My simple blanket shrug knitting pattern is easy enough for beginners and will show you how to knit a chunky rectangle blanket that converts into a woman’s cardigan with long or short sleeves.
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Quick Info Card
Yarn: 750 – 1065 yards of weight (5) bulky yarn.
Supplies: US 9 / 5.5 mm 24” (or longer) circular knitting needles, 6 (8) buttons (1” diameter), and a tapestry needle.
Difficulty: Beginner
Highlights: Long and short sleeve options. Converts into a lap blanket.
The Convertible Knit Shrug Blanket
Look, we’ve all been there: you’re chilly and want to wrap up, but you also need to actually use your hands. The Barcelona blanket shrug knitting pattern was born from that exact struggle.
I designed this shrug to have an oversized fit with plenty of positive ease so it feels like a hug, not a straightjacket. It’s a trendy, knitted cardigan for women that stays put while you’re typing or grabbing a coffee, without any bulky sleeves getting in your way.
The absolute best part about this convertible piece is how it pulls double duty. If your shoulders are warm but your legs are freezing, you can simply unbutton to use as a blanket. It transforms into the perfect lap blanket in about five seconds flat.
Whether you wrap it up in a cozy cardigan style or lay it flat, it’s the ultimate chunky knit for staying comfortable around the house.
Prefer crochet? I also have a free convertible shrug crochet pattern.
How To Knit a Convertible blanket shrug
If you’re worried about complicated shaping, don’t be! This is a simple and easy written pattern that is perfect for beginners. Since the whole thing is basically a giant rectangle, you don’t have to worry about increasing or decreasing.
To get started on this free pattern, you’ll just need some Barcelona bulky yarn and 5.5mm (US Size 9.0) circular needles. Once you learn how to knit the basic stockinette body, the knitting goes by super fast because of that thick, cozy yarn.
I’ve made sure this blanket shrug knitting pattern gives you total control over the look, specifically with sleeves that fit your life. I’ve included long and short sleeve options in the instructions, so you can go for a flattering elbow length or a full-length winter vibe.
It is incredibly easy to customize the length for your own body. Just grab your favorite buttons, cast on with your bulky yarn, and enjoy this free pattern!
Upgrade the pattern
If you would like to purchase the PDF download, you can find it in my shops:
Barcelona blanket shrug: Free Knitting Pattern
Knitting pattern information
Knit Supplies:
- US 9 / 5.5 mm 24” (or longer) circular knitting needles
- Loops & Threads Barcelona, Bulky (5) 100% Acrylic, 328 yds, 300 m, 7 oz, 200 g, per skein.
- Shown in colorway: Torte
- Short Sleeve version (shown): 750 yds
- Long sleeve version: 1065 yds
- Tapestry Needle
- 6 (8) buttons (1” diameter)
Gauge:
15 sts and 24 Rows = 4” (10 cm)
Abbreviations:
Written in US Terminology
- BO: Bind Off
- CO: Cast On
- k: knit
- p: purl
- p2tog: purl two stitches together as one
- rep: repeat
- sts: stitch(es) yo: yarn over
Finished Sizes:
Length (sleeve cuff to sleeve cuff) / width (neck to bottom hem)
Short Sleeve: 45” length x 30” width
Long Sleeve: 58” length x 30” width
Short sleeves are approx. 6” from my wrists when my arms are at my side. With my arms bent, the sleeves end right before my elbow on the back of my arm. This is perfect for me when typing.
Pattern is written with numbers for short sleeve length first followed by long sleeve instructions in parenthesis as follows: short sleeve (long sleeve).
Notes:
- Want something longer? This pattern is easy to adjust to make it just the right length for you!
Copyright Notice:
Pattern is sole property of Carol Hladik Designs. Please do not copy or reproduce in any way.
You are welcome to sell finished items made from this pattern, but please credit me as the designer in your posts.
Free Knitting Pattern: Barcelona Convertible Shrug
All sizes CO 95 sts.
- Side ribbing adds 4.5” to the total width of the shrug. You can adjust the width here if desired by casting on 4 additional sts per inch (2.5 cm) you want to increase. Note that if you increase more than 3” (7.5 cm), you will want to CO only 3 sts for every 4th inch (10 cm).
- Adjusting the width will increase the amount of yarn required.
Sleeve Edging:
Row 1: K across.
Rows 2 – 5: Rep Row 1.
Main body:
Row 1 (RS): K across.
Row 2 (WS): P across.
Rep Rows 1 & 2 until your piece measures 44” / 112 cm (57” / 145 cm) in length.
Sleeve Edging:
Row 1: K across.
Rows 2 – 4: Rep Row 1.
Row 5: BO knit-wise.
Side Ribbing:
With RS facing, pick up 216 (280) sts / approx. 2 sts for every 3 rows along the length of your shrug, making sure your final st count is a multiple of 4.
- Note: depending on your tension, you may need to pick up more (or less) sts for the ribbing. Total stitch count is not as important as having an ending stitch count is divisible by 4.
Row 1: *k2, p2; across.
Rows 2 – 8: Rep Row 1.
Row 9: (Button Hole Row) k2, p2, k2, p2tog, yo, * [k2, p2] two (three) times, k2, p2tog, yo; rep from * once more. K2, p2 to end of row. [3 (4) button holes created]
Rows 10 – 11: Rep Row 1.
BO in st pattern.
Repeat Side Ribbing on second side making sure you are picking up stitches on the RS of work so button holes will be on opposite corners of the piece.
Block shrug before attaching buttons.
Once shrug is dry, fold in half lengthwise and line up ribbing edges. Attach buttons opposite the button holes. You will have buttons on opposite sides / corners of the shrug.
