Go Vintage With This Simple 1950s Knitted Shrug

If you are a fan of vintage knits, or you are just looking for something a bit different, then, why not get busy knitting this simple but pretty, 1950s, shrug, which is a perfect cover-up on cool evenings. 

It's knitted as one straight piece, with no increases or decreases - just four seams to sew up. 

With regard to sizing, this is an American pattern, so please bear in mind that American sizes are one size larger than UK sizes, i.e. size 14 US size, would be a 16 in the UK.

I've also added a few extra instructions where I felt a beginner knitter, may be unfamiliar with certain terms

 Instructions will fit Sizes 10 to 18.

The wool suggested to knit this pattern, is naturally after so long 'discontinued'

COATS& CLARK'S "RED HEART" KNITTING WORSTED, 4 Ply, 10 ounces of No. 818 Blue Jewel.
Knitting needles, 1 pair No. 10. (UK 6mm/Size 4)

GAUGE: 4 sts = 1 inch; 5 rows = 1 inch.

Starting at the centre back, cast on 48 sts.

1st row (right side):
P 3, * k 1, O ( or YO), p 3. Repeat from * across to within last 5 sts, k 5 loosely. 2nd row: K 5 loosely, * k 3, drop the O (YO) , with yarn in front of work slip the next st as if to purl. Repeat from * across to within last 3 sts, k 3. Repeat last 2 rows for pattern. Work in pattern until total length is 7½ inches ending with 2nd row. At end of last row cast on 17 sts for Sleeve.

SLEEVE

 1st row:
K 5 loosely, p 3, * k 1, O, p 3. Repeat from * across to within last 5 sts, k 5 loosely. 2nd row: K 5 loosely, * k 3, drop the O, with yarn in front slip next st. Repeat from * across to within last 8 sts, k 8. Repeat last 2 rows until length is 13½ inches from cast-on sts of sleeve ending at sleeve edge. Bind off 17 sts of sleeve, complete row. Work even as before over remain­ing 48 sts until length is 15 inches from bound-off sts of sleeve ending at sleeve edge. Cast on 17 sts for other sleeve and work same as for first sleeve. Work even as before, over remaining 48 sts until length is 7½ inches from bound-off sts of 2nd sleeve. Bind off loosely.

FINISHING

Sew 48 cast-on sts to 48 bound-off sts matching patterns—this is lower centre back seam. Lay out doubled piece having seam in centre of 15-inch area between sleeves—sleeves are now folded in half. Matching patterns, sew cast-on sts to bound-off sts of each sleeve. Al­lowing for stretch between shoulders, sew both 15-inch edges between sleeves together—this last seam and lower back seam form a T at centre back when Shrug is worn.

Press seams through a damp cloth. Slip arms in sleeves. The garter st edge will roll back to form a collar. 

This free vintage knitting pattern, was originally published in, Sweaters and Accessories Magazine, and is now free of copyright