Inspired by the popularity of BBC programs like Downton Abbey and The Forsyte Saga, the Highclere Shrug adds a romantic touch to any outfit.

Knit in fingering/sock weight yarn, the body is worked in one piece, bottom-up, to the armholes, then split into fronts and back. The body of the shrug, as well as each sleeve, is finished with a neat row of single crochet, then a luxurious lace ruffle is picked up and knit in the round, and completed with a delicate picot bind off.

Colorway is Aphrodite, and this sweater is featured in a special advertising section of the 30th Anniversary Issue (The Pearl Issue) of Vogue Knitting.

This pattern does NOT have line by line instructions for all shaping! I know for some of you that’s a plus and for some a minus! The body of the shrug is a bottom-up 4-row repeat that is written out, the fronts, backs and sleeves have “increase/decrease this many times this frequently while maintaining lace pattern as established” instructions. It has been tech edited and tested.

NOTE
I have used a row of single crochet around
the body of the shrug to make the edge look
especially neat when the lace ruffle flips back
at the collar, and to keep the knitted body of
the work from stretching out where the ruffle
begins. If you cannot bear the thought of
crocheting you can skip this step, but the
neck edge will not look as pretty if you simply
pick up and knit around the neck opening