The oversized knits gracing fall catwalks this season inspired me to design an easy, roomy shrug with grand sleeves, bold cables and easy construction. Just cast on, knit, cast off, and wear! What could be chicer than that? I settled on the name “Big Red” because I can picture Little Red Riding Hood trading in her cape for this after she’s all grown up and found a fashion sense!

This shrug is worked in one piece from side to side, being cast on at one cuff and bound off at the other. The size given here should fit shoulders up to 16” wide – if you have particularly wide shoulders, or if you would like a roomier shrug, you can achieve a better fit by adding an extra repeat of the cable pattern while you are knitting the back.

Size
Adult; one size fits most shoulders –pattern includes notes regarding fit for shoulders wider than 16”

Actual Measurements
40” long x 26” wide

Materials

• Stitch Nation by Debbie Stoller Alpaca Love (80% wool, 20% alpaca; 132 yards per 3 oz ball); color: Ruby; 7 balls
• US 7/4.5 mm 16” circular needle
• US 7/4.5 mm 24” circular needle
• US 7/4.5 mm 40” circular needle
• Cable Needle
• Stitch marker
• Scissors
• Blunt Needle

Gauge
16 sts/24 rows = 4 inches in stockinette