When the weather begins to change, and it's still dark when the alarm goes off in the morning, the hardest part is leaving the coziness of my bed. The socially acceptable solution for an adult who just wants their blankie? This warm, squishy, cocoon of snuggles that's so chic and modern. No one will know it's true motivations ;).
I know a lot of you out there feel the same way so I wanted to offer this free pattern using seriously big yarn and needles. The pattern is essentially worked from the bottom up as a large square then seamed to be a chunky, slouchy shrug.
2020 Update!
I've updated this pattern a bit since I first wrote it back in 2016! For one, there's a video tutorial now!
I've also made improvements to the gauge and sizing information and added a downloadable PDF version of the pattern! You can find that HERE.
Yarn and Gauge
For this pattern, you will need at least 18 oz (500g) or 230 yards (210m) of a super bulky to jumbo weight yarn like Ice Yarns Superwash Wool Chunky.
The gauge for this pattern is 6.5 stitches by 9.5 rows on a 4in x 4in (10cm x 10cm) square of stockinette in US 19 (15mm) needles.
Sizing
It's important to make sure you have that same gauge in your chosen yarn and needle size for the stitch counts in this pattern to give you the correct size shrug. See the sizing chart down below.
For your convenience, I've also included the finished measurements for each shrug square in each size. If you use a different yarn or get a different gauge, simply cast on the number of stitches and knit the number of rows you'll need to make a square with the width that matches the square needed for your target size.
The pattern includes sizing for 2T to 5XL. The sizes are grouped like this:
2T-4T (6yrs-9yrs, XS/M, L/2XL, 3XL/5XL)
Throughout the pattern, you'll either be asked to reference the sizing chart below, or the instructions will be written like that with the parentheses.
Pattern
Using the long tail cast on method, cast on the number of stitches indicated on the sizing chart above for your target size.
Row 1 (ws): Purl all stitches
Row 2 (rs): Knit all stitches
Repeat rows 1+2 until your piece is as long as it is wide. 58 (68, 84, 96, 106) rows.
Bind off.
Optional Selvedge
You may want to work the exposed edge stitches differently for a more finished look. To do this, work the first 16 (20, 24, 30, 32) rows normally. Then work a selvedge edge by slipping the first stitch of each row for 26 (28, 36, 36, 42)rows, then work all sts of the last 16 (20, 24, 30, 32) rows normally.
This is totally optional because the edges will curl naturally so the stockinette edge will likely wind up slightly hidden anyway.
Seaming
Lay your piece out flat, purl side down and fold your square in half.
Then seam up from the bottom corners towards the fold line. Seam 16 (20, 24, 30, 32) rows (7, ((8.5, 10, 12.5, 13.5))inches) together.
Because of the way the collar of the sleeve curls, you'll want a seam that looks good on both sides. I chose the mattress stitch to seam mine. For a tutorial on seaming stockinette edges with the mattress stitch, click HERE.
I hope you enjoyed this pattern as much as I enjoyed making it for you all! Please feel free to share your creations on Instagram or Ravelry, I'd love to see how they turn out!