Womens Shrug and Hat Bolero Knitting Pattern

Women's Shrug and Hat Bolero Knitting Pattern by Plymouth Yarn

Project Overview

This downloadable knitting pattern from Plymouth Yarn's Design Studio features a coordinating women's shrug and hat set crafted from Baby Alpaca Aire yarn. The pattern provides instructions for creating two complementary pieces that work together as a cohesive accessory collection. The shrug is available in two size ranges (S/M and L/XL), while the hat is sized to fit most adults with a finished circumference of 21½" or 22½" depending on size selection.

Materials and Yarn Requirements

This pattern calls for Baby Alpaca Aire yarn in color 5011. The hat requires 2 balls of 100-gram weight, while the shrug requires 6 or 7 balls of 100-gram weight depending on the size being made. The total yardage and specific fiber content information is referenced through the yarn material specifications. Knitters will need US size 9 straight needles and circular needles (both long circular for the shrug collar and short circular for the hat ribbing), along with 4 stitch markers to track pattern repeats and shaping.

Gauge and Sizing

Proper gauge is essential for achieving the correct finished measurements. The pattern specifies a gauge of 16 stitches and 24 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch on US size 9 needles. For the brioche stitch sections, the gauge is 3.75 stitches per 1 inch on US size 9 needles. The shrug spans from sleeve to sleeve with a width of 46" for the smaller size or 50" for the larger size.

Brioche Stitch Technique

Brioche stitch is the primary decorative stitch used throughout this pattern, worked over a multiple of 2 stitches. This textured stitch creates an elastic, reversible fabric with a distinctive appearance characterized by elongated stitches and yarn overs. The brioche stitch pattern repeats over 4 rows (rows 3-6) after the initial setup rows. Key techniques include working slip stitches with yarn held in back, creating yarn overs, and executing knit-two-together decreases that combine the yarn over stitch with the following stitch. The brioche technique produces a fabric with approximately 120 to 126 strands of yarn visible on the needle despite casting on only 80 to 84 stitches, which is a normal characteristic of this stitch.

Hat Construction

The hat begins with casting on 80 or 84 stitches and working in brioche stitch for 7 to 7½ inches, ending on a wrong-side row. Following the brioche section, the pattern transitions to stockinette stitch and incorporates a series of strategic decreases to shape the crown. These decreases include knit-two-together reductions worked at regular intervals across multiple rows, gradually reducing the stitch count from 80 or 84 stitches down to just 11 or 12 stitches at the crown. The remaining stitches are drawn together and secured with a yarn tail used for seaming the side seam. The pattern includes instructions for picking up stitches and working a ribbed band using a short circular needle, though the complete ribbing instructions are not fully detailed in the provided content.

Shrug Construction

The shrug is designed to fit ladies in S/M or L/XL sizes and measures 46" or 50" from sleeve to sleeve. The pattern utilizes both straight needles and a long circular needle, particularly for working the collar section. The shrug construction incorporates brioche stitch elements along with other stitch techniques to create a garment with textural interest and elegant drape characteristic of alpaca fiber.

Pattern Format and Notes

This pattern is written for the smallest size with larger sizes indicated in parentheses throughout. When only one number appears without parentheses, that measurement or instruction applies to all sizes being offered. The pattern includes 4 stitch markers to help track repeats and shaping sequences. As a Plymouth Yarn Design Studio pattern, it is available as a free downloadable PDF with yarn purchase, making it an accessible project for knitters seeking to work with premium Baby Alpaca Aire fiber.