How to Make a Crochet Mesh Shrug – Free Crochet Pattern

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Introducing the Callidora Crochet Mesh Shrug pattern—a trendy sensation inspired by viral TikTok trends. This unique piece puts a fresh spin on the trendy mesh shrug, featuring a captivating fishnet-like texture. Perfect for fashionistas looking to make a statement, this shrug adds an edgy flair to any outfit with its innovative design and eye-catching style.

While mesh shrugs have been all the rage on TikTok, this pattern introduces a fresh approach, allowing crocheters to create a one-of-a-kind piece that’s as unique as it is stylish. Its distinctive mesh construction achieves a stunning fishnet texture that’s sure to turn heads. Whether you’re layering it over a tank top for a casual daytime look or pairing it with a dress for a night out, this shrug adds instant intrigue and allure to any ensemble.

The decision to design the Callidora Shrug pattern was driven by a desire to innovate and push the boundaries of crochet fashion. I’m always on the lookout for new techniques and ideas to incorporate into my designs. With the viral TikTok trend of mesh shrugs capturing the attention of fashion-forward individuals, I saw an opportunity to put my own spin on the trend by creating a pattern that offers a fresh take on this popular style. The result is the Callidora Shrug—a must-have addition to any fashionista’s wardrobe, combining trendsetting style with the timeless artistry of crochet.

Need a top to go with your mesh shrug? The Callidora Crop Top makes for a perfect match!

An ad-free version of this crochet pattern with helpful graphs and extra images of the crocheting process can be purchased on my Pattern Store.

Table of Contents

Redistribution and Selling

This pattern is copyrighted and for personal use only. Sharing or selling any part of, or information from this pattern, is prohibited. You cannot publish (whether its printed or online), reproduce, alter, swap or resell any part of this pattern or the pattern as whole.

You can sell finished products created using this pattern. You may not use my photos of the finished product to advertise your listing, this is to avoid confusion as our work might differ slightly. When selling online, please link back to my original pattern listing or tag me where possible.

Notes

  • The mesh shrug is made bottom up in two panels. Crocheting is started from the bottom of the sleeves and worked up to the middle of the chest and back. The two pieces are then joined to create the shrug.
  • This pattern uses US terminology.
  • This pattern is written in made to measure style, meaning there aren’t exact sizes or stitch numbers to follow. While stitches used to create the sample size are included, you should follow the measure-yourself style instructions and check the fit as you’re working on the piece. This allows you to create the shrug in literally any size and achieve the perfect fit every time!
  • This pattern is for intermediate level crocheters. The shapes are worked up in simple rounds using basic stitches. However, splitting the rounds into panels can be hard for beginners. Additionally, the mesh fabric makes counting stitches in panels rather hard, making it easy to drop stitches.
  • You can use any yarn and a matching hook of your choice to create this top. When choosing the yarn, remember that using thinner yarns means you might have to add more rows to reach the desired size. The reverse applies to thicker yarn as well, the rows will be taller and you’ll need less rows to achieve the desired size for your mesh shrug. The tighter the yarn, the tighter the mesh and holes in the mesh will be as well.

Materials

  • Crochet hook that matches your yarn, go up 2 sizes.
  • Scissors
  • Tapestry needle
  • Yarn A – Your choice of yarn for the crop top | My choice: Stylecraft Special DK in Peony

For reference, I used about 50g of Yarn A with a 6mm hook.

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Gauge

As this is a made to measure style pattern, matching gauge is not necessary.

Good to Know

  • This is an intermediate level crochet pattern.
  • This pattern is written using US crochet terminology.
  • Instructions are given as measurements compared to your body (ex. work until the hat fits around your head) to ensure perfect fit. If working the pattern for someone else, I recommend following measurements in Craft Yarn Council’s size chart.
  • CH3 at the start of the row counts as SC + CH2. CH6 at the start of the row counts as SC + CH5.

Stitches & Abbreviations

  • CH – chain
  • ST – stitch
  • SL ST – slip stitch
  • SC – single crochet
  • *…* x times – repeat instructions written in between asterisks specified number of times.

Callidora Crochet Mesh Shrug Pattern

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Sleeve for the Crochet Mesh Shrug

Using Yarn and a matching hook, CH multiple of 5 + 1 until the CH is long enough to wrap around the widest part of your arm. The sample has 40 CH +1 for 41 CH total.

Round 1. SC across, SL ST to join, CH1.
Round 2. *SC, CH5 and skip 4 ST, work next rep into next STrepeat between * across, SL ST into first SC to join.
Round 3. SL ST into next 2 CHs, SC into 3rd CH, *CH5, SC into 3rd CH of the next CH5 spacerepeat between * across, SL ST into first SC to join.

Repeat Round 3 until the sleeve is the length you want it. The sample has 23 repeats of Round 3.
Continue working without fastening off, we’ll be cutting the round into a split row and working on one side of the sleeve to create the shoulder area.

Row 1. SL ST into next 2 CH, SC into 3rd CH, *CH5, SC into 3rd CH of the next CH5 space* repeat between * until the space left in between the starting and ending ST are about the same width as your armpit and turn.

This creates a space under the armpit. We will be building up a side to cover the shoulder. The sample has 2 empty CH5 spaces in between the first and last ST of Row 1.

Closeup image showing how to create the space for the armpit/shoulders for the crochet mesh shrug.
Empty space between sides when building up shoulder panel. You can see there’s half a CH5 space, then a full CH5 space and another half a CH5 space empty. This makes 2 CH5 spaces total.

Shoulder for the Crochet Mesh Shrug

Row 1. CH3, SC into 3rd CH of CH5 space, *CH5, SC into 3rd CH of the next CH5 spacerepeat between * across, CH2 and SC into last SC, turn.
Row 2. CH6, SC into 3rd CH of the next CH5 space, *CH5, SC into 3rd CH of the next CH5 space* repeat between * across, CH5 and SC into first CH of previous row’s CH3, turn.
Row 3. CH3, SC into 3rd CH of CH5 space, *CH5, SC into 3rd CH of the next CH5 space* repeat between * across, CH2 and SC into first CH of previous row’s CH6, turn.

Repeat Rows 2 and 3 until your shoulder is covered. The sample has 3 repeats of Row 2. 

Front & Back Panels for the Crochet Mesh Shrug

To create the front and back panels, you’ll keep repeating Shoulder Row 2 and Row 3 but stop half way through Front and Back Row 1.

For example, if you had 6 CH5 spaces in the shoulder panel, you’d split that into 3 CH5 spaces in each panel. Both panels would alternate between rows of 3 CH5 spaces and rows of half a space, 2 CH5 spaces, and another half a space, which adds up to the same 3 CH5 spaces.

If you had 5 CH5 spaces in the shoulder panel, you’d split that into 2 and a half CH5 panels in each panel. Both panels would then have rows of 2 CH5 spaces and half a space. On one panel, the half a space will be at the start of the rows. On the other panel, the half a space will be at the end of the rows.

If you had an even number of CH5 spaces, you’ll alternate rows of full CH5 spaces and rows with half a CH5 space on either side, just as you did in the shoulder panel. If the last row of your shoulder panel was Row 2, you’ll start these panels with Row 3. If the last row of your shoulder panel was Row 3, you’ll start these panels with Row 2.

If you had an uneven number of CH5 spaces, you’ll stop half way by stopping in the middle of the middle CH5 space. This means working CH2 and SC into 3rd CH of the middle CH5 space. You’ll then turn and work “*CH6, SC into 3rd CH of the next CH5 space, *CH5, SC into 3rd CH of the next CH5 space* repeat between * across, CH2 and SC into first CH of previous row’s CH6, turn” for every row.

When the first panel reaches the middle of your chest when the sleeve is on, fasten off and attach yarn in the same middle ST where you split the shoulder panel. Repeat from the start of “Front and Back Panels” to create the second panel. The sample has 4 repeats of each row, meaning there’s 8 rows total in both the front and the back panels.

Fasten off, leaving a long end. You now have one side of the shrug. Repeat from the start to create the second sleeve and a second side of the shrug.

Do not fasten off the second side of the shrug, we’ll continue to assemble.

Closeup flat lay image of the front and back panel split to create the mesh shrug.
Finished flat lay of the split to create the front and back panels.

Assembly

Place the edges of the front panels together with the right sides of the work facing inwards/facing each other. SC through the CH spaces of both sides of the shrug to join. Place 5 SC into a CH5 and 2 SC into a CH2. Continue across until the shrug is joined.

Fasten off and repeat on the other panel until both the front and the back of the shrug are joined together.

Border

Attach yarn to any CH space of the bottom hemline of the shrug. Continue to work around the shrug, placing 2SC into every CH space. SL ST into the first SC once you reach the start of the border, fasten off.

Attach yarn to any CH space of the neckline of the shrug. Continue to work around the shrug, placing 2SC into every CH space. SL ST into the first SC once you reach the start of the border.

Fasten off, weave in the ends and….

Congrats! You’ve done it! ❤

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Madefully Crochet
Madefully Crochet

A crochet designer with a bright personality and big dreams. My goal is to make crocheting a more accessible hobby that anyone can easily get into. With free crochet patterns, tips & tricks, I work towards removing the paywall that might stop aspiring crafters from learning to crochet.

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