Free Crochet Pattern: Ladies 3/4 Sleeve Shrug

Image by moria on Flickr. Some rights reserved

Most shrug patterns I have seen are worked lengthwise (across the shoulders). Not that there is anything wrong with that, but working the pattern width-wise (up and down the shoulders, parallel to the spine) gives the finished product some extra give across the shoulders, right where it is needed. So, seeing a need, I decided to create a shrug pattern that does this.

In addition, working into the back loops only creates a ribbed pattern in the fabric of the shrug,  and provides a bit more flexibility.  Crochet has the (unearned) reputation of being really stiff and rigid, and working in only one of the loops makes a more flexible fabric.  If you are unfamiliar with working in the back loop only (BLO), there is a nice photo tutorial at the Stitch Diva website.  If you prefer a video tutorial, there is one up on YouTube.

Here is my pattern.  I hope you all enjoy it.  I’ll be making one of these for me, soon, and I’m looking at working it in Cotton Ease,  or maybe Berroco’s Bonsai yarn.  I’m hoping to make this a light summer addition to my wardrobe.  The Bonsai is particularly tempting because I have never worked with bamboo yarn before, and I have heard such wonderful things about it.

Anyway, please let me know what you think about the pattern.

Baby Booties

My grandmother was the person who first taught me to crochet.  And though I have learned a lot from other people along the way, I think I have learned the most from her.  Here is a free pattern based on a pair of baby booties she made.

The pattern is designed to make a turn-down cuff at the top of the bootie, but by omitting one or more of rows 7 – 9, you can make a very cute cuff-less variation. You might especially want to do this if you have a particularly cute ribbon to show off!