Granny shrug how-to
Paton’s Wilderness has been disappearing from yarn shop shelves ever since Kirsty showed us her wonderful granny shrugs.
The inimitable Kirsty is providing a fantastic visual how-to for the granny shrug on her blog today, with both video instructions and step-by-step photographs. Anyone who prefers a traditional line-by-line written crochet pattern can find a pdf here. I’ll have daylight photos of my shrug for you tomorrow. Happy crocheting!
UPDATE March 2016 – Kirsty no longer maintains a blog, and the visual how-to and video instructions and step-by-step photographs are not longer available. Traditional line-by-line written instructions are below.
Kirsty’s Granny Shrug
Regarding yarn and hook choice:
Yarn: Chunky (14 ply or similar)
Hook: 15mm (or similar)
Use chunky yarn – 14 ply, or two strands of 12, 10 or 8 ply held together – and an appropriately sized hook. You don’t want stiff crochet! Give a 12mm, 15mm and even a 20mm hook a try first and work up the first two rounds to get an idea of how the fabric will feel. Then you can decide whether you need to pull it out and try again with a different hook or keep going.
Kirsty’s shrugs look marvelous crocheted with a single strand of 14 ply Patons Wilderness and a 15 mm hook. She used around 4 x 100g balls (approx 440m).
I dived into my stash to find yarn to make mine. For Clare’s child-sized shrug I used 2 strands of 12 ply (Cleckheaton Country 12ply) held together with a 10mm hook. The resulting fabric was quite thick. A bigger hook would have been much better. I used almost 10 x 50g balls of yarn (approx 540m).
For my shrug I used 2 strands of 12 ply (Patons Jet) held together with a 15mm hook. Round 1 measured 4 inches across, and the resulting fabric was much drapier. I used around 10 x 50g balls of yarn (approx 740m).
Note: This pattern is written in Australian/UK terminology
Abbreviations:
Chain ch
Slip stitch sl st
Treble crochet tr (this is the same as a US double crochet, abbreviated as dc)
Space sp
Round 1: 4 ch, sl st to first ch to form ring.
3 ch (counts as tr), 2 tr in ring, 2 ch, *3 tr in ring, 2 ch*, repeat from * to * 4 times, sl st to 3rd ch to join.
(you should have six 3 tr groups, each separated by 2 ch).
Round 2: 3 ch (counts as tr), turn.
2 tr into 2-ch sp, 2 ch, 3 tr into 2-ch sp, 1 ch, *3 tr into next 2-ch sp, 2 ch, 3 tr into same 2-ch sp, 1 ch*, repeat from * to * 4 times, sl st to 3rd ch to join.
(six [3tr, 2ch, 3tr groups] each separated by 1 ch).
Round 3: 3 ch (counts as tr), turn.
2 tr into 2-ch sp, 1 ch, 3 tr into 2-ch sp, 2 ch, 3 tr into same 2-ch sp, 1 ch, *3 tr into next 2-ch sp, 1 ch, 3 tr into next 2-ch sp, 2 ch, 3 tr into same 2-ch sp, 1 ch*, repeat from * to * 4 times, sl st to 3rd ch to join.
(six [3 tr, 2 ch, 3 tr] groups, each making up a corner, one 3 tr groups in each side, each separated by 1 ch).
Round 4: 3 ch (counts as tr), turn.
2 tr into 2-ch sp, 1 ch, 3 tr into 2-ch sp, 2 ch, 3 tr into same 2-ch sp, 1 ch, *3 tr into next 1-ch sp, 1 ch, 3 tr into next 1-ch sp, 1 ch, 3 tr into 2-ch sp, 2 ch, 3 tr into same 2-ch sp, 1 ch*, repeat from * to * 4 times, 3 tr into next 1-ch sp, 1 ch, sl st to 3rd ch to join.
(six [3 tr, 2 ch, 3 tr] groups, each making up a corner, two 3 tr groups in each side, each separated by 1 ch).
Round 5: 3 ch (counts as tr), turn.
2 tr into 2-ch sp, 1 ch, 3 tr into 2-ch sp, 2 ch, 3 tr into same 2-ch sp, 1 ch, *3 tr into next 1-ch sp, 1 ch, 3 tr into next 1-ch sp, 1 ch, 3 tr into 2-ch sp, 2 ch, 3 tr into same 2-ch sp, 1 ch*, repeat from * to * 4 times, 3 tr into next 1-ch sp, 1 ch, 3 tr into next 1-ch sp, 1 ch, sl st to 3rd ch to join.
(six [3 tr, 2 ch, 3 tr] groups, each making up a corner, three 3 tr groups in each side, each separated by 1 ch).
Remaining rounds:
Continue on in the same manner. Each row will have one more 3 tr group in each side than in the previous round. Keep laying the piece out in an L-shape to check whether it has reached the size you’d like. About 8 rounds seems to work well for an adult, but it will depend on the yarn and the size and fit you’d like. It doesn’t take long to add another row (or undo it). Finish off when you’ve done enough rounds.
Make another granny hex to form the other side/sleeve of the jacket.
Seam the two sides up the centre back and across the top of the sleeves, leaving a space for your neck. Use whatever seaming method you prefer. Kirsty crocheted hers together with a much smaller hook than she’d used for the rest of the shrug.
Finish the front, sleeve and neck edges with a row of slip stitch or double crochet, or a fancy edging if you prefer. The neck definitely needs some edging to give it some stability; the rest of the edges are up to you. You can leave them plain if you like. Weave in your ends and wear your granny shrug with pride!
Thank you, thank you, thank you! I knew it had to be this easy! I’ll be making shrugs!
Thank you very much for sharing this Lara – its printing as a I type. I am armed with my hook and yarn and can’t wait to make a start!
can someone help me.. I can’t find the pattern anywhere. I need to read a pattern.
Hello Joan – we are right in the middle of moving the pattern from an external website that has just closed down onto the Ravelry site. Please be patient and try again on Ravelry in a few days time!
thank you for the update. I will watching for the pattern.
Thanks Lara, Ive already made a start but im sure this will still help me!
Hello, I cannot find this pattern on Ravelry. Please help. The shrug is adorable! Thank you.
Hi Wanda, the instructions are all right here on the page you left this comment on.
Thank you Lara and Kirsty. This is definitely a project I’m going to launch into very soon.
Thanks for putting it in a pdf Lara! Both of you are totally awesome! Love the pattern and can’t wait to make one too. Just need to get yarn and a gigantic hook. 🙂
Lara – love it – thanks for the link to the tutorial
Great how-to Lara!
Ah, you’re both good eggs! My hearty thanks for the sharing of the wisdom.
Thanks Lara (& Kirsty). This pattern makes it easier and I’m very grateful to you both. It’s a great look.
Bev
Thank You ,Thank You ,Thank You
thank-you so much for the shrug pattern! I’ll be making one for myself and one for my mum! Gorgeous. Thanks.
Thanks for the pattern. I LOVE the look of this sweater and hope I can work it in as a project for myself before Fall.
Is the pattern UK instructions?
Yes, the pattern is in Australian/UK terms. The pdf includes this information, as does Kirsty’s blog post/tutorial.
In Rnds 3, 4 ad 5 where it says … 3 ch (for tr), turn. 2 tr into “2-ch sp” … should this say … 2 tr into “1-ch sp”
also, in Rnd 5, there seems to be something missing before … 3tr into 2-ch sp, 2 ch, 3 tr into same 2-ch sp – in a couple of places …
Or is it me, reading the pattern wrong!
carnt wait to give this pattern a go i dont follow patterns as a rule but granny squares i can do woop woop here goes :]
Thank you so much for sharing the PDF and the Visual Im sure I can make this now! Thanks Thanks Thanks!
Very beautiful!
Thanks for sharing it! >:D<
I love this shrug!! Having a problem understanding the 5th step did’nt come out like tnis one. Can you explain? Also can’t locate the video.
Thanks
Hi Patricia! The video is in Kirsty’s post, linked to above. I just checked it and it works fine. And I’m sorry, but I can’t explain the 5th round any further than I have! Without knowing what it is you don’t understand, I cannot explain! My apologies. Maybe have a look at Kirsty’s video tutorial. Good luck!
I love the look of this & can’t wait to make it! What size is the pattern for? I’m fairly new to crochet & was wondering if it could be done in a plus size… 2x maybe?
Can you send instructions for a 3X size? It is really cute and I would love to make, but I am not experienced in sizing a pattern
Hello Shirley. You can make the granny shrug larger just by working more rows, around and around, until it’s large enough. Fold it in half and try each half on as you go to get an idea of when it will be large enough. I don’t have any more specific instructions than that. Good luck!
This is gorgeous!! I’ve just lost 70+ lbs and need to re-make a lot of clothes. This will be such a lovely addition!!
can someone help me? I have tried and tried and I cannot figure out where to add the stitches for rounds after 5. Can you post the exact pattern for rounds 6-8 at least?
how can i crochet this shrug in a ww yarn or caron simply soft or lighter weight yarn and make the fit correct ?
Hi Dianna – the great thing with this pattern is that you just keep going and fold it in half as you go and check the fit as you go. It’s a bit of trial and error. Just experiment and see how it works out!
Thanks for the pattern, you can see my little version here: http://ravel.me/miliezebomb/mc
Have a great day!
I can’t seem to find written pattern, just keep going in circles.
Thanks for help.
Hi Pat – the written pattern is in the process of being moved from an external website that has just closed down onto the Ravelry site. Please be patient and try again on Ravelry in a few days time.
Hi! I made up this shrug but I think I used the wrong needle size and yarn – can you tell me exactly what kind of yarn you used and the needle size? I think I’m about your shape…..thanks!
I suggest that you pop over to the Ravelry pattern page to see what yarns and hook sizes people have made it up in. I’ve made it a few times – my projects are all there too, with the details.
Thanks – I joined Ravelry but didn’t realize I could click around and see the details of EVERYONE’s projects! There are over 12 pages!!! Cool – thanks 🙂
Can anyone help me? Never was able to find the pdf to download–just kept going round in circles.
http://www.kootoyoo.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Granny-shrug.pdf
Thank you, but I still just get a blank page. I give up—maybe it just isn’t available anymore.
Jean – when you click on the link the PDF downloads direct to your computer, so you have to click on the download to open it – I’m using Firefox and there is a green arrow on the top right of my page that I have to click on. Hope that helps – Di
Jean, the pattern is still available and works fine when I click on the link that didough has provided. You can also try going to the host page here http://www.kootoyoo.com/?attachment_id=3405 and clicking on the words “granny shrug” that are hyperlinked in bold.
I have devoted 3 nighs and countless houres in trying to find concrte instructions on how to make this shrug. I keep ending up in the same places, Pictures of it and feed back, Is there any specific site where I can read the instructions, If I sound frustrated it is because I am. I would really like to make this for my daughter for Christmas. Please respond to my email, as I have had no luck online, Thank you so much and I hope you can help me.
Hello Shirley.
The links to the downloadable pdf are right here in the comments immediately before yours, as well as being on the relevant host page over at kootoyoo.
In the above post it says “Anyone who prefers a traditional line-by-line written crochet pattern can find a pdf here” and the word “here” is hyperlinked. Click on it. It will take you to a host page http://www.kootoyoo.com/?attachment_id=3405 where the words “granny shrug” are a hyperlink that will download the pdf directly to your computer.
The direct link to the pdf at http://www.kootoyoo.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Granny-shrug.pdf as per the above comments.
Good luck with making the shrug.
I also tried it again today and once again it just ran me in circles. Am looking for the pdf but only get back to the first site or get a blank page.
Unfortunately I have nothing else to suggest. The links work fine for me and I have tried them from a couple of different computers. Maybe try using a different browser, or could your security settings be having an effect? I have no problems accessing the pdf from either of the links above. Sorry, but that is all that I can do.
This looks so easy and fast! Printing out the PDF pattern this morning. Should be a great way to “stashbust” my natural-fiber yarns! I wish this were linked to through the Ravelry pattern database also; it would have been much easier for me to find then.
I later found 2 links to this from the Ravelry pattern database, and made one for myself, using Aran-weight wool yarn held double & a 15mm/Q hook. It was plenty big enough for my plus-size figure, so much so that I probably should go down a hook size or 2 when making this for others.
Thanks for letting me know! Glad that it worked for you.
Has the video tutorial been re-posted anywhere? When I click, it says video was removed from BLIP and the account was cancelled. thank you!!
Hi Terry – I don’t have any information about the video unfortunately. I just looked after the written side of things. Sorry about that.
Reblogged this on G-Ma Ellen's Hands – Adventures in Crochet and Knit and commented:
Sharing. Because I have been wanting to try this for soooo long now! I think it’s adorable. <3
This is has been on my to-do list since you posted it. I am in love with it. I usually dont like granny clothes but this is adorable. I bought a chunky black with colored flecks. This is my winter project. I am doing my research first then it will be on my hook! Thanks so much! Happy Holidays!
This is a beautiful shrug…thank you for posting the pattern and tutorials! What a lovely project! 🙂
Just got an email update via this site and so glad to see many others are still able to access this wonderful pattern. Keep up the universal contacts!
That makes the cutest bun holder ever!
Since the pattern is UK instructions, what changes should I make for USA?
Hi there Nancy – if you google how to convert UK to US terms, you should be fine! Happy crocheting.
This pattern is on Uribe under hexagon sweater. Super Easy!
Pattern on utube
How would adjust this to make itfull length I’m 5’5″ and would like to make full or mid length.
Per some of the YouTube videos that I’ve seen for similar patterns (sometimes called a “campfire cardigan”; a smaller infant-size version is sometimes called a “crochet baby surprise jacket”), you can increase the length by adding rows of granny clusters to the bottom edge after the 2 hexagons have been fastened together.
I want to make this for a lady that is about 5’3”. She wears a small to medium. Do you think this will fit her?
Probably!
I just sent you a message on Ravelry about sleeve length in 3x.
Hi Thornberry, Is there any way to get step by step photos? I’m confused how to fold the hexigranny to form the L shape. Thanx in advance. The shrug is so pretty.
Hi there Shana – it’s many, many years since I crocheted one of these, and don’t have anything step by step to share with you. I remember that the centre of the hexigranny is in the armpit – that might help you! Also try googling ‘crochet hexagon baby jacket pattern’ or similar and see what images you can find – some of the multi-coloured ones can make it easier to visualise. You end up with a seam along the shoulder that turns one side into a sleeve, and the two hexigranny’s are seamed together at centre back. Good luck!
It’s a great sweater to make unless you want something to fit a larger person. Then you end up with giant sleeves that are way too long and wide.
Any suggestions from the master!?
Rosanne
Hi there Rosanne! I’m not a crochet master or pattern designer – I just wrote up this pattern on behalf of a friend, and shared online as a freebie. But I have been thinking about your question. I wondered if the sides of the hexigranny that forms the sleeve could be crocheted with shorter stitches than the other sides? Or after a certain number of rows have been worked, you could stop working the ‘sleeve’ sides and do back and forth rows for the rest of the sides until it is the body size that you’re after? I have a feeling that there would be some versions on Ravelry where the pattern has been modified to address this issue; it may be worth checking there. Happy crocheting!
I stopped doing the whole hexi rounds. Then I added onto the back edges with more rounds and then joined. Then I joined the sleeves and decided I wanted another row on the front each side. It worked really well.
Loved making mine thank you!