Crochet Your Own Stylish Bolero: Easy One-Piece Pattern

I’m excited to share with you my crochet bolero design! My pattern uses a beautiful shell on chains, easy two-row repeat that creates an open stitch giving the bolero a light and airy feel.  You won’t know you’re wearing it!

With this pattern you can crochet a stylish bolero that will quickly become a go-to in your wardrobe!

Free to view here on the blog, you can also upgrade to a PDF in my Etsy and Ravelry stores.

I’ve used 100% soft cotton sport weight yarn and you’ll only need one skein for sizes XS to XL and two skeins for 2X and 3X sizes.

Available in US crochet terms (with a UK conversion for basic stitches), the written instructions are clear and guide you step-by-step, showing you how to crochet a bolero.

Why you’ll Love to Crochet this Bolero

Skill Level

Easy

Supplies and Materials

• Cotton Kings Sultan 525, (626, 768, 930) yds
• 4mm / G-6 Crochet Hook (I use these Clover hooks and have done for a few years)
• Stitch Markers (I use these Harlequin stitch markers with a lobster clasp)
• Scissors
• Yarn Needle

Yarn Choice

Cotton Kings Sultan (Hobbii) is another yarn I bought in one of the sales quite a while ago.  I felt it was time to work some magic with this sport weight yarn 🙂

Perfect for shawls, afghans, and scarves because the long colour changes work really well, this is just what I was looking for to use for my crochet bolero.

It’s made from 100% soft cotton and is characterized by 4 thin cotton threads that are not twinned together.  I did find this frustrating at times and would caution to check each stitch as you work it so that you’re pulling all 4 threads through.

With 48 shades to choose from, there’s sure to be a colour that suits you!

You can machine wash 30°C (86°F) and dry flat (don’t tumble dry).

This yarn cake comes in 200g / 800m / 875yds and you’ll only need one skein to crochet this bolero for sizes XS to XL and two skeins for 2X and 3X.

Gauge

(16 X double crochet and 4 X chain 1) = 20 stitches and 9 rows on a 4mm hook = 10cm X 10cm / 4” X 4” (unblocked)

Having trouble matching my gauge?  Use the stitch gauge converter tool to help you make adjustments to your stitch count.

Glossary

You will need to be able to work the crochet stitches below (the stitch instructions are in full for the paid pattern and you can also find out how to work the stitches in my stitch library).

Stitches

US crochet terms

• Single crochet (sc)
• Double Treble Crochet (dtr)
• Slip Stitch (sl st)

For my UK crocheters, the table below is a conversion of basic crochet stitches from US to UK.

Abbreviations

These abbreviations are used in the bolero pattern:

• Beginning (beg)
• Chain/s (ch/s)
• Each (ea)
• Previous (prev)
• Repeat (rep)
• Right Side (RS)
• Skip (sk)
• Stitch/es (st/s)
• Wrong Side (WS)

Measurements

The measurements below use guidance from the Craft Yarn Council.

The sample size is medium.

How the crochet bolero is worked

My bolero crochet pattern is worked in an easy 2-row repeat of shells on chains throughout.

• Starting at the hem, the shrug is worked to the underarm.  This part of the pattern is flexible where you can change the number of rows to customize the length (see measurements section for the length).  The lower piece ends on a row 3 repeat in preparation for splitting for the fronts and back.
• The pattern then divides for the right front, back and left front.  There is no shaping for the left and right fronts.  Stitches are skipped to create the armholes and the number of unworked stitches is different for each size. 
• The shoulder seams are worked next by laying the cardigan out flat with wrong side facing outwards.  Fold the fronts over the back, lining up and pinning (you can use stitch markers) before sewing the seam.
• The sleeves are worked directly onto the garment in rounds, joining with a slip stitch and turning at the end of each round.  Yarn is rejoined underarm on the wrong side and the first row makes use of the chain spaces at the end of rows from the top piece to continue the shells on chains pattern.  The pattern is written for elbow length sleeves but you can also customize the length to your own preference.  For a longer sleeve, repeat rows 2 and 3; for a shorter sleeve work less repeats. Try on your shrug and work until you reach the length you’re happy with.  The sleeves end on a row 3 repeat. 
• There is no edging needed for this cardigan. 
• To secure the fronts together, I worked a length of chains, doubled it over and threaded through the chain spaces on the edges of right and left fronts.  You could also use a shawl brooch or clasp. I like this butterfly clasp but you could use any design!

Related Lacy Crochet Patterns

• Easy and lightweight, my Lauren crochet shawl has a delicate and elegant appearance. The pattern can add a touch of sophistication to any outfit, making a stylish accessory for both casual and formal occasions.
• My Lottie sweater is suitable for wearing in formal and informal settings and from day-to-night.  You can also style this lacy cardigan from day to night.
• Looking harder than it is, my Maisie poncho will surprise you with how easy it is to work the lacy stitches.
• You’ll love the different ways to style this ruana.

Pattern Notes

• Instructions for sizes are written as thus: XS/S, (M, L/XL, 2XL/3XL).
• Chain 1 at the start of a row does not count as a stitch.
• Chain 5 at the start of a row counts as a double treble crochet.
• Stitch repeats in a row or round are denoted with * for example: *ch7, sk 4 sts, sc in next st, * rep to last st.  You will *chain 7, skip 4 stitches, single crochet in the next stitch* and repeat this sequence between the asterisks (*) to the end of the row or round.
• Row 2 and repeats you are using the chain from the previous row, working 4 double crochets into the 4th chain. Make sure your chains aren’t too tight.
• When working Round 1 of sleeves, make sure both sleeves have the same number of stitches.
• Weave/sew in ends as you go.

Pin it for Later

Don’t have time now?  Pin this project for later

Crochet Bolero Pattern Instructions

(US crochet terms)

Lower Panel

With a 4mm / G-6 hook

Ch 182, (202, 247, 287)

Row 1 (WS): sc in 2^nd ch from hook, *ch7, sk 4 chs, sc in next ch, * rep to last ch, sc in last ch, ch5, turn

Row 2 (RS):  *4dc in 4^th ch of ch7 from prev row, ch1, * rep across to last ch7, 4dc in 4^th ch, dtr in base of last st, ch1, turn

Row 3: sc in base of 1^st st, *ch7, sk 4 dc, sc in next ch1-sp, *rep across to last st, sc in last st, ch5, turn

Rows 2 and 3 complete the shells on chains pattern

Row 4 – 19: rep rows 2 and 3, turn

Customizing length: keeping continuity of row repeats, work less rows for a shorter bolero and more rows to extend the length.

Divide for fronts and back

Setting armholes

From the beg of the next row, count 8, (9, 11, 14) ch7 from prev row, place a st marker

Continue to count 1, (1,2, 2) ch7 from prev row, place another st marker

From the end of the row, count 8, (9, 11, 14) ch7 from prev row, place a st marker

Continue to count 1, (1,2, 2) ch7 from prev row, place another st marker

The space between st markers denotes the armhole and is left unworked

First Front

Row 20: *4dc in 4^th ch of ch7 from prev row, ch1, * rep to 1^st st marker, ch1, turn

Row 21 – 30, (32, 34, 36): rep rows 3 and 2

Fasten off leaving a long tail to sew shoulder seam

Back

Skip the sts between st markers

Rejoin yarn on RS at next st marker, ch5

Row 20: *4dc in 4^th ch of ch7 from prev row, ch1, * rep to st marker, ch1, turn

Row 21 – 30, (32, 34, 36): rep rows 3 and 2

Fasten off

Second Front

Skip the sts between st markers

Rejoin yarn on RS at next st marker, ch5

Row 20: *4dc in 4^th ch of ch7 from prev row, ch1, *rep to end, ch1, turn

Row 21 – 30, (32, 34, 36): rep rows 3 and 2

Fasten off leaving a long tail for sewing shoulder seam.

Remove st markers

Assembly

Lay the bolero out flat with WS facing outwards

Line up the shoulder seams and pin in place

Sew shoulder seams using the tails from working the fronts

Sleeves

Working on the WS, rejoin yarn underarm,

Round 1: sl st in first 2 ch-sps, ch1, sc in base of ch1, *ch7, sk next ch-sp, sc in next ch-sp, * rep around to last 2 ch-sps, sl st in last 2 ch-sps, ch5, turn

Rep rows 2 and 3 of shells on chain pattern, joining with sl-st  and turning at the end of ea round, for a total of (12, 12, 14, 14) rounds

Customizing sleeve length: the rows above are elbow length. Try on your bolero. Keeping continuity of pattern repeats, work less rounds for a shorter sleeve, more rounds for bracelet length

Chain Closure

Optional

Ch39

Fold in half

Secure ends with a knot.

Decide where you want to place the closure and thread through the open stitches on each side, making sure you have lined it up.

Congratulations – your bolero is ready to be blocked and worn!

Copyright Notice

The pattern and photographs of this design are the property of Sharon Goodwin at Jera’s Jamboree.  This pattern and design are subject to copyright and are for personal, non-commercial use only.  You may not share, resell, alter or redistribute this pattern in part or in whole. You may, however, sell any finished items you make.  If you would like to include this pattern in a roundup, you may take one photo and link back to this pattern.