A Quick & Easy Shrug

Before and after.

This baby blanket was made by hand and that always appeals to me. It was beautiful, it was in great shape and it was a rectangle. That is what I needed. If I put it across my shoulders lengthwise it could be used as a shawl but shawls always slip down and I hate fussing and fixing things like that. If this blanket were made into a shrug with sleeves, it would stay on and that would be easier to wear.

I folded the little blanket lengthwise with the right sides facing each other. I got some very narrow ribbon from my craft supplies. (Matching yarn would also be great for this.) I used a very large embroidery needle and threaded the ribbon through the needle. I started "sewing" the 2 layers of blanket together, starting at the outer edge on the left.

I want to point out I left a long "tail" of ribbon when I was sewing. I did not tie a knot or secure the ribbon to the blanket. I let it hang loose because I will sew back to it and tie a knot when I am done. Let me show you what I mean.

I pushed the needle in and out of the 2 layers of blanket. I made large

stitches and they will be hidden so this is just to hold the edges

together. It doesn't need to be pretty.

I sewed approximately 6-7 inches across from the left outer edge. This will be the sleeve.

Then, I sewed all the way back to the outer edge where I started.

When I had stitched my way back to the beginning I tied the 2 ribbon ends in a knot.

I made sure my knot was tight and cut off the excess ribbon. I stitched the other sleeve with my ribbon in the same way.

When both sleeves were done I turned the shrug right side out. All of those stitches will be hidden inside the sleeves and the beautiful crochet pattern will show.

I tried it on and here is a look at the back. It has a loose "one-size-fits-all" fit. That makes it a nice project for almost everyone.

This shrug is warm and cozy and only took about 15-20 minutes. Thanks for reading along, now go make something fun for yourself.

Chickie