Glitter bolero for brides

Glitter Bolero for Brides by Beemohr

What Is Being Made

This is a luxurious bridal bolero knitted in one piece from sleeve end to sleeve end. The design features a sophisticated shiny yarn construction that creates an elegant, glittering finish perfect for wedding wear. The bolero is available in four size ranges: 32/34, 36/38, 40/42, and 44/46 (with corresponding children's sizes 2/4, 6/8, 10/12, and 14/16), making it suitable for various body types and ages.

Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project employs several key techniques. The bolero is constructed using two different yarns held together simultaneously, which creates the distinctive shiny, glittering appearance. The garment is knitted in one continuous piece from one sleeve end to the other, eliminating the need for seaming and creating a seamless construction. Strategic increases are worked into the pattern to shape the garment appropriately across different sizes, with increases occurring after every 4th, 4th, 4th, or 5th stitch depending on the size being knitted.

Stitches Used

The bolero incorporates two primary stitch patterns:

• Rib Pattern: A 2-row repeat worked over an even number of stitches, alternating knit and purl stitches (K1, P1 across the row). This elastic rib pattern is used for the initial 10 cm of cuff work on smaller needles, providing a fitted edge.
• Garter Stitch: The main body of the bolero is worked in garter stitch, which creates a textured, reversible fabric with horizontal ridges. This stitch pattern provides structure and drape suitable for a bridal garment.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

This pattern requires two distinct luxury yarns worked together in chunky weight:

• Catena: Composed of 78% merino extrafine superwash and 22% polyamid, providing softness and durability
• Gatsby: A shiny yarn blend of 77% viscose, 15% polyamid, and 8% polyester, responsible for the glittering effect

Yarn quantities vary by size: sizes 32/34 and 36/38 require 6 and 7 balls respectively of each yarn; sizes 40/42 also require 7 balls of each yarn; and size 44/46 requires 8 balls of each yarn.

Needles and Gauge

The pattern calls for two needle sizes to create proper fabric texture and fit. Size 4 (3.5 mm) needles are used for the initial ribbed cuff work, while size 6 (4 mm) needles are used for the main garter stitch body. Knitters should adjust needle size as needed to obtain the correct gauge. The target gauge when holding both yarns together is 13 stitches by 12 rows over a 10 cm (4 inch) square using the larger needles.

This downloadable PDF pattern from independent designer Beemohr provides a complete guide for creating an elegant, shimmering bridal bolero suitable for intermediate knitters seeking a sophisticated wedding accessory.