Crochet Mohair Shrug Pattern Striped Long Sleeve Bolero
This crochet mohair shrug is a lightweight, striped crochet bolero with long sleeves, perfect for layering over a crop top or tank. With soft mohair yarn, a breathable stitch pattern, and an easy construction, it’s one of the trendiest crochet garments you can make for everyday outfits.
A crochet shrug, also called a crochet bolero, is a cropped, open-front layering piece that covers your shoulders and arms without the bulk of a full cardigan. It’s a favorite in handmade fashion because it instantly elevates a simple outfit, especially when paired with a tank top, bandeau, or dress. For this project, we’re using mohair yarn, which is popular for lightweight garments thanks to its airy halo, softness, and beautiful drape. Mohair (often blended with silk or acrylic) creates a fluffy, high-end look while still staying breathable, making it ideal for transitional seasons and cool evenings.
This striped crochet mohair shrug is designed to be stylish and comfortable: long sleeves for warmth, an open front for easy layering, and a simple stitch pattern that lets the yarn shine. The construction is beginner-friendly because it’s made from a rectangular back/shoulder panel plus two sleeves, then seamed into shape, no complicated shaping required, and sizing is easy to customize.
Materials Needed
- Mohair yarn (multiple colors for stripes)
- Lace or light fingering mohair is typical. Choose 2–4 colors for a modern stripe look.
- Crochet hook size: 4.0 mm–6.0 mm (use size needed to meet gauge and get a light fabric; many mohair shrugs use 5.0 mm)
- Stitch markers
- Yarn needle
- Measuring tape
- Scissors
Crochet Abbreviations
- ch = chain
- sc = single crochet
- dc = double crochet
- hdc = half double crochet
- sl st = slip stitch
- rep = repeat
Sizing Guide
This shrug is easy to size because the back/shoulder panel width controls how far it wraps around your upper arms, and the panel height controls how much it covers your back/shoulders. Sleeves are made separately and then attached.
Target Measurements (finished garment)
Use these as a starting point and adjust to your preference (more fitted vs more slouchy).
Back/Shoulder Panel Width (W): measured from one sleeve seam area across the back to the other.
- XS: 34–36 in (86–91 cm)
- S: 36–38 in (91–97 cm)
- M: 38–40 in (97–102 cm)
- L: 40–44 in (102–112 cm)
- XL: 44–48 in (112–122 cm)
Back/Shoulder Panel Height (H): measured top-to-bottom when worn (neckline edge to underarm edge).
- XS–S: 10–11 in (25–28 cm)
- M–L: 11–12 in (28–30.5 cm)
- XL: 12–13 in (30.5–33 cm)
Sleeve Length: measure from underarm to wrist (or desired length).
- Typical long sleeve: 15–19 in (38–48 cm), depending on height and style.
How to adjust sizing
- Make the shrug wider: add more foundation chains to the back panel.
- Make the shrug taller: work more rows on the back panel.
- Make sleeves wider: start with a longer foundation chain or add more rows early.
- Make sleeves longer: add more rows before cuffs.
Step-by-Step Crochet Pattern
Pattern Notes (important for mohair)
- Mohair can be hard to frog. Use stitch markers and check measurements often.
- Turn at the end of each row.
- This pattern uses a breathable mesh stripe stitch that drapes beautifully.
Striped Stitch Pattern (Breathable Mesh)
This stitch creates an airy fabric ideal for mohair.
Mesh Row (repeat row):
- ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in next st, ch 1, sk 1 st, dc in next st, rep across.
Next Row Setup: you’ll work dc into dc and maintain the ch-1 spaces.
Color/Stripe suggestion (easy and stylish):
- Work 2 rows per color for thin stripes, or 4 rows per color for bolder stripes.
- Always change color on the last yarn-over of the last dc of the row for clean transitions.
Back / Shoulder Panel
This is a rectangle. Later, you’ll seam sleeves to each side and fold the piece so it becomes a shrug.
Step 1: Foundation chain
- Chain until the piece measures your desired panel width (W) from the Sizing Guide.
- Keep the chain relaxed (mohair tight chains can make edges pucker).
Step 2: Row 1 (foundation row)
- Dc in 4th ch from hook (first 3 ch count as dc).
- Dc in each ch across.
- Turn.
- Row 2: ch 3, dc in next st, ch 1, sk 1, dc in next st,t rep across to last 2 sts, dc in last st. Turn.
- Row 3: ch 3, dc in next st, ch 1, sk 1, dc in next st, rep across. Turn.
- Rep the mesh row until the panel reaches your desired height (H).
Finish: fasten off (or keep yarn attached if you want to add edging laterwith theh same color).
Sleeves (2 pieces)
Sleeves are made as rectangles and seamed into tubes, then attached to the back/shoulder panel.
- Chain to match your upper arm circumference with a little ease:
- XS: 10–11 in (25–28 cm)
- S: 11–12 in (28–30.5 cm)
- M: 12–13 in (30.5–33 cm)
- L: 13–14.5 in (33–37 cm)
- XL: 14.5–16 in (37–41 cm)
- Dc in 4th ch from hook, dc in each ch across. Turn.
- Work the same mesh row as the body panel.
- Repeat until sleeve length reaches your desired underarm-to-wrist measurement.
Do this twice for two sleeves, matching stripe sequence so they look symmetrical.
Neckline and Cuffs
You can keep edges raw for a modern, airy look or add simple finishes.
Neckline edging (optional, clean finish)
Attach yarn at the top edge (the neckline side of the back/shoulder panel):
- Round/Row 1: ch 1, sc evenly across the neckline edge.
- Round/Row 2 (optional): sl st across for a subtle corded edge.
Fasten off.
Cuffs (optional, helps sleeves hug the wrist)
At the wrist end of each sleeve:
- Row 1: ch 1, sc evenly around/along the cuff edge.
- Row 2: sl st in each sc (creates a neat, elastic-ish finish without tight ribbing).
Fasten off.
Tip: If you want a more “designer” look, use one stripe color for cuffs and neckline for contrast.
Assembly Instructions
You’ll form the shrug by attaching sleeves to the back/shoulder panel, then seaming underarms.
- Block lightly (recommended for mohair):
- Lay pieces flat, gently shape to measurements, and let them relax. This improves drape and helps seams align.
- Attach sleeves to the back/shoulder panel:
- Lay the back/shoulder panel flat.
- Place one sleeve rectangle along one short side edge of the panel.
- Align the sleeve’s long edge to the panel edge and pin/mark with stitch markers.
- Seam using a yarn needle and mattress stitch (neat) or whip stitch (easy).
- Repeat for the second sleeve on the opposite side.
- Fold and seam underarms:
- Fold the entire piece in half widthwise so the sleeve seams match and the neckline forms at the top center.
- Starting at the wrist, seam the sleeve length to create a tube, then continue seaming a short section of the body side (this forms the armhole opening and shrug sides).
- Stop seaming when you reach your desired armhole depth (typically 7–9 in / 18–23 cm from the fold, adjust for comfort).
- Try it on and adjust:
- If armholes feel tight, reduce the side seam length.
- If it slides off the shoulders, add 1–2 edging rows at the neckline to slightly stabilize.
Styling Tips
- Wear your crochet mohair shrug over a crop top and high-waisted jeans for an effortless street-style look.
- Layer it over a slip dress or fitted knit dress for a soft, romantic outfit.
- For casual days: pair with a tank top, wide-leg pants, and simple jewelry—mohair’s halo makes even basic outfits look elevated.
- Coordinate stripes with your wardrobe: neutral stripes (cream/gray/taupe) feel timeless; bright stripes feel playful and trendy.
- Add a small shoulder bag and sleek bun to keep the outfit balanced (the shrug is fluffy, so clean lines elsewhere look great).
Tips for Beginners (Crocheting with Mohair Yarn)
- Use good lighting: Mohair’s fuzz can hide stitches.
- Mark row ends: place stitch markers in the first and last stitch of rows to avoid losing edges.
- Go slow and measure often: it’s easier than frogging mohair repeatedly.
- Try a smooth hook: Mohair glides better on a polished hook.
- If you must frog: pull gently and consider putting the yarn in the freezer for 10–15 minutes first—this can reduce fuzz snagging.
- Avoid tight tension: Mohair looks best with drape and airiness.
Conclusion
This striped crochet mohair shrug/bolero is a lightweight, stylish layering piece that looks boutique-worthy but uses simple construction and an easy, breathable stitch pattern. Make it in your favorite stripe colors, customize the sleeve length, and you’ll have a go-to handmade fashion piece for every season.
