How to make a granny shrug…
You can do it too!
Today is your day!
How
It seems that the mulberry granny shrug has inspired a few of you to have a crack yourself. That’s super exciting & exactly why this patch of web space exists. Over the weekend Lara & I have worked together to present to you the whole box & dice for the granny shrug enthusiast.
There’s something for everyone. This is the master class…for lovely folk who like to follow a pattern, or maybe you need the visual (like me) or perhaps you’d like to watch a dinky video.
If you know how to make a granny square then you know how to make this shrug. Just crochet yourself a couple of lovely granny hexagons.
You can just skip over the “instructions” & make the granny exactly as you always do. Maybe you slip across to the next chain space…ripper knock yourself out. There is no “right” way to make it.
You’ll just end up with a lovely curly hexagon…good, that’s great…exactly what we want. Just keep checking your sizing after each round to decide when you’re done.
Mine have been 9 rounds (in the Wilderness) but depending on your tension & hook size yours might be 8 or 10 or more. Keep folding the curly hex in on itself until you’re confident that the fit will be right for you.
the pattern
My very favourite crocheter is Lara. She’s one of the reasons I picked up the hook in the first place. She likes to be good at stuff & works hard to make sure she gets things right. Well, guess what? She’s written a fabulous, fabulous pattern (it might not have posted yet…be patient) for you to print & keep. And spared you all from my effort at a written explanation. Thank you Lara, you’re the very best & it was lovely to share the making of the how to with you.
& the video
Just so you know it was really hard to crochet standing up stradling a tripod & keeping (or trying) the crochet in the frame.
Australian/UK terminology
Yarn
You’ve got a HUGE amount of flexibility here. You want to achieve a good deal of chunkiness & you’ll just adjust your number of rounds accordingly so pick something that suits your style. I did make the suggestion the other day to use stash yarns crocheted together to make up the chunky style yourself.
I used Patons “Wilderness” 14ply. I like it…A LOT. It’s a blend so purists might like to check out other options but I think it’s just the perfect yarn for the job. Here’s why… (& where to buy too).
OR you can have a go with 2 balls of 8 ply held together or whatever else takes your fancy. You’ll just adjust your number of rounds according to tension & fit. Go nuts. Lara’s using two strands of 12ply & is very happy with the result.
Hook
I’d say 15mm. I’m really happy with the result I’m getting with the 15mm hook. You need it to be loose so that you get a nice drape with the finished “fabric”. We’re not going for sturdy here folks…we want the pretty drape.
Making Up
I switched to a 2.65mm hook & just used double crochet up the centre back seam.
Then I doubled along the top sleeve seams & single crocheted along the back of the neck opening to give extra strength.
Again if you know how to do it your own way…do that. It will be great.
What, haven’t had enough? Here’s the steak knife! A round by round for the visual learner.
Other Stuff
There’s a flickr group. If you make a shrug we’d love to have it added to the group.
HAC class? There have been a couple of requests for a HAC class for the shrug. If you still think you need it or would like to make it up with a bunch of other girls over tea & biscuits, I’d be happy to run it over two evenings. If you’re keen please email me kootoyooATgmailDOTcom & if we get enough interest we’ll go ahead.
32 Comments
5 Trackbacks
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[...] found the pattern over at kootoyoo. It made of 2 granny hexagons that are stitched together in the [...]
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[...] fell for the simplicity of Kirsty’s Granny Shrug (ravelink). It is essentially two large hexagons sewn [...]
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[...] Kootoyo “How To Make A Granny Shrug” - I’m so determined to make this I’ve ordered a 15mm hook and a dozen balls of [...]
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[...] How To Make A Granny Shrug? (This cool guide is offered you the fabulous tips on how to develop a granny shrug where you can make one for your grandma, she absolutely will appreciate this gift.) [...]
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[...] can find how to make one here (at Kootoyoo- a very cool site) and the written pattern is here (Thornberry is another great [...]
Maggie
615 days ago
yay! thanks so much for this, this is at the absolute top of my to-do list. Actually something I want to make for myself.
Liesl
615 days ago
I am so excited – I've been out and bought my hook and yarn this morning. Thank you for all the work you and Lara have put into this!
TammyJ
615 days ago
Amazing Kirsty, Thank you so much I was admiring your shrugs but had no idea how to do it! I can follow your directions so very easily and have a stash of Patons Jet 12ply left over from an Ebay purchase last year that would work well for this. Thanks for taking the time to put the visual tutorial together! A great collaboration! your flickr pool will fill up in no time : )
Leah
615 days ago
Thanks heaps to both you and Lara. I started mine on the weekend…couldnt wait. I found the 15mm to loose so im onto a 12mm hook much better. Im so looking forward to seeing everyones shrugs.
Andi
615 days ago
I've already seen these popping up all over blogdome.
Imagine how many MORE are about to pop up now!!!
You're a clever chick!!
'Joyce'
615 days ago
Lara and Kirsty, thank you so much for your time and love that has gone into sharing this with us all. You are going to be seeing your shrugs everywhere you go now, what a wonderful compliment to you both. I have just finished a throw rug for my little one, and cannot wait to get some yarn and hook into this for myself. Blessings.
Baa-Me Kniits
615 days ago
Kirsty you are a technical genius!! Have you got sore leg muscles today form the acrobatics needed to video your fabulous tutorial? You and Lara have done a really great job! I'm waiting for more 'Wilderness' in the mail so I can finish my cardi, will post on Flickr when done
Tania Murphy
615 days ago
Found the link via Lara's sight – she to inspired my to pick up a crochet hook will share your post with my facebook fans – Cheers
Chasing Purple Dreams
615 days ago
I love my shrug, I am onto number two. I shall pop over to the flickr page and add my creation to the fashion parade!
One Flew Over
615 days ago
Thanks for sharing Kirst xx
Tania
615 days ago
Cripes woman! When did you have time for a weekend at all? Fabulous work. Now go and have a nice sit down and cuppa.
Kylie
615 days ago
Thankyou for tis – adding it to the list of things to make for ME – I can see a trip to spotlight on the cards.
garcia.sol
615 days ago
I love granny shrugs and will rejoice the day I could make my own and not have to buy them…I need a bit more practice before i attempt this one…but one day! hehe
Anna
615 days ago
thank you so much for sharing, very generous of you to spend time putting this together.
Buy Design
615 days ago
Multi-tasking…. Crocheting,talking and and filming at the same time. Very impressive.
Starting on shrug no2 today and loving shrug no1. Mine is 7mm hook with chunky 'Signature' yarn. It took 11 rounds to get the right size.
Fiona x
crochet with Raymond
614 days ago
thank you so much for tutorial!!! Its lovely and I've found some frighteningly expensive wool which wouuld be prefect for it!
Loving you blog
Ooty
614 days ago
Thanks!! Super great =)
Pooch
614 days ago
Thank you, thank you, thank you–you sweet thing!! How fun!
handmadehappiness
614 days ago
yeah so happy you posted this kirsty i have been drooling i am off to buy wool mmmmmm
ArtMind
613 days ago
Thanks heaps, Kirsty! Now I need to find a fat hook & time!
Did I tell you you're a gem?
Valerie
612 days ago
this is brilliant ! and I want to try & make it !! (even though I'm not used to the UK terminology but to using japanese diagrams !)
we went on a Ikea shopping trip today & I stopped by a yarn store on the way…
Thank you for sharing the pattern and congratulations to you both
Becky
612 days ago
In a big bloggy coincidence, my creative space for today is my first ever 4 Granny Squares so now I think I can do this!
Off to town this morning and might add yarn and hook to my list of jobs…
Fiona
611 days ago
I've been struggling with crochet since January – your video finally cleared up some problems that my book didn't. Have completed a granny square and some circles now and am contemplating buying some yarn for this shrug.
I've gone from disaster to possibly competent novice in about 2 days! Thank you!
zofia
611 days ago
Thank you Thank you! I've already had a stumble along on my own…this will be fabulous!
Rachel@oneprettything.com
599 days ago
I am so, so excited about this! And luckily I'll be doing two ten hour drives this month- perfect! Thanks so much to both of you, I'll be linking. yay!
Fiona
547 days ago
I made it … at last!!!
Anonymous
528 days ago
Can you knit with Big wool from Rowan ? I've been looking for 14 ply yarn but in shops, i always have the same answer NO. The only alternative is Rowan Big wool but it's quite expensive. Many thanks
fairyhedgehog
301 days ago
This is a wonderful pattern. It works up so quickly and easily and gives a great result. I’d despaired of making a shrug with Lion Brand Homespun but this one made up beautifully.
Thank you!
Sara
83 days ago
This is completely awesome! One of my all time favorite finds. If I can squeeze this into my week I will have one by the weekend. Linking up at Tangled Happy tomorrow. Thanks for sharing this amazing pattern!
Fabiola Flores
80 days ago
Hola, estuve viendo el video de grany blusa, esta genialmente me gusto mucho, muchas felicidades!
Gracias por compartir, saludos desde Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico…
Nesbi Maret
58 days ago
Just finished one for my 3y/o, will take a pic and link back.
TY So much for sharing.
Julia
33 days ago
Thank you, Kirsty, for this wonderful pattern!
It is so easy to make and looks gorgeous!
I had enough wool over to crochet a matching flower brooch.
Greetings from Germany,
Julia