Criss-Cross Shrug Bolero Knitting Pattern

Criss-Cross Shrug Bolero Knitting Pattern by Lion Brand

Project Overview

The Criss-Cross Shrug is a versatile bolero-style shrug designed by Lion Brand using their Homespun yarn. This simple yet stylish garment is constructed as a long rectangle with seamed sleeves at each end, allowing for multiple wrapping and draping styles. The shrug can be worn by sliding arms into the sleeves while wrapping the rectangular body around the torso in a criss-cross fashion, creating an elegant layering piece.

Sizing and Dimensions

The pattern is available in two sizes: Small/Medium and Large/Extra-Large. The finished dimensions are 12 inches wide by 75 inches long for the smaller size, and 12 inches wide by 80 inches long for the larger size (30.5cm x 190.5cm and 30.5cm x 203cm respectively). The pattern is written for the smallest size with changes for larger sizes provided in parentheses throughout the instructions.

Skill Level and Techniques

Rated as an Easy skill level project, this shrug is ideal for knitters of all experience levels. The construction employs fundamental knitting techniques including casting on, working in garter stitch, binding off, and seaming. Additional finishing techniques include weaving in ends and attaching decorative fringe using a crochet hook.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch used throughout this pattern is garter stitch, created by knitting every row. Garter stitch produces a textured, reversible fabric with horizontal ridges and provides excellent drape and elasticity, making it ideal for a wrap-style garment. The simplicity of working only garter stitch makes this project accessible to beginners while still creating visual interest through the stitch texture and color blocking.

Materials and Yarn

This pattern uses Lion Brand Homespun yarn in four coordinating colorways:

• Granite (Color A): 4 skeins - the primary yarn used throughout the body of the shrug, worked with two strands held together
• Antique (Color B): 1 skein - used for fringe accents
• Fuchsia (Color C): 1 skein - used for fringe accents
• Black (Color D): 1 skein - used for fringe accents

The yarn is worked with two strands held together throughout the main body of the shrug, creating a thicker, more substantial fabric.

Tools and Equipment

The pattern requires Lion Brand Knitting Needles in Size 13 (9mm) for the main knitting. A Lion Brand Crochet Hook in Size K-10.5 is used for attaching the decorative fringe. A large-eye blunt needle (included in a set of 6) is used for weaving in yarn ends during finishing.

Gauge

The pattern specifies a gauge of 8 stitches and 8 rows equaling 4 inches (10cm) when working in garter stitch. Checking gauge before beginning is essential to ensure the finished shrug meets the intended dimensions and drapes properly.

Construction Method

The shrug is constructed by casting on 24 stitches and working continuously in garter stitch until the piece measures 75 to 80 inches in length, depending on the size. The work is then bound off. During finishing, the rectangle is folded in half lengthwise, and 18.5-inch underarm seams are sewn from the cast-on and bind-off edges, creating two sleeve openings at each end of the long rectangle.

Finishing and Fringe Details

After seaming, yarn ends are woven in for a neat finish. Decorative fringe is created by cutting strands from the Antique, Fuchsia, and Black yarns into lengths of approximately 4 to 7 inches. Each fringe is formed by folding a strand in half, inserting a crochet hook through a stitch from the wrong side to the right side, drawing the fold through to create a loop, and pulling the fringe ends through this loop to secure. The fringes are attached randomly over the lower 4.5 inches of each sleeve, or as desired, adding textural and color interest to the finished garment.

Wearing and Versatility

The shrug's rectangular construction and flexible design allow for multiple wearing options. The primary method involves sliding one arm into a sleeve, wrapping the remaining length of the rectangle around the body