Update: Sizes Small & Medium are published in one PDF, and sizes Large & 1X are in a separate PDF. Both are downloadable together in one listing at my revamped website. Here in Ravelry they’re listed separately; the Large & 1X pattern is here.

Eva is a shrug that stays on the shoulders! It’s also a fun way to crochet a sweater: start with stretchy, plush slip stitch ribbing. Crochet lace onto it and you’re basically done. This construction is often called a “cocoon shrug” but this one shapes itself with the fashionably wide ribbing.

View all of my slip stitch crochet patterns here.

Skill Level: Intermediate. The construction is an uncomplicated yet (still) uncommon way to crochet a shrug by starting with a loop of edging, i.e. the ribbing. Some crocheters may find this pattern to be Easy-Intermediate instead. I’ve kept pattern abbreviations to a minimum.

After using this pattern you will know (if you didn’t already):

• How to turn a rectangle into a comfortable “cocoon” or “cutaway”-style sweater
• A fun, quick, and ingenious way to crochet a ribbed shrug
• The stretchy design appeal of crochet slip stitches worked in a looser “hook-led” gauge

Finished Dimensions
This sweater stretches to fit the range of sizes Small to Medium thanks to the stitches, yarn, hook size, and garment type. The ribbing gives it a shaped fit, so it’s important to have the sweater long enough at the back waist for the different sizes. Garment pictured is a size Small to Medium.
Most of this pattern is the same for both sizes.

Finished Dimensions for Size Small-to-Medium
About the fit: this sweater stretches to fit the range of sizes Small to Medium (and from Large to XLarge/1X in a separate Ravelry pattern, see Update above), thanks to the stitches, yarn, hook size, and garment type. The ribbing gives it a shaped fit, so it’s important to have the sweater long enough at the back waist for the different sizes. Garment pictured is a size Small to Medium.

Most of this pattern is the same for both sizes. A few extra rows of the lace section are added to give the size Medium more length at the back waist and a bit more width at the bust. This option would also work for a taller size Small person, or for someone who is long-waisted.

Width at Bust, sizes Small-Medium: Fits actual bust sizes from 32” to 36” {81 cm - 91.5 cm} the best. This shrug/cocoon/cutaway is designed to be worn open in front.
Back Length, sizes Small-Medium: 16.5 in/42 cm not including ribbed band

Supplies Needed
Crochet Hook: Size US J-10/6.00mm or size required for gauge. A US K-10.5/6.50mm crochet hook is needed for foundation chs only. A US H-8/5.00mm crochet hook is needed for seaming only.

Yarn: The best fibers for this project add bounce and plump stretchiness because of their wool or acrylic content. Choose a #3 light- to #4 medium-weight yarn that recommends on the label a crochet hook size range somewhere between US G/7/4.5mm-I/9/5.5mm. These yarns may also be referred to as DK (Double Knitting), Light Worsted, or Worsted weight.
Three Stitch Markers

International English equivalents to American measurements, yarn weights, and stitch terms are provided in brackets.