  Garments using 100% cotton can be quite heavy, but blended with acrylic this yarn worked up lightweight, perfect for a cardigan.

I used shade IC005 Ariadne in this free pattern.  There are a total of 10 shades available in this variegated yarn with colours suitable for all different times of the year.

Here’s more information about the yarn and the care instructions:

Shrug Pattern Notes

• Sizing is shown as thus: S, (M, L, XL, 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X).
• Chain 3 counts as a UK treble/ US double.
• Chain 4 counts as a UK treble chain 1 / US double chain 1.
• Granny square is worked in rounds.
• Rounds are joined with a slip stitch to the top of the turning chain then slip stitching to the corner space.
• Corners are worked in decreasing rows.
• Extension for individual size widths is worked in rows.
• Choose which sides you want to extend with the granny stitch rows – the rows will be the front of your shrug.
• If you substitute the yarn you might find the side extension ruffles after row 1. Simply reduce the number of stitches worked into the chain 4 spaces.
• You might find it helpful to place a stitch marker in the stitch at the bottom of the shrug where the yarn is rejoined to begin working the edging.
• Weave in ends as you go.
• If you substitute the yarn, use the yardage and not the grams as not all weights hold the same lengths.  If it is a different fibre/fibre blend, you may need more or less than stated in this pattern.

Level

Easy

Supplies and Materials

• 5mm / H/8 Crochet Hook
• Yarnsmiths Daydream Aran 1029, (1105, 1179, 1254, 1329, 1403, 1478, 1571) yds
• Stitch Markers
• Scissors
• Yarn Needle

Stitches and Abbreviations

• Back Loop Only (blo): working in the back loop of the stitch
• Chain (ch)
• Slip Stitch (sl st)
• Space/s (sp/s)
• Repeat (rep)
• Skip (sk)
• Yarn Round Hook (yrh)
• Right Side (RS)
• Wrong Side (WS)
• Left Hand (lh)
• Right Hand (rh)
• Opposite (opp)

Crochet Shrug Gauge

7 rounds = 10 cm X 10cm

Measurements

Measurements for this crochet shrug follow the Craft Yarn Council guidelines.

Happy Crocheting!

Copyright Notice

The pattern and photographs of this design are the property of Sharon Goodwin at Jera’s Jamboree.  This pattern and design are subject to copyright and are for personal, non-commercial use only.  You may not share, resell, alter or redistribute this pattern in part or in whole. You may, however, sell any finished items you make.  If you would like to include this pattern in a roundup, you may take one photo and link back to this pattern.