Convertible Weekend 3-in-1 Shrug Knitting Pattern

Funny; I'm a lazy knitter. I've knitted a hoodie before (ok, so it was a hooded vest)! You'd think that would stop making me so lazy and get me started on some big project, like an afghan or something. But nope. I think making that sweater last year gave me an excuse to say, Ok, I've finished my mission to do a sweater. Now I can tell people I've actually knitted one! But yesterday I told myself, "I'm going to make myself a shrug! It's not even as big as a sweater!" But once I cast on those 48 stitches on size 10 needles, I didn't even finish 3 inches before unraveling. Again I thought of my vest last year. I had cast on, like, 54 stitches maybe? And here I couldn't even cast on 48. So I just grabbed some us 19 needles and started. Only 36 stitches? Oh, yes please. This is the lazy shrug. And it's convertible! It can be a shrug, a scarf, or a cowl. Oh, how beautiful.

Materials: US 19 needles, worsted weight yarn (I used some leftover Caron One Pound. Yardage is maybe 200 yds? 300? Maybe less. Just experiment.), tape measure, scissors, darning needle.

Level: beginner

CO 36 sts. Knit every row in garter stitch till it's about 36-40." Depends how long you want it to be; short sleeve, long sleeve, 3/4 sleeve... doesn't matter. Now bind off.

Take the finished length of the piece (mine was 35") and subtract 22." Now take your new number (35 - 22= 23) and divide by 2 (23 divided by 2 is 11.5). This number is x. Now fold your piece in half lengthwise and sew both edges towards the middle, leaving a 22" gap between the sewn sections for the armholes. So now insert your arms, and the edge of the shrug should drape against your neck. Done! Or if you want a cowl, place the whole tube on your neck. Or tie it around for a scarf! You could also just sew the whole tube closed for a cowl/scarf.

My sister and I did a whole photo shoot. Those are her glasses, by the way, from Nordstroms for $10. Of course she had to post a dorky pic of me buried under a mound of blankets, hiding from the camera, saying 'my sister is so cool.'

Oh, and do you recognize the blue/black shirt? It's my slouchy raglan (tutorial here) with a black and gray shirt underneath.