The Rainclouds Shrug is an easy-to-crochet lightweight shrug that is the perfect garment for transitioning into spring with its relaxed and comfortable fit and short cuffed sleeves. This beginner-friendly cocoon shrug is made from a rectangle and is simple in construction!
Spring Fever!
Have you been hit with spring fever yet in your part of the world? Here in the southeast, it’s officially spring and the trees and grass are bright green, and warm afternoons are bringing out the bees and flower buds. There’s also pollen and a million other bugs – but it sure does look beautiful from inside the house!
Overall, I do enjoy spring for all its color-saturated gorgeousness, and I love designing crochet garments for transitioning into warm weather. And so, I am excited to bring the Raincoulds Shrug to all my fiber friends! We have had some pretty intense spring storms already and the steel gray color of this yarn reminds me of thunderclouds building on the horizon. This crochet shrug is just made for layering in this temperate spring weather.
Inspiration for my Spring Crochet Shrug
I love the concept of a shrug or cocoon cardigan; it’s not a structured garment but you can easily drape it over your shoulders and will stay put because it has armholes. And the construction of this beginner-friendly cocoon shrug could not be easier – the main body of the shrug is a rectangle! That’s it! The corners are folded down to create the armholes and then it’s finished with a simple collar and cuffs at the arms. Because this crochet shrug is so relaxed and forgiving, the finished design is lightweight and easy to wear, making it really handy for these inconsistent spring temperatures.
Scroll down for the free pattern and click here to PIN the Rainclouds Crochet Spring Shrug for later!
Let’s talk yarn . . .
This is the time of year when cotton yarn is all I want to crochet with! Fortunately, there are great options for 100% cotton and cotton blend yarns, and CotLin by WeCrochet is one of my favorites! I love CotLin for its softness and stitch definition, and the 30% linen content makes this yarn super durable and helps your finished piece retain its shape. I chose a darker grey with blue undertones for my sample, but CotLin comes in a great variety of colors if you want a pop of spring color for your crochet shrug!
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Get started on your Rainclouds Crochet Spring Shrug today!
With simple stitches, lovely textured rows of shells, and easy construction, this beginner-friendly cocoon shrug works up fast so you can wear it all spring and into summer! Happy stitching, friends!
Want to work on more spring designs? Check out The Blue Sky Crochet Tee, The Wildflowers Lapghan (featuring the same shell stitch used for the Fog Bank crochet spring shrug), and The Nadia Cardigan!
Scroll down for the free pattern and click here to PIN the Rainclouds Crochet Spring Shrug for later!
Want the ad-free PDF? Click here to purchase from my ETSY or RAVELRY stores!
The Rainclouds Shrug – Free Crochet Pattern for a Spring Shrug
SKILL LEVEL: Advanced Beginner
MATERIALS:
US Size H/8 5.00 mm crochet hook
WeCrochet CotLin (Weight: #3/DK 70% Tanguis Cotton, 30% Linen – 123yards/50 grams)
- Carrara – 7 (8, 9, 10) skeins; approximately 861 (984, 1107, 1230) yards.
SIZES:
| FITS ACTUAL BUST* | LENGTH OF MAIN PANEL | WIDTH OF MAIN PANEL (before collar is added) | WIDTH OF COLLAR | ARMHOLE DEPTH | |
| XS/S | 28-34” | 23.25” | 35” | 2” | 6.5” |
| M/L | 36-42” | 26” | 36.5” | 2” | 7” |
| XL/2X | 44-50” | 28.25” | 38” | 2” | 7.5” |
| 3X/4X/5X | 52-62” | 31.5” | 39.5” | 2” | 8” |
*This cocoon shrug is intended to have an oversized and relaxed fit with sleeve cuffs that begin at the elbows.
*The model is wearing a size Medium/Large and is 5’4” with a 38” bust.
GAUGE: 15 hdc stitches X 10 hdc rows = 4 inches
(4 Shell stitch rows = 2 inches)
ABBREVIATIONS:
ch(s) – chain(s)
sc – single crochet
dc – double crochet
hdc – half double crochet
hdc FLO – half double crochet FRONT LOOP only
sl st – slip stitch
sl st BLO – slip stitch BACK LOOP only
st(s) – stitch(es)
tch – turning chain
PM – place marker
OVERALL PATTERN NOTES:
- Pattern is written in smallest size with larger sizes following in parentheses, as follows: XS/S (M/L, XL/2X, 3X/4X/5X).
- The cocoon shrug is created from a rectangle panel consisting of alternating shell rows and half double crochet rows. The corners of the panel are then folded in and seamed, leaving holes for the arms that are roughly positioned at the elbow.
- Cuffs are crocheted in the round onto the armholes.
- This crochet spring shrug is finished with a simple collar that is crocheted in the round and can be customized for width.
- If you are adding length to your shrug, you will need to add the same number of half double crochet rows at the bottom and top of the panel. (i.e. the XS/S size is written for 4 rows of hdc at the bottom and top of the panel; to add length, increase the number of rows at the bottom and make sure to work the same number of rows at the top of the panel)
- Turning Ch 1 and Ch 2 do NOT count as a stitch.
- Turning Ch 3 (shell stitch rows) DOES count as a stitch.
- There is no right side or wrong side to the main panel of this cocoon shrug; however, placing a stitch marker on the top right corner of the shrug after folding the corners in to seam will indicate the right side before continuing the collar and cufs.
- If you are adding rows for length or widening your collar, please make sure you have purchased enough yarn to complete your project.
- Leave a long yarn tail when you create your slip knot prior to working the foundation chain; you will use this to seam the panel to create the armholes on one side.
MAIN PANEL OF SHRUG
Foundation Row: Ch 134 (140, 146, 152)
Row 1: Hdc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across. Turn. [133 (139, 145, 151) sts]
Row 2: Ch 2 (does not count as a st here and throughout pattern), hdc same st as tch. Hdc FLO in next st and in each across, ending with last hdc in both loops. Turn. [133 (139, 145, 151) sts]
Rows 3 – 4 (8, 10, 7): Repeat Row 2.
MAIN PATTERN REPEAT
Shell Stitch Rows:
Row 5 (9, 11, 8): Ch 3 (counts as a st here and throughout pattern), 2 dc in same st as tch. *Sk 2 st, sc in next st, sk 2 st, 5 dc in next st* Repeat from * to * until 6 st left. Sk 2 st, sc in next st, sk 2 st, 3 dc in last st. Turn. [2 half shells, 21 (22, 23, 24) shells]
Row 6 (10, 12, 9): Ch 1 (does not count as a st here and throughout pattern), sc in same st as tch. *Sk 2 st, 5 dc in next st, sk 2 st, sc in next st.* Repeat from * to * across, ending with last sc in top of tch. Turn.
Row 7 (11, 13, 10): Repeat Row 5 (9, 11, 8)
Row 8 (12, 14, 11): Repeat Row 6 (10, 12, 9).
Filler Row:
Row 9 (13, 15, 12): Ch 2, hdc in same st as tch. *Hdc in next st, sc in next 3 st, hdc in next st, dc in next st.* Repeat from * to * until one shell remains. Hdc in next st, sc in next 3 st, hdc in last two st. Turn. [133 (139, 145, 151) sts]
Half Double Crochet Rows:
Row 10 (14, 16, 13): Ch 2, hdc same st as tch. Hdc FLO in next st and in each across, ending with last hdc in both loops. Turn. [133 (139, 145, 151) sts]
Rows 11 (15, 17, 14) through 19 (23, 25, 22): Repeat Row 10 (14, 16, 13).
Additional comments:
- Rows 5 (9, 11, 8) through 8 (12, 14, 11) are the shell stitch rows; four rows make up this repeat.
- Row 9 (13, 15, 12) is a filler row that does not provide any considerable height but creates a straight row on top of the shells before beginning the half double crochet rows.
- Row 10 (14, 16, 13) through 19 (23, 25, 22) are the half double crochet rows; ten rows make up this repeat.
You will continue working the above repeats per the chart below for your size. If you are adding length to your cocoon shrug, you will need to work additional half double crochet rows BEFORE starting the first section of shell stitch rows and will need to add the same number of half double crochet rows before fastening off.
The final section of half double crochet rows worked for your size will match the number of half double crochet rows worked in first section.
REFERENCE CHART FOR PATTERN REPEATS
| SIZE | ROW NUMBERS | ROW TYPE | SIZE | ROW NUMBERS | ROW TYPE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XS/S | 1-4 5-8 9 10-19 20-23 24 25-34 35-38 39 40-49 50-53 54 55-58 | Hdc Rows (4) Shell Stitch Rows (4) Filler Row (1) Hdc Rows (10) Shell Stitch Rows (4) Filler Row (1) Hdc Rows (10) Shell Stitch Rows (4) Filler Row (1) Hdc Rows (10) Shell Stitch Rows (4) Filler Row (1) Hdc Rows (4) | M/L | 1-8 9-12 13 14-23 24-27 28 29-38 39-42 43 44-53 54-57 58 59-66 | Hdc Rows (8) Shell Stitch Rows (4) Filler Row (1) Hdc Rows (10) Shell Stitch Rows (4) Filler Row (1) Hdc Rows (10) Shell Stitch Rows (4) Filler Row (1) Hdc Rows (10) Shell Stitch Rows (4) Filler Row (1) Hdc Rows (8) |
| XL/2X | 1-10 11-14 15 16-25 26-29 30 31-40 41-44 45 46-55 56-59 60 61-70 | Hdc Rows (10) Shell Stitch Rows (4) Filler Row (1) Hdc Rows (10) Shell Stitch Rows (4) Filler Row (1) Hdc Rows (10) Shell Stitch Rows (4) Filler Row (1) Hdc Rows (10) Shell Stitch Rows (4) Filler Row (1) Hdc Rows (10) | 3X/4X/5X | 1-7 8-11 12 13-22 23-26 27 28-37 38-41 42 43-52 53-56 57 58-67 68-71 72 73-79 | Hdc Rows (7) Shell Stitch Rows (4) Filler Row (1) Hdc Rows (10) Shell Stitch Rows (4) Filler Row (1) Hdc Rows (10) Shell Stitch Rows (4) Filler Row (1) Hdc Rows (10) Shell Stitch Rows (4) Filler Row (1) Hdc Rows (10) Shell Stitch Rows (4) Filler Row (1) Hdc Rows (7) |
Fasten off, leaving a long tail for seaming.
Seaming to Create the Armholes
Laying your finished panel flat, fold in the four corners so that the ends of the rows are touching and the top of the panel lines up vertically with the bottom of the panel. (SEE PHOTO)
Pin the row ends together, leaving 6.5 (7, 7.5, 8) inches for the armholes. You may wish to customize the armhole for your preferred fit before tying off your seam.
You will place a stitch marker in the upper right corner that is facing you; this is now the right side of your cocoon shrug and what will be the left shoulder when you are wearing it.
Using your yarn tails (the long tails left from your first slip knot and from fastening off), seam the panels from the marked armhole towards the opening. I used the mattress seam here.
COLLAR
The collar is worked in rounds; at the end of each round, you will slip stitch to the first stitch worked and continue without turning. After you have worked the preferred number of single crochet rows, a finishing row of slip stitches is worked to create a textured ridge.
With cocoon shrug facing right side up and stitch marker on upper right corner, join yarn at seam where the top of the panel was joined to the bottom of the panel. (SEE PHOTO)
Working in the direction of the bottom hem of your cocoon shrug:
Round 1: Ch 1, sc in same st as chain, PM in this stitch. Sc in next st and each around back to marked stitch, sl st in marked st. Do not turn. [266 (278, 290, 302) sts]
Rounds 2 – 7 (or until desired number of rounds is worked): Repeat Round 1. [266 (278, 290, 302) sts]
Round 8: Ch 2, sc in same st as chain, PM in this stitch. Sl st BLO in next st and each around back to marked stitch, sl st in marked stitch and fasten off. [266 (278, 290, 302) sts]
ARMHOLE CUFFS
The cuffs are crocheted in rounds into the ends of the rows of the armholes; at the end of each round, you will slip stitch to the first stitch worked and continue without turning. After you have worked the preferred number of single crochet rows, a finishing row of slip stitches is worked to create a textured ridge.
As with the collar, you may wish to work additional single crochet rounds before working the last round.
The total stitch count for your cuffs is not crucial as long as you are working your first round evenly and your cuff does not pucker or curl.
Left Cuff:
With your cocoon shrug facing right side up and your stitch marker still placed in the upper right corner (what will be the left shoulder), join yarn at the armpit.
Working away from the center of the shrug out towards the outer edge of the shrug, and along the TOP edge of the armhole:
Round 1: Ch 1, sc in same st as chain, PM in this stitch. Sc evenly into the ends of the rows back around to marked stitch, sl st in marked st. Do not turn.
Round 2: Ch 1, sc in same st as chain, PM in this stitch. Sc in next st and each st back around to marked st, sl st in marked stitch. Do not turn.
Rounds 3 – 4 (or until desired number of rounds is worked): Repeat Round 2.
Round 5: Ch 2, sc in same st as chain, PM in this stitch. Sl st BLO in next st and each around back to marked stitch, sl st in marked stitch and fasten off.
Right Cuff:
With your cocoon shrug facing right side up and your stitch marker still placed as before, join yarn at the armpit of the armhole on the left side (what will be the right shoulder).
Working away from the center of the shrug out towards the outer edge of the shrug, and along the BOTTOM edge of the armhole:
Round 1: Ch 1, sc in same st as chain, PM in this stitch. Sc evenly into the ends of the rows back around to marked stitch, sl st in marked st. Do not turn.
Round 2: Ch 1, sc in same st as chain, PM in this stitch. Sc in next st and each st back around to marked st, sl st in marked stitch. Do not turn.
Rounds 3 – 4 (or until desired number of rounds is worked): Repeat Round 2.
Round 5: Ch 2, sc in same st as chain, PM in this stitch. Sl st BLO in next st and each around back to marked stitch, sl st in marked stitch and fasten off.
Fasten off. Weave in all your ends, and you are done!
REFERENCE PHOTOS
Finished panel. 
Beginning the first round of the collar, you will work single crochets in the direction of the bottom hem. 
Detail of the completed collar and finishing round of slip stitches. 
Joining yarn to begin the cuff on the right side of the shrug. 
Detail of beginning round of first cuff. 
Detail of completed cuff. 
Finished shrug!
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