Swatch Shrug

Swatch Shrug (aka Franken-shrug)

Are you like me and have drawers full of swatches? Well, why not chronicle your knitting journey by turning years’ worth of swatches into a wearable piece of history? Forget ugly Christmas sweaters, Franken-shrugs are the new stitched-face that only a mother could love! 

Here’s how to make a Swatch Shrug for yourself. Be sure to tag @vickiehowel on Instagram and Facebook with your finished piece!

MATERIALS

Recommended Square Sizes

You’ll need many knit or crochet squares, in varying sizes.

• Sizes 2″- 16″ (variety) 

Additional Materials

• Coordinating yarn (worsted or Aran-weight is usually the safest unless the majority of squares are lighter weight. I used Vickie Howell Montoya Merino, in colors Plum Tree and Thunder Cloud)
• Corresponding circular needle, at least 32” (knit version only)
• Corresponding double-pointed needles (knit version only)
• Corresponding crochet hook (crochet version only)
• Tapestry needle

MEASUREMENTS

Sizes A (B, C, D)

To fit chest circumference 28-34 (36-44, 46-52, 54-60) inches

Each size fits a wide range of chest circumferences. To customize fit, hold your arms out and measure across back from wrist to wrist (or to desired sleeve length)

Width: 52 (56, 60, 64) inches

Height” 16 (17, 17.5, 18) inches

ASSEMBLY

• Layout swatches in a rectangle, corresponding to measurements of your desired size (see above.)
• Using the desired method, seam together all squares.
• Fold piece in half length-wise. seam from piece towards the center to create sleeve (about 10″-15″, depending on size and desired fit.) Repeat for the opposite side.
• Choose whether you’re going to knit or crochet the ribbing, then choose instructions below/

SUPPLEMENTAL KNITTING (knit version)

Hem band:

Using circular needle and yarn, pickup an even amount of stitches around body-opening of shrug. Join round, taking care not to twist.

Rows 1-10: *K1, p1; rep from * around.

BO in pattern stitch.

Cuff:

Using circular double-pointed needles and yarn, pick up an even amount of stitches around body opening of shrug. Join round, taking care not to twist.

Rows 1-8: *K1, p1; rep from * around.

BO in pattern stitch.

SUPPLEMENTAL CROCHET (crochet version)

Hem band:

Join yarn at any point at the body opening of shrug.

Rnd 1: Ch 2, hdc and even number of sts around. Join rnd with a sl st.

Rnds 2-6: Ch 2, *FPhdc, BPhdc; rep from * around. Join rnd with a sl st.

Fasten off.

Cuffs:

Join yarn at any point of the sleeve opening. 

Rnd 1: Ch 2, hdc and even number of sts around. Join rnd with a sl st.

Rnds 2-4: Ch 2, *FPhdc, BPhdc; rep from * around. Join rnd with a sl st.

Fasten off.

ADDITIONAL FINISHING

Weave in ends.

Need Supplies?

Vickie Howell Aqua Wooden Needle Sets