Free Knitting Pattern – Frills Shrug

If you’ve ever wanted the perfect layering piece that feels as light as air but still adds a touch of cozy charm, this Frills Shrug knitting pattern is just the project for you. Worked in one piece with simple shaping, it’s a wonderfully mindful knit that builds up into something both practical and pretty. The airy lace design keeps it breezy enough for spring and summer evenings, while the playful ruffled edging gives it that little “something extra” to dress up even the most casual outfit.

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What you need

Size 11 US (8 mm) knitting needles (straight or circular)

Size 11 US (8 mm) 16″ and 36″ circular needles (for ruffle trim)

Spray bottle & pins for blocking

Yarn: Lightweight lace yarn (2-ply lace) with a soft halo (mohair or mohair blend recommended)

Solid Color: approx. 480 yards (2 balls at 240 yds each)

Print/Contrast Color: approx. 720 yards (3 balls at 240 yds each)

(Worked throughout with two strands held together.)

Instructions

Sizes

Small/Medium (Large/XLarge)

Finished Measurements

Small/Medium: approx. 20.25″ wide x 45″ long (excluding ruffle)

Large/XLarge: approx. 22″ wide x 47″ long (excluding ruffle)

Size shown: Large/XLarge

Gauge

8.5 sts = 4″ and 12.75 rows = 4″ with 2 strands of yarn held together in pattern stitch, blocked.
 Always knit a gauge swatch, block it, and measure on a flat surface.

 

Stitch Pattern: Imitation Embroidery V

Row 1: K2, *yo, k3, yo, k1; rep from * to last st, k1. (63 [69] sts)

Row 2: K1, purl to last st, k1. (63 [69] sts)

Row 3: *K3, sl1, k2tog, psso; rep from *, end k3. (43 [47] sts)

Row 4: K1, purl to last st, k1. (43 [47] sts)

Repeat these 4 rows for pattern.

Instructions

Body (worked in one piece)

With Main Color (MC) (1 solid strand + 1 print strand held together), cast on 43 (47) sts loosely.

Knit 1 row, purl 1 row.

Begin stitch pattern (Rows 1–4).

Work until piece measures 45 (47)”, ending after a Row 4.
Bind off loosely (you may use a larger needle size).

Assembly

Block before seaming. Fold rectangle in half lengthwise, right sides together.

Sew sleeve seams 11″ from cast-on edges using MC.

Leave center body opening free.

Sleeve Ruffle Trim

With Contrast Color (CC) (two strands print yarn held together), and 16″ circular needles:

Pick up 41 (45) sts at sleeve edge.

Join to work in the round.

Work as follows:

Knit

Kfb in every st – 82 (90 sts)

Knit

Kfb in every st – 164 (180 sts)

Knit
Bind off all sts, regular tension.

Body Ruffle Trim

With CC and 36″ circular needles:

Starting at side seam, pick up 74 (78) sts along body edge, then another 74 (78) sts along the other side. Total = 148 (156) sts.

Work as follows:

Knit

Kfb in every st – 296 (312 sts)

Knit

Kfb in every st – 592 (624 sts)

Knit
Bind off all sts, regular tension.

Finishing Touches

Weave in all loose ends on the wrong side.

Lightly mist and block to shape if needed.

The Frills Shrug shines in soft lace-weight yarns with a gentle halo—think mohair blends or brushed alpaca. The delicate ruffles make it perfect for dressing up jeans or layering over a sundress for evening wear.