Lana Grossa Shrug Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Lana Grossa Shrug in Alta Moda Alpaca

What is Being Made

This is a knitted shrug designed as Design 22 from the Lana Grossa Accessories 19 collection. A shrug is a short, close-fitting cardigan that covers the shoulders and upper back, providing layering versatility. This particular design is worked as a single continuous piece that is seamed and finished with ribbed cuffs at the arm openings. The finished shrug measures 65 cm from cast-on to bind-off, with three size options available: 36/38, 40/42, and 44/46.

Techniques Used

The shrug employs seamed construction, meaning the main body is knitted flat and then sewn together rather than worked in the round from the beginning. The piece is folded lengthwise with wrong sides together, and side seams are sewn over 22 cm to create the shrug shape. After seaming, stitches are picked up around each arm opening to create the sleeve cuffs, which are then worked in the round using double-pointed needles. This pick-up-and-knit finishing technique allows for seamless cuff integration.

The primary decorative element is lace patterning, which is achieved through eyelet rows worked from a stitch chart. The eyelet pattern creates an open, textured fabric that adds visual interest and breathability to the garment. The lace section spans 140 rows, then the chart rows 1–8 are repeated once more before returning to solid ribbing, creating a balanced design with lace as the focal point.

Stitches Used

The shrug features two primary stitch patterns:

• Ribbed Pattern (K2, P2): A classic 2x2 rib is used for the top and bottom edges of the main body, as well as for the sleeve cuffs. This elastic stitch provides structure and helps the garment hug the body. The rib pattern is worked for 6 cm at both the beginning and end of the main piece, and for 8 cm on each sleeve cuff.
• Eyelet Pattern: Worked according to a provided stitch chart, the eyelet rows create an open lace fabric. The pattern repeats over a multiple of 2 stitches plus 1, plus 2 selvage stitches. Eyelet patterns typically incorporate yarn-overs and decreases to create small holes that form a decorative, lacy appearance.

Materials and Gauge

The shrug is knitted in Lana Grossa Alta Moda Alpaca, a luxury yarn composed of 90% baby alpaca, 5% Merino wool, and 5% polyamide. This fiber blend provides exceptional softness, warmth, and a subtle sheen characteristic of alpaca. The yarn is available at 140 meters per 50 grams. Yardage requirements vary by size: 300 grams (approximately 840 meters) for size 36/38, 350 grams (approximately 980 meters) for size 40/42, and 400 grams (approximately 1,120 meters) for size 44/46. The featured colorway is Dark Red Mélange (color 40), which provides a rich, sophisticated base for the lace pattern.

The pattern is worked on size 5.5 mm needles for the main body and one set of size 5.5 mm double-pointed needles for the sleeve cuffs. The gauge is 16 stitches and 27.5 rows over 10 x 10 centimeters when working the eyelet rows on size 5.5 mm needles. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for proper fit and drape of the finished garment.

Construction Overview

The shrug begins with casting on 158 (166, 174) stitches depending on size. After establishing a selvage stitch on each edge, the ribbed pattern is worked for 6 cm, with one stitch increased at the end of the final wrong-side row. The main lace section is then worked from the eyelet chart for 140 rows, followed by one additional repeat of chart rows 1–8. The piece returns to ribbed pattern for 6 cm, with one stitch decreased at the end of the final wrong-side row to return to the original stitch count. The piece is then bound off and measures 65 cm in total length. Finishing involves folding the piece in half lengthwise with wrong sides together and seaming the sides over 22 cm. Finally, stitches are picked up around each arm opening—36 (40