Easy Mesh Crochet Cropped Shrug Perfect For Layering And Style

This easy mesh cropped shrug crochet pattern is the perfect project for beginners and seasoned crocheters alike! Whether you're looking to add a stylish layer to your wardrobe or simply enjoy a relaxing crochet project, this pattern delivers both.

Crochet Cropped Shrug

The airy mesh design provides a lightweight and breathable feel, making it suitable for layering throughout the year. Customize the length and sleeve style to match your unique preferences, or create a distressed sleeve look for an added edge. The simple, repeatable pattern ensures quick progress, so you’ll have a beautiful, hand-crafted shrug to wear in no time!

Starting the Project

Begin by making a slip knot.
Chain enough stitches to measure halfway around your bust.
Hold the last chain made and chain an additional nine stitches.
Yarn over and insert your hook into the chain you were holding (or the ninth chain from your hook) to make your first double crochet.

Creating the Mesh Pattern (First Row)

Chain three.
Skip the next three chains and in the fourth chain, make a double crochet.
Repeat the pattern (chain three, skip three, double crochet into the fourth chain) until the end of your initial chain.
If fewer than four chains are left at the end, double crochet into the last chain.

Continuing the Mesh Pattern (Subsequent Rows)

Once the first row is complete, chain six.
Turn your work.
Work into the chain spaces: yarn over, insert your hook into the chain space, and make a double crochet.
Chain three.
Double crochet into the next chain space.
Repeat the pattern (chain three, double crochet into the next chain space) to the end of the row.
At the end of each row, chain six and turn your work to begin the next row.
Continue repeating these rows until the front panel of your shrug reaches your desired length.

Creating the Neck Hole

Hold the piece up to your body to determine where to start and finish the neck hole.
Mark the spots with stitch markers.
Start the row: chain six, double crochet into the first chain space, chain three, and double crochet into subsequent chain spaces until you reach your first stitch marker.
At the first marked stitch, make a double crochet.
Count the number of chain spaces between your two stitch markers.
For each space, chain four and multiply the number of spaces by four to get your total chain count for the neck hole.
Once you've chained the required amount, double crochet into the next marked stitch.
Continue the mesh pattern (chain three, double crochet into the next chain space) until the end of the row.

Working Around the Neck Hole

Chain six and turn your work.
Continue the mesh pattern (double crochet into chain space, chain three) until you reach the long chain section of the neck hole.
Chain three.
Double crochet into the second chain along the neckline.
Chain three.
Skip three chains and double crochet into the fourth chain.
Repeat this (chain three, skip three, double crochet into the fourth chain) through all the chains of the neck hole until two chains remain.
Chain three and double crochet into the first chain space back on the main body of the shrug.
Continue the mesh pattern to the end of the row.
Chain six and turn your work.
Continue the mesh pattern in a spiral until you reach your wrist.

Connecting for Sleeves

Once both sides have the same number of rows, fold the piece in half, aligning the corners.
Determine your desired armhole opening width.
Slip stitch the two pieces together along the side by inserting your hook into a stitch on both pieces, pulling through a loop, and pulling that loop directly through the loop on your hook.
Continue slip stitching until your armhole opening is wide enough.

Making the Sleeves

After slip stitching, chain three.
Make a double crochet into the next square (chain space) along the armhole.
Chain three and double crochet into the next square.
Continue this pattern (chain three, double crochet into the next square) all the way around the armhole.
To continue in a spiral, chain three at the end of the round and double crochet into the first square for the sleeve.
Continue going around and around until the sleeve reaches your desired length.

Optional Sleeve Variation (Distressed Look)

For a distressed look, measure the desired length for this section (e.g., 3 inches).
Chain the number of stitches for the desired length.
Chain one extra (joining chain).
Chain the same number of stitches again and double crochet back into the same chain space where you started.
Chain three, double crochet into the next chain space, and repeat the long chain sequence around the sleeve.
Continue until you reach the wrist.