When it comes to layering, crochet has you covered—literally! From cozy shrugs to flowy cardigans to breezy vests, handmade layers are versatile, stylish, and seasonless. Whether you’re heading to the beach, snuggling up at home, or dressing up for a night out, a handmade shrug, cardi, or vest is the perfect finishing touch.
In this roundup, I’ve gathered some of my most popular free crochet patterns (with charts + video tutorials) plus ad-free PDF upgrades if you’d like to keep a clean copy in your library.
Crochet Shrug Patterns

Athena Shrug
A quick and beautiful wrap worked with increase rows and airy stitches. Perfect for layering over dresses or tees.
Free Athena Shrug Crochet Pattern Page | Ad-Free PDF
Best Buds Shrug
A cocoon shrug is a great introduction to making garments because the shaping is minimal. You begin with a flat rectangle, fold it in half lengthwise and add a collar and cuffs.
Free Best Buds Shrug Crochet Pattern Page | Ad-Free PDF
Chandra Shrug
This is a clever construction of simple square crochet motifs. This very simple project uses a clever construction of motifs crocheted into squares and triangles. Sizing determines the number of motifs.
Free Chandra Shrug Crochet Pattern Page | Ad-Free PDF
Cora Shrug
These motifs, once joined together, create a secondary pattern with corner joins which adds a depth to the beauty of the finished fabric. The Cora is a beautiful and elegant layering piece with a figure flattering wrap closure.
Free Cora Shrug Crochet Pattern Page | Ad-Free PDF
Echo Shrug
The Echo is a very versatile garment. Wear it open and loose for a dramatic look or lace up the fronts and tie them for more modest coverage.
Free Echo Shrug Crochet Pattern Page | Ad-Free PDF
Fine Gillian Shrug
This is a super simple construction technique of turning any rectangle into an oversized shrug. The lace rectangle is worked side to side from the center out.
Free Fine Gillian Shrug Crochet Pattern Page | Ad-Free PDF
Gillian Shrug
This is a super simple construction technique of turning any rectangle into a fitted shrug. The lace rectangle is worked side to side from the center out.
Free Gillian Shrug Crochet Pattern Page | Ad-Free PDF
Gladys Shrug
A lightweight design that doubles as a stylish cover-up.
Free Gladys Shrug Crochet Pattern Page + Charts | Ad-Free PDF
Jewel Shrug
One of my most popular shrug designs—modern, comfy, and perfect for transitional weather.
Free Jewel Shrug Pattern + Video | Ad-Free PDF
Sporty Luna
A lacy yet cozy piece that works up beautifully in lightweight yarns. Dress it up for evening or wear over a tank and jeans.
Free Athena Shrug Pattern + Video | Ad-Free PDF
Crochet Cardi-Wrap Patterns
Aurora Cardi Wrap
This is a super fun log cabin construction of simple double crochet stitches. This modular construction allows the long-striping of this colorful yarn to shine.
Free Aurora Cardi Wrap Crochet Pattern Page | Ad-Free PDF
Chantilly Lace Cardi Wrap
If you can make a scarf, you can make a card-wrap vest. It is the simplest of garments because it is just a rectangle with two openings for sleeves.
Free Chantilly Lace Cardi Wrap Crochet Pattern Page | Ad-Free PDF
Cypress Key Wrap (Cardi Style!)
While technically a wrap, this modular design can be styled cardigan-style for multiple looks. Inspired by my Sea Glass Journal novel .
Free Cypress Key Wrap Crochet Pattern + Tutorial | Ad-Free PDF
Luxe Fantasy Cardi Wrap
An unstructured vest is a wonderful project to take your crochet to the next level.
Free Luxe Fantasy Cardi Wrap Crochet Pattern Page | Ad-Free PDF
Morango Cardi Wrap
The Morango shawl and Cardi wrap pattern is a very easy shawl worked lengthwise with floral edging worked right into the end of rows.
Free Morango Cardi Wrap Crochet Pattern Page | Ad-Free PDF
Sally Cardi Wrap
A cardi wrap vest is such a versatile layering piece. Dress it up or down, the drape of the yarn and lace is a showstopper either way.
Free Sally Cardi Wrap Crochet Pattern Page | Ad-free PDF
Selena Cardi Wrap
The Selena Ruana Crochet Pattern is a light and lacy layering piece that is easy to crochet and has seamless join-as-you go construction.
Free Selena Cardi Wrap Crochet Pattern Page | Ad-free PDF
Tender Claire Cardi Wrap
Light, breezy, and perfect for summer layering—or wear over long sleeves in fall. A wardrobe chameleon!
Free Tender Claire Vest Crochet Pattern | PDF Upgrade
✨ Final Thoughts
Shrugs and cardi wraps are some of my favorite projects to design because they’re:
✔️ Layer-friendly (wear them year-round!)
✔️ Beginner to intermediate-friendly (I’ve got tutorials + charts for everything)
✔️ Fun to customize (play with yarn weights, lengths, and colors!)
Don’t forget:
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Join my email family to get my book Motif Magic (17 patterns!) FREE
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Explore my Patreon community for exclusive ad-free PDFs like the brand-new Cypress Key Wrap
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Subscribe to my YouTube channel for tutorials on every one of these designs
Which of these 18 designs will you start with? I can’t wait to see your creations—tag me @kristinomdahl on social media so I can cheer you on!
About Kristin OmdahlKristin Omdahl is a bestselling author, designer, and creative entrepreneur known for her “sensory storytelling” — weaving food, craft, and nature into unforgettable fiction and non-fiction. Her debut novel, The Sea Glass Journal, is a love letter to Florida’s Gulf Coast, exploring themes of healing, connection, and creative legacy.
When she’s not writing, Kristin shares crochet and knitting designs, recipes, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of her creative process with her global community on Patreon.