Plus Sweater Shrug

Styles of Sweater Shrugs

The shrug, usually cut to sit around the midriff or a bit higher, like a bolero, comes in three basic styles:

• It can be a short cardigan with a few buttons in the front, and usually in a V-neck cut.
• It can also just hang open, hugging the breasts.
• Probably the most popular current style hearkens back to dancers’ warm-up sweaters, which are cut short and tie in the front.

The sleeves on all the shrugs can be any length. Obviously, a short-sleeved shrug is preferable in summer, when you may just need an extra layer for comfort in the air conditioning. Long sleeves are great for shrugs you wear on early autumn days and evenings when there’s a bit of a nip in the air, but you’re not ready for something heavier.

You can also get shrugs specifically designed for evening wear. Many shrugs are made of lace or chiffon and add flair to a strappy dress or top. Other shrugs feature sequins, beads, embroidery or other details that dress them up beautifully.

Shopping for Sweater Shrugs for Plus Sizes

Shrugs are so popular right now, pretty much any shop you browse regularly will have a selection. Whatever fabric or color you want, you are bound to find. And if for some reason, you can’t find what you want in a brick-and-mortar shop, you will almost certainly find it online. The good news about sizing is that shrugs are not very fitted, so as long as there is some stretch and the shoulder measurements are right, you can feel pretty confident that you’ll get a good fit and achieve the look you want.

If the style, color or fabric you have your heart set on doesn’t seem to be in any shops, you should absolutely try eBay. There are a lot of shrugs to choose from, both new and vintage, and if you want something cute and cheap, you can hardly do better.

Make Your Own Plus Sweater Shrug

A shrug can add a bit of finesse to an otherwise simple, if cute, ensemble. Since it’s such an easy way of showing off your individual style, why not take it a step further and make your shrug truly individual? Knitting isn’t just for grandmas anymore; a lot of people are into it and it’s a fun way to dress up your wardrobe. Shrugs, unlike full sweaters and cardigans, are a great beginner project because they can be so simple. Or, if you already have some knitting experience, you can make a much more elaborate plus sweater shrug – or several!

You don’t have to be a very experienced knitter to size a pattern to suit you. If you are unsure how best to manage it, any knitting shop will have salespeople ready to help you, and probably a knitting circle as well to add to the fun. You can also find a lot of patterns, sometimes for free, online. One good source is the blog Knitting Plus, which specifically gathers plus-size knitting patterns to share. An even more detailed blog with a lot of great links is Big Crafty. It also offers patterns for crochet and sewing. Both blogs are run by friendly, involved women who will be more than happy to answer questions and offer advice. If you are just starting out, or if you want to knit shrugs for all your friends, you might try to get some discounted yarn. Plenty of Web sites offer just that, although you should first try to get the yarn at a shop where you can see and touch it. After all, you are going to wear this shrug – you want to know it will feel as fabulous as it will look.