Harlow Bell

Harlow Bell Bolero by Taiga Hilliard Designs

What is Being Made

The Harlow Bell is a timeless classic bolero-style garment designed for little girls. This top-down knit features simple lace touches and is available in nine sizes ranging from newborn (0-3 months) through children (8-10 years). The bolero construction allows for versatile styling and layering over other garments.

Sizing and Fit

The pattern provides comprehensive sizing options with corresponding chest measurements:

• 0-3 months: 14 ½" chest
• 3-6 months: 17" chest
• 6-12 months: 18 ½" chest
• 12-18 months: 20" chest
• 18-24 months: 20 ¾" chest
• 2-4T: 21 ½" chest
• 4-6 years: 24" chest
• 6-8 years: 25" chest
• 8-10 years: 27" chest

Knitting Techniques

The Harlow Bell employs a top-down construction method, which allows knitters to try on the garment as it progresses and easily adjust length. The pattern incorporates lace elements for delicate visual interest, adding sophistication to the design. Knitters have two sleeve options to choose from, providing customization flexibility. The garment includes a functional button hole worked into the design, typically used for closure or decorative purposes.

Stitches and Stitch Work

The pattern uses fundamental knitting stitches including knit stitches, yarn overs (YO) for lace creation, and knit two together (K2tog) decreases. The lace touches are achieved through the strategic placement of yarn overs and decreases, creating openwork sections that characterize the design. Stitch markers are used throughout to denote pattern sections including front panels, sleeves, and back panel.

Yarn and Materials

The Harlow Bell is designed to be knit with Anzula For Better or Worsted weight yarn. Yardage requirements vary by size, ranging from 150 yards for the smallest size (0-3 months) to 600-650 yards for the largest sizes (8-10 years). The pattern calls for US size 7 (4.50 mm) needles for the main fabric and US size 6 (4.00 mm) needles for the cast-on and initial rows. The recommended gauge is 20 stitches over 4 inches, which helps ensure proper fit across all size options. One button measuring ½" to 1" in size is required as a notional element for the design.

Pattern Format

This is a downloadable PDF pattern suitable for intermediate-level knitters. The pattern provides detailed row-by-row instructions with size-specific stitch counts in parentheses, making it accessible for knitters working across the full range of sizes.