Crochet Aurora Shrug Pattern (updated) & Tutorial
- Phanessa Fong

- Mar 23, 2020
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 15, 2020

I decided to update the Aurora Shrug to provide additional guidance in my video. I didn't change the actual video but I added captions (like my recent videos) to help guide you. I also updated the PDF pattern and is currently free through tomorrow 3/24/20 at midnight (PST).
This was a pattern I designed as part of Lion Brand's 12 Weeks of Christmas in 2018 & is one of my favorite pieces! It's lightweight, lacy (but not too lacy) and just drapes so beautifully.
I absolutely LOVE their new ZZ Twist Yarn. It's soft, 100% acrylic and has a very nice drape with the lacy stitches I used! My other favorite using this yarn is the Fiona Cardigan I designed and wear regularly to work.
Price just reduced! You can purchase the ad-free pattern from my shops if you missed the free offer. The pattern is available in a tri-fold format, perfect for on-the-go crocheting!
I had the opportunity to take this out on one of our camp trips and take photos in Bodega Bay, CA. I even brought my curlilng iron hahaha. It's usually "camp hair, don't care"!

Measurements
S/M: 40 x 31.5
L/XL: 45 x 34.25

Materials
Lion Brand's ZZ Twist (purchase here!): I used the color Taupe, 5 (6) Balls | 1230 (1476) Yards.
Crochet Hook- I used Clover's Amour Hook in US J/6mm
Scissors
Tapestry Needle
GAUGE: 4" = 11 stitches | 8 rows of double crochet stitches.
Please note the ZZ Twist has a very stretchy fabric.
Abbreviations:
ch – Chain
st(s) – Stitch(es)
sl st(s) – Slip Stitch(es)sk – Skip
yo – Yarn Over
cl – Cluster
pm – Place Marker
rep – Repeat
rem – Remaining
sc – Single Crochet
dc – Double Crochet
tr – Treble Crochet
tr3tog Cluster – In the same st, *yo twice, insert in indicated st, yo, pull up a loop, [yo pull through 2 loops] twice. Repeat from * twice, yo, pull through all 4 loops.
SPECIAL STITCHES 6-tr Cluster – Work 3tr in indicated st, leaving last loop of each tr st on hook, sk5 sts, work 3tr in next st, leaving last loop of each tr st on hook, yo & pull through all 7 loops. 4-tr Cluster – Work 3tr in indicated st, leaving last loop of each tr st on hook, sk2 sts, work 1tr in next st, leaving last loop of each tr st on hook, yo & pull through all 5 loops.
LEVEL Intermediate – With Video Tutorial (See bottom of post for the LEFT-Hand Tutorial).
Instructions
S/M (L/XL) Adjustments are in red.
MAIN PIECE Row 1: ch148 (166) 1dc in the 4th ch from hook & in each ch st across. 145 (163) sts.
Adjustments: ch in multiples of 6 + 4 for width of shrug. This will be from side to side when worn.
Tip: If you don't enjoy working such a looooooooog foundation chain, have no fear! Work 145 (163) foundation double crochet (fdc) sts instead!
Row 2-3: ch2 (does not count as st) & turn, 1dc in each st across. 145 (163) sts.
Row 4: ch4 (counts as tr) & turn. sk2, tr3tog in next st, *ch5, 6-tr cl (working first 3tr in same st as last cl): 3tr in indicated st, leaving last loop of each st on hook, sk5 sts, 3tr in next st, leaving last loop of each st on hook, yo & pull through all 7 loops. Rep from * until last 3 sts. ch5, 4-tr cl (working first 3 tr sts in same st as last cl): 3tr in indicated st, leaving last loop of each tr st on hook, sk2 sts, 1tr in next st, leaving last loop of each tr st on hook, sk2, 1tr in last st, completing cl with yo & pull through all 5 loops.

Row 5: ch2 (does not count as st) & turn, 1dc in cl st, 5dc in ch5 sp, 1dc in cl st. Rep from * across. 145 (163) sts.
Row 6-7: ch2 (does not count as st), & turn, 1dc in every st across. 145 (163) sts.
Rep rows 4-7 for a total of 43 (47) rows.
Adjustments: Rep until desired length of shrug. This will be from your shoulders down.
CONSTRUCTION
Fold piece down length-wise & pm 6.5” down from folded edge for armhole.
Adjustments: pm as desired for armhole circumference. Keep in mind th4e opening is mainly for the forearem area and does not need ot be as big as if you were to create arm holes at the shoulder.

This is what my piece looked like.

Fasten on from the bottom open edge & sew by working sl sts up the sides (through both pieces) stopping at marker. Rep for other side. You may use a tapestry needle to sew instead.

ARMHOLES | with right side out
Fasten on anywhere in armhole. Work sc sts evenly around (approx. 2 per dc rows & 3 for the cl rows). Repeat for other armhole.
COLLAR (Band) | with right side out
Fasten on at bottom (or anywhere you’d like). I feel like the bottom or top is less visible.

Round 1-5: Ch3 (counts as dc st), 1dc in every st around. Join with a sl st to the 3rd ch of the beginning ch3.
Adjustments: Adjust size of collar with less/more rounds of dc sts.
Finishing
Fasten off and weave in all ends.

For Designs by Phanessa patterns, visit my shops from main menu.
You may sell products using my patterns, but please give credit and link back to original designer & the patterns. Do NOT use any of my photos or copy/distribute any of my patterns as your own. If you share my free patterns, please link back to original pattern page. Please leave a comment if there are errors to any of my patterns. Thank you!
© 2020 Designs by Phanessa, All rights reserved.
PRIVACY and DISCLOSURE:
Designs by Phanessa is a participant in multiple affiliate programs that provides an advertising commission if you purchase through these links. If you purchase something from the affiliate links, I will get a small commission with no extra cost to you. I DO NOT collect, store, use, or share any data about you.




Absolutely loved this pattern! The detailed instructions and tips make it really approachable, even for intermediate crocheters like me. I also liked how you included photos and measurements — it makes following along much easier. It reminded me of a phonydiploma review blog https://www.phonydiploma.com/ that shared step-by-step guides for creative projects, which was similarly very helpful.
This is such a lovely pattern — I appreciate how clearly you laid out the stitch instructions, sizes, and materials. The shrug really does look delicate and elegant, and your tips about the yarn and hook give great guidance to anyone trying it. I recently read a piece on https://www.gourmetgiftbasketstore.com/ where they talked about how thoughtful details and quality materials can elevate a handmade item — your post reminds me of that same idea. Thank you for sharing your design and for making the pattern accessible!
the way you broke down the stitch instructions and offered sizing help was super clear and helpful. I love how the updated 2020 version of the Aurora Shrug drapes and looks, especially in the lighter yarn. I recently came across a similar conversation on a https://thesagelawgroup.ca/ blog and appreciated how they also highlight the importance of thoughtful design and clarity. Thanks for providing such a lovely, accessible pattern — looking forward to trying it!
This is such a lovely pattern and a beautifully written tutorial — I appreciate how clearly you laid out the stitch instructions and sizing options. The shrug looks elegant yet wearable, and I love that you made it accessible even for those who may be intimidated by a long foundation chain. I recently read a post on https://www.attn2detail.info/ that talked about the importance of clarity and detail when sharing craft patterns — your post definitely meets that standard. Thanks for making this pattern available and easy to follow.
Such a beautiful pattern! I really appreciate how clearly you explained each step. I was browsing through an https://www.inspereza.com/ blog recently that featured some knitting tips, and it offered a similar kind of step-by-step guidance. This post is so helpful for knitters—thank you for sharing it!