Curve

Curve Bolero and Cardigan by Terri Kruse

What is Being Made

Curve is a downloadable knitting pattern for a fitted bolero or cardigan designed by independent designer Terri Kruse. This garment is available in six sizes ranging from 18 months through size 10, with finished chest measurements from 19 inches to 28 inches and lengths from 8.5 inches to 12.75 inches. The pattern accommodates both bolero and cardigan styling options, making it a versatile layering piece for children.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Curve pattern employs several intermediate-level knitting techniques to create its distinctive shaping. The construction uses wrap and turn (W&T) short rows, a method that allows the knitter to work back and forth on a subset of stitches to create curved shaping without visible gaps. This technique is particularly useful for creating the fitted silhouette that gives this garment its name. The pattern also incorporates yarn over increases for decorative shaping and knit front and back (kfb) increases to add stitches strategically throughout the construction. Stitches are picked up along the front edges to create the cardigan or bolero fronts, demonstrating seamless garment construction methods.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Curve pattern is worked primarily in stockinette stitch, created by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side. This classic stitch pattern provides a smooth, refined fabric that showcases the yarn's color and texture. The pattern uses standard abbreviations including k (knit), p (purl), yo (yarn over), and W&T (wrap and turn) to create the curved shaping. Markers are used throughout to track pattern repeats and shaping points, with instructions to place markers (pm) at specific intervals.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Curve pattern calls for Malabrigo Mecha yarn in two colors. The main color (MC) requires 1 to 2 skeins depending on the size selected, with the pink sample shown in English Rose and the gray sample in Plomo. The contrast color (CC) requires 1 skein in all sizes, using Polar Morn for the pink sample or Azul Fresco for the gray sample. Malabrigo Mecha is a bulky-weight merino wool yarn known for its softness and vibrant colorways.

Needles required include a US 9/5.5 mm circular needle measuring 24 inches (60 cm) for the main construction, or a needle size adjusted as needed to obtain the specified gauge. An additional needle in the same size is optional for picking up stitches along the front edges. US 9/5.5 mm double-pointed needles are also needed for any sections that require working in the round or managing stitches that cannot be comfortably worked on the circular needle. Gauge is essential to achieve the correct finished measurements, and knitters are instructed to adjust needle size if their gauge does not match the pattern specifications.

Pattern Features and Sizing

The six available sizes accommodate children from 18 months through age 10, with graduated measurements for chest and length. The pink sample shown is a size 6, while the gray sample demonstrates a size 2, allowing potential knitters to see the garment at different scales. The pattern includes comprehensive abbreviations and instructions for techniques such as wrap and turn, making it accessible to intermediate-level knitters who have experience with basic increases, decreases, and short-row shaping.