Aurora Bloom Shrug Free Pattern – Crochet a Celestial Garden Cover-Up
Aurora Bloom Shrug Free Pattern – Crochet a Celestial Garden Cover-Up
Wrap yourself in the ethereal beauty of a night sky with this openwork crochet shrug, featuring delicate floral motifs and a cascading waterfall back. This pattern is perfect for adding a touch of bohemian elegance to any outfit, from summer dresses to cozy layers. The deep indigo and silver moon colorway evokes a celestial garden, making this piece a true statement of handmade artistry.
Whether you're a seasoned crocheter or a confident beginner looking for a rewarding project, the Aurora Bloom Shrug is designed to be both accessible and impressive. The combination of simple double crochet and openwork lattice creates a fabric that is airy, drapes beautifully, and plays with light and shadow. Let's dive into creating this stunning, wearable piece.
Materials Needed
Before you begin, gather the following materials to ensure a smooth and enjoyable crocheting experience:
- Yarn: Worsted weight cotton blend yarn (e.g., Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton) in Deep Indigo (MC) and Silver Moon (CC). You will need approximately 800–1000 yards of MC and 150–200 yards of CC, depending on your size.
- Hook: 5.5 mm (I-9) crochet hook
- Other: Yarn needle for weaving in ends, scissors, and a measuring tape.
Gauge & Sizing
Gauge: 4 dc x 2 rows = 1 inch in double crochet. Always check your gauge to ensure the correct finished size.
Sizes: S/M (M/L) – Finished bust: 36 (42) inches. The pattern is written with the smaller size first, followed by the larger size in parentheses.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Pattern Notes
- Worked in one piece from the bottom up for the panels.
- Ch 3 counts as dc throughout.
- The shrug is constructed with a back panel, two front panels, and sleeves.
- All rows are worked with the right side facing you unless otherwise noted.
Back Panel
Row 1: With MC, ch 92 (104). Dc in 4th ch from hook and in each ch across. Turn. (90 (102) dc)
Row 2: Ch 3, dc in each dc across. Turn.
Row 3 (Openwork pattern): Ch 3, *ch 1, skip 1 dc, dc in next dc; repeat from * across. Turn. (45 (51) ch-1 spaces)
Row 4: Ch 3, dc in each ch-1 space and in each dc across. Turn. (90 (102) dc)
Row 5: Repeat Row 2.
Row 6 (Floral motif row): Ch 3, *skip 2 dc, 5 dc in next dc (shell), skip 2 dc, dc in next dc; repeat from * across. Turn. (15 (17) shells)
Row 7: Ch 3, *ch 1, dc in center dc of shell, ch 1, dc in next dc; repeat from * across. Turn.
Row 8: Ch 3, dc in each ch-1 space and in each dc across. Turn. (90 (102) dc)
Rows 9-20: Repeat Rows 2-8 twice more. This will create three full floral motif sections.
Row 21: Ch 3, dc in each dc across. Turn. Fasten off.
Front Panels (make 2)
Row 1: With MC, ch 46 (52). Dc in 4th ch from hook and in each ch across. Turn. (44 (50) dc)
Row 2: Ch 3, dc in each dc across. Turn.
Row 3 (Openwork pattern): Ch 3, *ch 1, skip 1 dc, dc in next dc; repeat from * across. Turn. (22 (25) ch-1 spaces)
Row 4: Ch 3, dc in each ch-1 space and in each dc across. Turn. (44 (50) dc)
Row 5: Repeat Row 2.
Row 6 (Floral motif row): Ch 3, *skip 2 dc, 5 dc in next dc (shell), skip 2 dc, dc in next dc; repeat from * across. Turn. (7 (8) shells)
Row 7: Ch 3, *ch 1, dc in center dc of shell, ch 1, dc in next dc; repeat from * across. Turn.
Row 8: Ch 3, dc in each ch-1 space and in each dc across. Turn. (44 (50) dc)
Rows 9-20: Repeat Rows 2-8 twice more.
Row 21: Ch 3, dc in each dc across. Turn. Fasten off.
Sleeves (make 2)
Row 1: With MC, ch 46 (52). Dc in 4th ch from hook and in each ch across. Turn. (44 (50) dc)
Row 2: Ch 3, dc in each dc across. Turn.
Row 3 (Openwork pattern): Ch 3, *ch 1, skip 1 dc, dc in next dc; repeat from * across. Turn. (22 (25) ch-1 spaces)
Row 4: Ch 3, dc in each ch-1 space and in each dc across. Turn. (44 (50) dc)
Rows 5-12: Repeat Rows 2-4 twice more. This gives the sleeves a shorter, three-quarter length.
Row 13: Ch 3, dc in each dc across. Turn. Fasten off.
Assembly
Now that all pieces are complete, it's time to bring your Aurora Bloom Shrug together. Follow these steps carefully for a professional finish.
Step 1: Sew Shoulder Seams
Place the front panels on top of the back panel, aligning the outer edges. The front panels will sit on top of the back panel, with the right sides facing each other. Sew the top 4 inches of the shoulder seams on each side. This will create the neckline and armhole openings.
Step 2: Attach Sleeves
Fold each sleeve in half lengthwise to find the center point. Align the center of the sleeve with the shoulder seam. Sew the sleeve top to the armhole opening, easing in any fullness. The sleeve should fit comfortably around the armhole. Repeat for the second sleeve.
Step 3: Sew Side Seams
With the right sides facing, sew the side seams from the underarm down to the bottom edge. Important: Leave the bottom 6 inches open on each side to create the stylish side slits. This gives the shrug its relaxed, waterfall drape.
Step 4: Edging
With CC (Silver Moon), sc evenly around the entire outer edge of the shrug. This includes the front opening, the bottom edge (including the slits), and the sleeve cuffs. Work 3 sc in each corner to keep the corners neat and prevent curling. This edging adds a subtle shimmer and defines the silhouette.
Step 5: Finishing
Weave in all ends securely using a yarn needle. Block the shrug to open up the lace pattern and give it a beautiful drape. To block, pin the shrug to the desired dimensions on a blocking mat and mist with water. Allow to dry completely before wearing.
Wearing Your Aurora Bloom Shrug
This versatile shrug is designed to be worn open, with no buttons or closures. The relaxed fit and openwork pattern make it perfect for layering over summer dresses, camisoles, or even a simple tank top. The waterfall back adds a touch of drama, while the three-quarter sleeves keep it practical and chic. The silver moon edging catches the light beautifully, making this a truly celestial addition to your handmade wardrobe.
Enjoy your crochet journey, and don't forget to share your finished Aurora Bloom Shrug with the crafting community. Happy crocheting!