Peony

Peony Bolero by Marie Wallin

What is Being Made

Peony is an advanced crochet bolero designed by Marie Wallin from her Filigree collection. This garment is a fitted, elegant bolero-style piece available in two sizes: S-M (to fit bust 81-97 cm / 32-38 inches) and L-XL (to fit bust 102-117 cm / 40-46 inches). The bolero features an intricate, lacy construction built from repeated motifs that create a sophisticated, openwork aesthetic suitable for layering over dresses or other garments.

Techniques Used

This design employs advanced crochet techniques that require experienced hands. The pattern utilizes motif-based construction, where individual square or geometric elements are crocheted separately and then joined together to form the complete garment. Each motif measures 11.5 cm along each side from corner to corner, allowing for modular assembly. The pattern incorporates decreasing techniques to shape the garment, including specialized stitches like tr2tog (treble 2 together) and dtr2tog (double treble 2 together) that allow multiple stitches to be worked together to reduce stitch count. The use of these advanced decreases, combined with the motif-based approach, creates the refined, tailored fit characteristic of a professional-quality bolero.

Stitches Used

The Peony pattern employs a range of fundamental and intermediate crochet stitches:

• Chain (ch) – the foundation stitch used to create the base of the pattern and connect motifs
• Double crochet (dc) – a basic short stitch used throughout for structure and density
• Treble (tr) – a taller stitch that creates openness and flow in the lacy design
• Double treble (dtr) – an even taller stitch used to create dramatic height variations and delicate openwork
• Slip stitch (ss) – used to join rounds and connect motifs seamlessly
• Treble 2 together (tr2tog) – a decrease technique that combines two treble stitches into one
• Double treble 2 together (dtr2tog) – a decrease technique for double trebles, allowing for shaping
• Treble 3 together (tr3tog) – an advanced decrease combining three trebles into one stitch
• Yarn over hook (yoh) – the fundamental hand motion repeated throughout to create loops and tension

Materials

The Peony bolero is worked in Rowan Summerlite, a 4-ply yarn weight that provides a fine, delicate fabric ideal for lacy, openwork designs. The yarn is photographed in the shade Pale Grey 418. Yardage requirements are 8 x 50g balls for sizes S-M and 10 x 50g balls for sizes L-XL. The pattern is worked using a 2.50mm crochet hook (UK size 12 / US size B1/C2). The specified tension is 5 pattern repeats to 10.5 cm and 9 rows to 10 cm when measured over the pattern using the recommended hook size, ensuring proper fit and drape when completed.