What is a crochet shrug? It’s kind of a cocoon sweater that you could wear year round. This lace shell shrug is perfect for beginners or advanced crocheters.
I love them on summer nights when the breeze might get a little too chilly for your summer top. You can just throw a shrug over you shoulders and keep the chill away. Not too much, not too little.
I’ve included the free pattern for all sizes along with the video tutorial. If you’d like to purchase the ad free/printable PDF version in size XS-XXXXL, it’s available on my Etsy and Ravelry shops. Enjoy! 🙂
If you’re looking for something for summer you might like these Crochet summer long vest or Happy hour crochet top,
Materials
- I used Scheepjes Sunkissed weight Fingering/super fine No.1 ( 185 yards / 170 meter for each skein )
- Color pictured 04 Poolside
- Crochet hook size 6 mm
- Yarn needle
- Stitch markers
- Scissors
Stitches used & code
- ch = chain
- st = stitch(es)
- sk = skip
- rep = repeat
- sp = space
- sl st = slip stitch
- dc = double crochet
- rs = right side
- ws = wrong side
- Lace shell = 3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc into the same stitch
Notes:
- This pattern made as XS/S( M/L, XL/XXL, XXXL/XXXXL )
- This pattern is in multiples of 6+4
Gauge unblocked: 2 lace shell st x 5 rows = 4″
Sizes and measurements (These are measured before blocking/washing. Keep in mind that your shrug will stretch out a few inches after you block/wash it)
- XS/S = 40″ width x 28″ length ( 690 yards of yarn )
- M/L = 44″ width x 29.6″ length ( 740 yards of yarn )
- XL/XXL = 48″ width x 31.2″ length ( 790 yards of yarn )
- XXXL/XXXXL = 52″ width x 32.8″ length ( 840 yard of yarn )

Lace Shell Crochet Shrug Pattern
Row 1 ( rs ): ch 124( 136, 148, 160 ), sk 3 ch ( count as 1 dc ), 2 dc into next ch st, * sk 5 ch st, 1 lace shell into next ch st * rep from *to* until you have 6 ch st left, sk 5 ch st, 3 dc into last ch st. Total of 19( 21, 23, 25 ) lace shell st
Row 2 ( ws ): Turn, ch 3 ( count as 1 dc ), 2 dc into the first st, 1 lace shell into each 2 ch sp, 3 dc into last st( The last st is a third ch st ). Total of 19( 21, 23, 25 ) lace shell st
Row 3 – 35( 37, 39, 41 ) rep row 2 *The end of row 35( 37, 39, 41 ) cut the yarn leave 14 – 20 inches tail
Sew the side together
Fold your panel in half (first row to the last row) with correct side facing each other. Use the tail that we left earlier for sewing the first side. Start sewing on the wrong side at the bottom up, using method of choice. Sew 10( 10, 10, 10 ) rows on each side together and leave 15( 17, 19, 21 ) rows for the arm hole. Sew the other side exactly the same, except you need to cut and add a new piece of yarn (14-20 inches) to sew. ( check picture below )

Crochet around the body edge
Turn the work right side out and add the new yarn at the side seam. ch 3 ( count as 1 dc ), 7 dc into the same st, 8 dc into next sp (the same space that we made our lace shell stitch ). Keep making 8 dc into each sp around. sl st into third ch st. Cut the yarn and weave the end. ( check picture below )


Crochet around the arm hole edge
Add new yarn where the side seam meets the arm hole. ch 1, 6 dc into next sp ( sp = the end of each row ), *1 sc into next sp, 6 dc into next sp* rep from *to* until the end, sl st into where we added the yarn. Crochet the other side exactly the same.*Make sure both sides have the same amount of stitches. ( check picture below )



Congratulations, on your new lace shell crochet shrug!
I’d love to see everyone’s work. if you want to share with me, just tag me on FB or IG. Happy crocheting!
Dawn
Wednesday 8th of July 2026
Love your tutorials and patterns, thank you. I’m fairly new to crochet 6 months in, and love the fact i can make something to wear that looks great by following your patterns. Shrug cardigan next on the to do list!
Knitcroaddict
Monday 13th of July 2026
Thanks so much Dawn! You are exactly the people I had in mind when I designed all these, so I love to hear that. Keep up the great work, can't wait to hear how to shrug turns out.
tania
Wednesday 9th of April 2025
Hi, thank you for sharing your pattern. My shrug already done and im really glad with it, but my shrug a lil bit short in arm. I want to make it for my 4yo daughter, can you tell how to measure the width and length?
PHYLLIS
Sunday 29th of December 2024
WOW THANK YOU MADE MY FRIST SLIPPER, THANK YOU..................YOUR A GREAT TEACHER...
Knitcroaddict
Friday 10th of January 2025
Great work Phyllis! Keep it up. You're very welcome, so happy to share with you.
tania
Monday 23rd of December 2024
did you use fingering yarn and 6mm hook? its make a loose result on the project?
Knitcroaddict
Friday 10th of January 2025
The fit is not loose, but the lace shells are very lacy and open.
Mary Anne
Tuesday 21st of May 2024
I'm loving this pattern. I'm making in 3x as a sun dress top cover for my daughter. So pretty in yarn I'm using summer dreams by yarn arts. It says its a 2 weight but is so thin. Thank you so much I love all your tutorials.
Knitcroaddict
Wednesday 10th of July 2024
My pleasure Mary Anne, thanks so much for the kind words and support. This one's a classic for me, perfect for a sun dress top cover. Keep up the great work!