Await Shrug

Await Shrug by Laura Chau

What is Being Made

The Await Shrug is a versatile layering piece designed to drape elegantly over tees and dresses. This side-to-side knit shrug features a simple rectangular construction that transforms into fitted sleeves through strategic seaming. The design offers exceptional sizing flexibility, allowing knitters to customize the fit based on individual measurements and preferences.

Construction and Design Features

The shrug is worked using a straightforward side-to-side construction method, which means the rectangle grows horizontally across the needles. The body incorporates Rick-Rack Lace, an easy-to-memorize stitch pattern that adds visual interest without requiring complex colorwork or intricate shaping. Stretchy ribbed cuffs frame the wrists and provide comfortable elasticity for extended wear.

Once the rectangular body is complete, the ends are seamed together to form the sleeve openings. The ribbed edging is then picked up around the armholes and worked in the round, creating a polished, professional finish. This construction method eliminates the need for complex sleeve cap shaping, making it accessible for intermediate knitters.

Sizing and Customization

Sizing flexibility is a defining feature of the Await Shrug. Rather than relying solely on standard sizes, the pattern recommends measuring bicep circumference to determine the appropriate sleeve size, rounding up if measurements fall between sizes. The length across the back can be easily adjusted on the needles, allowing knitters to create a shorter or wider shrug as desired. This adaptability makes the pattern suitable for various body types and style preferences.

Stitches and Techniques

• Rick-Rack Lace: The primary stitch pattern used throughout the body, chosen for its visual appeal and ease of memorization
• Ribbing: Used for the cuffs and edging to provide stretch and structure
• Side-to-side construction: The body is worked horizontally, allowing for in-the-round adjustments
• Seaming: Ends are seamed to form sleeve openings
• Picking up stitches: Ribbed edging is picked up and worked in the round for a finished appearance

Yarn and Materials

The Await Shrug is designed for sport weight yarn, offering a delicate drape suitable for layering. Yardage requirements range from 540 to 1,655 yards depending on size, with metric equivalents from 495 to 1,515 metres.

The pattern is shown in Madelinetosh Pashmina, a luxurious blend consisting of 75% superwash merino, 15% silk, and 10% cashmere. This yarn is available in 4.12 ounce (117g) skeins with a yardage of 360 yards (329 metres) per skein. The combination of merino, silk, and cashmere creates a soft, breathable fabric with excellent drape and subtle sheen, making it ideal for a refined layering piece.

Difficulty Level

Rated as intermediate, the Await Shrug is accessible to knitters with foundational skills who are ready to work with lace patterns and basic garment construction. The straightforward side-to-side method and easy-to-memorize stitch pattern make it an excellent project for building confidence in garment shaping and finishing techniques.