I wanted my shrug to symmetrical, so I am using the beginning chain as the center of the back. Crocheting first row into only one loop of the chain: row 1 dc, row 2 x-stitch, then follow pattern until half the width is completed. Starting on the other side of the chain, crocheting through one loop, complete the other half of the width to mirror the first half. (Start with one row dc, one row x- stitch then follow pattern.)

Note: I crochet on the loose side, so tighter crocheters might want to go up a hook size or two to get this gauge with worsted weight yarn.
I started with rows of 114 stitches as pattern suggests, and used a 7.0mm hook. This gave me a chain length of 48” and the length of the finished piece was 44”. It seems quite a bit too long, but going with this as pattern suggests. Photo on the 5’ 8” model looks about the length I want, so hoping the seeming shortens it quite a bit. I am 5’ 8” as well and the piece (before seaming) almost hangs to my knees.

Length turned out to be just right for me. Width, however, is not as wide as I would like. (and I’m pretty narrow).

Considering ripping out the whole thing and starting over. My plan is do over and maybe add a couple rows paying close attention to the first and last stitch of each row making sure they are loose. (I think I was crocheting the chain at the beginning of each row and the last stitch of each row too tightly, causing the shrug to feel taught at the edges.)

So I ended up taking out the seams and folding the rectangle the other way (so the rows are horizontal across the back when worn) and seaming the sides leaving about 9” for the armholes. I just like the way it fits better than the original way. If I made it again, I would probably crochet a few more rows, but make the initial chain shorter. I am satisfied with the result. :)

Note: No need to have the starting chain run down the middle when orienting the shrug this way.