The Bear Hug Duster is a super simple piece made in the softest yarn ever! It’s just an artfully folded square but it looks like designer clothing.  It’s also super warm making it just the thing for a long, cold winter.  Wrapping up in this is just like getting a great big bear hug! 🙂

I feel like it’s a cross between a shawl and a sweater. I wasn’t sure what to call it – shawl with sleeves? duster shawl? sweater shawl? Finally, my sister settled the matter by simply calling it a duster. I guess the photos speak for themselves, right?

Though this is a very simple piece to make, the yarn is tricky to work with. You have to feel for your stitches rather than go by sight. I’m marking it as Easy+ but keep that in mind if you decide to make it. The yarn calls for a smaller hook, but I went with the biggest hook I own to make the stitches easier to find. It also makes it work up very quickly!

As always, I’d love to see your photos if you make this and care to share. You can find me @simplethingscrochet on Instagram and Facebook.

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Like this pattern?  You may also like the Town & Country Tunic Vest or the Onyx Duster Cardigan.   And if you’d like to receive an email whenever there’s a new post, you can find the sign-up box below.  I never sell your info or use it for anything else.  Promise! 💗😊

Skill Level:  Easy+

Materials: 

Lion Brand Go For Faux in Bear – 10 skeins

Hook size Q/17 – 15.75 mm

Stitch markers 

Gauge:

4 sc and 4 rows = 4”

Dimensions:

45” wide by 45” long

Abbreviations:

Ch – chain

Sc – single crochet

St, sts – stitch, stitches

Notes:

1. Beginning chains don’t count as stitches.
2. This yarn is tricky to work with.  You need to feel for your stitches as you probably won’t be able to see them.  It’s very important to use your stitch markers to mark the ends of each row, but I also recommend counting your stitches as you go along to be sure you haven’t missed or added any.  
3. This pattern is easy to adjust for size.  Simply make your square whatever size you want, and then fold down the top third for the shape.  Just be sure to leave approximately 7” for your armholes.
4. The stitches are so large on this piece that you can “sew” the seams and weave in the ends with just your fingers!  

Instructions:

Chain 61

Row 1:  Sc in second ch from hook and in each ch across. 60 sts. 

Rows 2 – 67:  Turn, ch 1, sc in first st and in each st across row.  Bind off and weave in ends.

Construction:

Lay square out flat with right side up.

Fold down top third of square, lining up edges.  If your square is 45” x 45”, once you fold down the top third, it should measure 30” from top to bottom.

Leave a gap of approximately 7” at the top where the folded edge is, and sew from that point to the lower edge to make your armholes.  

Here’s a closeup of where you sew.

Repeat on the other side.

Pull the center up and you will see the sweater take shape.