The instructions for this shrug are first given for knitting in the round and then given for a flat knit version that is sewn to finish. It's a simple pattern stitch that gives a lot of texture. I chose the Caron because the shade of gray was ideal. It's also easy care and here in Florida, you don't need the wool version if the a/c is chilly. If you have questions, please feel free to email me (specify if you are using the "In the round" or "Flat" directions).
Materials:
2 skeins Caron Simply Soft, 100% acrylic, Heather Gray, 170 g, 315 yds per skein (or similar worsted weight, size 4, yarn for 630 yds) This uses the full 2 skeins.
US 7 circular needles
Size: Folded 45" wide by 12" deep
Little Fountain Pattern Stitch: (multiple of 4)
R1: *yo, K3, yo, K1*
R2: P (Note: This row is K in the round.)
R3: K1, sl 1, k2tog, psso, *K3, sl 1, k2tog, psso* to last 2 sts., K2
R4: P (Note: This row is K in the round.)
K1, P1 Rib Pattern Stitch: (multiple of 2)
In the round: *K1, P1*
OR
Flat Knit: R1: *K1, P1*
R2: K the K sts and P the P sts.
Note for in the round knitters: The construction is cast on is the top of the armhole (at the shoulder). You knit down to the armpit, put these sts on waste yarn. Pick up provisional cast on sts, knit down to armpit. Add the sts on waste yarn, join in round and continue in round to the botton edge of shrug.
Directions for working in the round:
Using a provisional cast on, cast on 136 sts. Working back and forth (do not join), work 8 patterns or 7" of Little Fountain pattern, ending with row 4. Put sts on another pair of circulars or waste yarn to hold. Break yarn. Place provisional sts on your circular needles and work 8 repeats or 7" as before, again ending with row four. Add sts from waste yarn, place marker, and now working in the round, do 5 repeats of the Little Fountain pattern. (Note: Rows 2 and 4 are now knit rows.) Your folded piece should measure approximately 10", ending with row 4. Begin K1, P1, rib pattern for 2". Bind off in rib pattern. Weave in ends.
^=^=^=^=
Directions for Straight (Flat) Knitting: You will be knitting a rectangular piece 45"w x 24" h. Use circular needles but do not join.
Cast on 136 sts. Knit 2" of rib pattern. Knit 20" in Little Fountain pattern ending with row 4. Knit 2" more in rib pattern. Bind off in rib pattern. Fold piece in half, bringing rib edges together. Measure down 7" down from fold on both ends and place markers. (The gap above the markers are your armholes.) You are going to sew from the marker down to the rib edge on both sides. Weave in ends.
Note for flat knitters: When knitting the Little Fountain pattern, you begin one row with a yo which is a little strange, but works. I could (or you could) add 2 stitches at cast on for a selvedge, but it looked and sewed just fine. If you do, adjust the pattern for R1: K1, *yo, K3, yo, K1*to last st, K1 and R3 begins with a K2, instead of a K1 and ends with a K3 in lieu of K2. And you're good to go.
Materials:
2 skeins Caron Simply Soft, 100% acrylic, Heather Gray, 170 g, 315 yds per skein (or similar worsted weight, size 4, yarn for 630 yds) This uses the full 2 skeins.
US 7 circular needles
Size: Folded 45" wide by 12" deep
Little Fountain Pattern Stitch: (multiple of 4)
R1: *yo, K3, yo, K1*
R2: P (Note: This row is K in the round.)
R3: K1, sl 1, k2tog, psso, *K3, sl 1, k2tog, psso* to last 2 sts., K2
R4: P (Note: This row is K in the round.)
K1, P1 Rib Pattern Stitch: (multiple of 2)
In the round: *K1, P1*
OR
Flat Knit: R1: *K1, P1*
R2: K the K sts and P the P sts.
Note for in the round knitters: The construction is cast on is the top of the armhole (at the shoulder). You knit down to the armpit, put these sts on waste yarn. Pick up provisional cast on sts, knit down to armpit. Add the sts on waste yarn, join in round and continue in round to the botton edge of shrug.
Directions for working in the round:
Using a provisional cast on, cast on 136 sts. Working back and forth (do not join), work 8 patterns or 7" of Little Fountain pattern, ending with row 4. Put sts on another pair of circulars or waste yarn to hold. Break yarn. Place provisional sts on your circular needles and work 8 repeats or 7" as before, again ending with row four. Add sts from waste yarn, place marker, and now working in the round, do 5 repeats of the Little Fountain pattern. (Note: Rows 2 and 4 are now knit rows.) Your folded piece should measure approximately 10", ending with row 4. Begin K1, P1, rib pattern for 2". Bind off in rib pattern. Weave in ends.
^=^=^=^=
Directions for Straight (Flat) Knitting: You will be knitting a rectangular piece 45"w x 24" h. Use circular needles but do not join.
Cast on 136 sts. Knit 2" of rib pattern. Knit 20" in Little Fountain pattern ending with row 4. Knit 2" more in rib pattern. Bind off in rib pattern. Fold piece in half, bringing rib edges together. Measure down 7" down from fold on both ends and place markers. (The gap above the markers are your armholes.) You are going to sew from the marker down to the rib edge on both sides. Weave in ends.
Note for flat knitters: When knitting the Little Fountain pattern, you begin one row with a yo which is a little strange, but works. I could (or you could) add 2 stitches at cast on for a selvedge, but it looked and sewed just fine. If you do, adjust the pattern for R1: K1, *yo, K3, yo, K1*to last st, K1 and R3 begins with a K2, instead of a K1 and ends with a K3 in lieu of K2. And you're good to go.
