Noro Striped Shrug Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Noro Striped Shrug

What is Being Made

The Noro Striped Shrug is a lightweight, easy-level knitted shrug designed to be worked in the round. This garment features a comfortable, relaxed fit with finished measurements ranging from approximately 47 to 54½ inches in width and 20 inches in depth, making it suitable for layering over other garments. The shrug is constructed as a single circular piece that is later seamed at the center back opening to create the finished garment shape.

Techniques Used

This shrug employs several key knitting techniques to achieve its final structure:

• Worked in the Round: The shrug is knitted circularly using multiple circular needles to accommodate the large number of stitches, eliminating the need for seaming along the body until the final finishing step.
• Stripes: A garter stripe pattern creates visual interest by alternating between two yarn colors (Noro Silk Garden Lite in shades #2012 and #2038) in a repeating four-round sequence.
• Increases: Strategic increases using the M1 (make one) method are worked every fourth round at marked intervals to shape the shrug and create the proper silhouette.
• Seamed Construction: After the body is complete, the center cast-on edge opening is seamed to finish the garment, with the seamed section measuring between 11 and 14½ inches depending on size.

Stitches Used

The Noro Striped Shrug is primarily constructed using garter stitch, which is created by alternating knit and purl rounds when working in the round. This classic stitch creates a reversible, textured fabric with horizontal ridges. The pattern also incorporates M1 (make one) increases for shaping. The simplicity of the stitch pattern makes this project accessible to knitters with basic skills while the color work adds sophisticated visual appeal.

Materials

This shrug is designed to be knitted with Noro Silk Garden Lite, a specialty yarn that provides drape and elegance. The pattern requires 4 to 5 skeins each of two colorways: #2012 (A) and #2038 (B), depending on the desired finished size. Knitters will need several long size 6 (4mm) circular needles to comfortably accommodate the increasing stitch count as the shrug is worked, along with stitch markers to track pattern repeats and shaping points. The gauge is 18 stitches and 35 rounds over 4 inches in garter stitch using the specified needle size, making it essential to check gauge before beginning to ensure proper fit.