18 Crochet Shrugs and Cardi Wraps You’ll Love for Layering

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 Crochet Pattern

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 PageAd-Free PDF

Best Buds Crochet Shrug Pattern

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 PageAd-Free PDF

Chandra Crochet Shrug Pattern

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 PageAd-Free PDF

Cora Crochet Shrug Pattern

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 PageAd-Free PDF

Echo Crochet Shrug Pattern

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 PageAd-Free PDF

Fine Gillian Crochet Shrug Pattern

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 PageAd-Free PDF

Gillian Crochet Shrug Pattern

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 PageAd-Free PDF

Gladys Crochet Shrug Pattern

Gladys Shrug

A lightweight design that doubles as a stylish cover-up.

Free Gladys Shrug Crochet Pattern Page + Charts | Ad-Free PDF

Jewel Crochet Shrug Pattern

Jewel Shrug

One of my most popular shrug designs—modern, comfy, and perfect for transitional weather.
 Free Jewel Shrug Pattern + VideoAd-Free PDF

Sporty Luna Crochet Shrug Pattern

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 Crochet Cardi Wrap Pattern

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 Crochet Cardi Wrap Pattern

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 Crochet Cardi Wrap Pattern

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 Crochet Cardi Wrap Pattern

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 PageAd-Free PDF

Morango Crochet Cardi Wrap Pattern

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 PageAd-Free PDF

Sally Crochet Cardi Wrap Pattern

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 PageAd-free PDF

Selena Crochet Cardi Wrap Pattern

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 PageAd-free PDF

Tender Claire Crochet Cardi Wrap Pattern

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:

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 Omdahl
Kristin Omdahl headshotKristin 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.

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