8 Free Bolero, Shrug, and Short Jacket Patterns

By
Stacy Fisher
Stacy Fisher, Writer
Stacy Fisher

Stacy Fisher is an expert on crafting, sewing, and frugal finds, sharing her knowledge of hands-on DIY creations, finding freebies, and budgeting. Stacy was a guest on "The Dr. Oz Show" and featured in Woman's World Magazine. She has nearly two decades of writing and editing experience.

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Updated on 04/17/20
A woman sitting on a bench wearing a dress and jacket

One Avian Daemon

These free jacket plans will show you how to sew up a short jacket, shrug, bolero, cardigan, and cape which will make a great addition to your handmade wardrobe. They use a variety of fabrics including linen, jersey knit, fleece, and even wool so you can have your choice on how warm you want your jacket to be. There's also a wide variety of styles from casual to elegant, depending on what you want to wear with it.

Making a jacket pattern is easier than you might think, and all these styles can be sewn up with ease by a beginner or advanced beginner sewist. It's also a fast project, meaning that you'll have a jacket sewn from start to finish in less than an afternoon.

  • 01 of 08

    Slouchy Cardi

    A woman on a porch wearing a white cardigan

    Sewing Rabbit 

    No one will believe you made this chic slouchy cardigan unless you tell them! You'll draft a pattern just for you by using an old sweater that you already love. A few yards of fabric and a couple of hours later, you'll have this comfy cardigan all ready to wear out.

    Slouchy Cardi from Sewing Rabbit

  • 02 of 08

    Summer Sun Jacket

    A woman sitting on a bench wearing a dress and jacket

    One Avian Daemon

    This short jacket is the perfect lightweight jacket to throw on over a dress or a tank when the days are warm and the evenings are cool. The 3/4 length sleeves are pleated, giving it a feminine look that really elevates the jacket. This is a quick project that should take you less than an hour from start to finish.

    Summer Sun Jacket from One Avian Daemon

  • 03 of 08

    Easy Cape Scarf

    A woman on a beach wearing a black and white cape scarf

    Delia Creates 

    This cape scarf, or blanket scarf, is a super quick project that will give you a nice casual look. You'll need just a little less than 2 yards of a light-weight to medium-weight wool, which will give it a nice drapey look that will also keep you warm. There's very little sewing with this project, so it's great for a beginner. If you can sew a straight line, you can whip up this project in no time.

    Easy Cape Scarf from Delia Creates

  • 04 of 08

    Batwing Cardigan

    A woman wearing a black cardigan with a white tshirt

    Trash To Couture 

    Here's a free batwing cardigan fabric that uses soft knit fabric along with ribbing for the sleeves. There are instructions for adding optional fringe if you'd like to elevate the cardigan. This is made to wear large but you certainly could just use less fabric to create a more fitted cardigan.

    Batwing Cardigan from Trash To Couture

    Continue to 5 of 8 below.
  • 05 of 08

    How to Sew a Shrug

    Three girls wearing matching outfits

    Bonnie and Blithe

    Learn how to sew a shrug for a little girl with this free jacket pattern. It uses a large women's t-shirt which is transformed into this super cute shrug that any little girl would love. This tutorial is in video format, so you can follow along with it as you make it.

    How to Sew a Shrug from Bonnie and Blithe

  • 06 of 08

    Hoodie Pattern and Tutorial

    A black, white, and red hoodie

    So Sew Easy 

    If a hoodie sounds like a complicated sew, you might be surprised how easy this free jacket pattern comes together. You'll use jersey knit or cotton fleece fabric to create the slightly-fitted jacket body. As final touches, you'll add a drawstring and zipper. This pattern comes complete with free, printable pattern pieces that range in size from 6 to 24.

    Hoodie Pattern and Tutorial from So Sew Easy

  • 07 of 08

    Cozy Cocoon Cardigan

    A green cardigan on a mannequin

    Shrimp Salad Circus

    This cozy cocoon cardigan will keep you warm in a chilly office or on an evening Spring walk. You'll need just a few supplies, sweater knit and elastic, to make it. The elastic isn't necessary but it really gives it some shape and definition. There are lots of written instructions and photos to help you make one in just a few hours' time.

    Cozy Cocoon Cardigan from Shrimp Salad Circus

  • 08 of 08

    Sew a So Simple Shrug

    A woman wearing a teal shrug with a white shirt

    So Sew Easy 

    Learn how to sew a simple shrug, or bolero, with this free jacket pattern. It's very cropped, which would make it a great piece to wear along with a spring or fall dress. The sleeves have a cute lettuce leaf hem which is optional but adds a lot of fun to the shrug. The best part is, you'll need just a yard of fabric to make it!

    Sew a So Simple Shrug from So Sew Easy