Bring Me the Sun Shrug: Crochet Circle-to-Rectangle Video Tutorial

The Bring Me the Sun Shrug by Katerina of ByKaterina Designs is a light, airy layer with a clever twist. It is the classic shrug made from one rectangle, but instead of crocheting a plain rectangle, you start with a circle on the back, turn it into a square and then extend the sides. The result is a beautiful sunburst on your back and an open V-stitch lace that is perfect over a dress or tank top on cool evenings.

Bring Me the Sun Shrug at a Glance

• Designer: Katerina of ByKaterina Designs
• Sizes: S/M, L/XL, 2XL/3XL and 4XL/5XL (the video shows size S/M)
• Yarn: medium weight (worsted, 10 ply); size S/M uses 4 balls of 100 g / 192 m
• Hooks: 5 mm for the body and 4.5 mm for the edging
• Stitches: chain, single crochet and double crochet (V-stitch), worked in the round and in rows
• Video length: about 34 minutes

What You'll Need

• Worsted weight yarn (about 770 m for size S/M)
• 5 mm and 4.5 mm crochet hooks
• Stitch markers
• A yarn needle and scissors

From Circle to Square to Rectangle

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The shrug is built in three stages, which is what makes it so fun to crochet:

1. The circle. You start in the center of the back and work a V-stitch circle in the round. This becomes the sunburst.
2. The square. Corners are added around the circle to turn it into a square.
3. The rectangle. The two sides are extended in rows until the piece is wide enough to become the front panels and sleeves.

To finish, the rectangle is folded and seamed to form the armholes, a border is worked all around the opening and the cuffs are added. For size S/M the back circle measures about 76 cm across, the shrug is about 122 cm from cuff to cuff and 54 cm long.

The V-Stitch Lace

The V-stitch is just two double crochets with a chain between them, worked into the same space. It grows fast, creates a soft open mesh and drapes beautifully, so the shrug feels light even in worsted weight yarn. The video walks you through every round of the circle and shows how to keep the V-stitches lined up as the piece grows.

Images and patterns courtesy of ByKaterina Designs

Enjoy the Video Tutorial

Source: ByKaterina Designs

Tips for a Perfect Shrug

• Keep the circle flat. If it starts to ruffle, your tension is too loose; if it cups, it is too tight. Lay it flat every few rounds.
• Mark the corners with stitch markers when you turn the circle into a square.
• Try it on before the border. Fold the rectangle and check the sleeve length and fit, then add the edging.
• Choose a soft yarn. A cotton blend works for spring and summer, and a wool blend makes it a cozy autumn layer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this shrug good for beginners?
Yes, if you know chain, single crochet and double crochet and have worked in the round before. The construction is simple and the video shows every stage.

Which size does the video show?
Size S/M. The written pattern on ByKaterina Designs, linked in the credit above, includes all sizes up to 4XL/5XL.

More Wearables from ByKaterina Designs

If you enjoy Katerina's designs, try the Soft Season cardigan, the Briolette cardigan/vest, the Happy Clouds sweater or the Morning Light skirt.