Sewing a quick shrug

Does every office have one group of co-workers that always seem to be cold? Then another group that always seem to be hot?

Every day at work, Mel says she is cold. Every day. One day she announces she is tired of being cold and is going to purchase one of those snuggies and wear it to work. YIKES! Have you seen those poncho-gone-wrong blankets with sleeves?! I really don’t want to see that at work. (What she wears at home is none of my business.)

I volunteered to make a shrug for her. It was surprisingly easy. I was able to complete the project in one evening.

The inspiration came from this shrug, purchased in a lovely boutique on the historic square in Rockwall, Texas. It is lightweight and I wear it often in the Spring and Fall. It’s just enough to snuggle my arms.

First, measure your cold co-worker. Ask her to hold her arms straight out to the side. Mel’s measurement from wrist to wrist was 52 inches. From the base of her neck to the top of her waistband was 22 inches. The measurement around her wrist was 7 inches. That was all I needed.

(I bet you are really surprised I measured BEFORE beginning the project.)

Here’s what you need for this Quick Shrug:

Fleece – I used 24 inches, it will be the meaurement from neck to waist plus 2 inches
28 inches of Ribbon
Coordinating Thread
Chalk
Yard Stick or Long Straight Edge
Measuring Tape

My fleece was 60 inches wide. (30 inches folded in half) All I did was measure 24 inches across and make sure both sides were cut nice and straight. I used chalk and a yard stick to mark the fleece. The cut piece of fabric was 24 inches by 60 inches.

Sew a one inch hem along the sides that measure 60 inches. Then sew a 2 inch casing on the shorter sides.

Your ribbon will need to be cut into two 14 inch pieces. Finish the ends of the ribbon. (I use a pink lighter.) Thread the ribbon through the 2 inch casing on each side. I like to use a diaper pin to help thread the ribbon.

I used tone on tone polka dot ribbon. What is it about polka dots? They’re just so dern happy! I tied the ribbons on each sleeve, but left them pretty loose in hopes Mel would be comfy. The ribbon could be swapped for elastic. If you use elastic, use the wrist measurement plus one inch.

Mel loves the shrug. She’s a great model!

Super cute, huh? Here’s the back. I love her long hair!

Charo wanted one, too. She’s not very tall. From neck to waist, Charo measured 17 inches. Wrist to wrist, she measured 50 inches. For her shrug, I cut the fabric 19 inches by 60 inches. I sewed a one inch hem on the long sides of the fabric, but a three inch hem on the shorter sides. Charo is a great model, too! I really like her butterfly shirt. It looks great with the shrug!