Baby Shrug Bolero Knitting Pattern

Baby Shrug in Plymouth Yarn Dandelion and Daisy

What is Being Made

This is a delicate baby shrug designed to fit infants in three size ranges: 0-3 months, 6-12 months, and 18-24 months. The shrug features a back width of 10½, 11½, or 12½ inches depending on size, with sleeve lengths of 5, 6½, or 7½ inches respectively. The garment is constructed using a sleeve-to-sleeve construction method, creating a charming layering piece perfect for newborns and young toddlers.

Knitting Techniques Used

This baby shrug employs several essential knitting techniques to create its refined appearance. The garment utilizes lace pattern work, which creates an open, airy fabric ideal for delicate baby clothing. Ribbing is incorporated throughout the design for structure and stretch, appearing in both 1x1 and 2x2 variations. The pattern incorporates yarn overs and decreases as fundamental lace elements, specifically using slip-stitch, knit-two-together, and pass-slipped-stitch-over decreases to create the characteristic eyelet effects. Increasing stitches is worked into the sleeve sections at regular intervals to achieve the proper shaping. The construction method involves picking up and knitting stitches along edges to create the ribbed edging. Additionally, a picot edge finish is added using crochet techniques for an elegant border detail.

Stitches Used

• Knit stitch (k) – the foundation stitch used throughout the garment
• Purl stitch (p) – used in alternating rows and ribbing sections
• Yarn over (yo) – creates the decorative eyelets in the lace pattern
• Slip stitch (sl1) – used in decrease sequences for lace shaping
• Knit two together (k2tog) – a right-leaning decrease used in lace pattern
• Pass slipped stitch over (psso) – a left-leaning decrease creating balanced lace motifs
• 1x1 ribbing – alternating knit and purl stitches for elastic cuffs and edging
• 2x2 ribbing – alternating two knit and two purl stitches used in gauge measurement
• Stockinette stitch (st st) – smooth fabric used where increases are worked
• Single crochet (sc) – used for the picot edge finish
• Chain stitch (ch) – creates the picot loops on the front edge
• Slip stitch (sl st) – joins rounds and completes the crochet edging

Lace Pattern Details

The lace pattern used in this shrug is based on a multiple of 6 stitches plus 5, creating a repeating motif across the fabric. The pattern is worked over 8 rows, alternating between Dandelion and Daisy yarns to create visual interest. Rows 1 and 3 feature the lace decrease sequences with yarn overs, while Rows 2 and 4 consist of purl rows that set the stitches. Rows 5 and 6 introduce the Daisy yarn with purl stitches, and Rows 7 and 8 continue with Daisy in knit stitches, creating subtle color blocking within the delicate lace.

Materials and Gauge

This pattern is worked using Plymouth Yarn Dandelion and Plymouth Yarn Daisy, both in pink colorways (Dandelion color 2008 and Daisy color 1008). The yardage requirements are minimal and economical: 1 ball of each yarn for the smallest size, increasing to 2 balls of each for the larger sizes, with each ball weighing 50 grams. US Size 7 knitting needles are the primary tool, with a 24-inch circular needle used for picking up stitches along the edges. A 4.5mm crochet hook is required for the picot edge finish. The gauge is measured at 4 stitches per inch in the lace pattern and 5 stitches per inch in 2x