Little Flower

Little Flower Bolero by Terri Kruse

What is Being Made

Little Flower is a delicate knitted bolero shrug designed for infants and toddlers, available in sizes ranging from 12 months through 6 toddler. This garment features a charming combination of lace detailing and optional ruffle accents, making it an ideal layering piece for spring and summer wear. The bolero is constructed to sit elegantly across the shoulders and back, with finished back measurements ranging from 9.5 inches for the smallest size to 12.75 inches for the largest size, and lengths varying from 8.25 inches to 12.75 inches depending on the selected size.

Craft and Primary Technique

This project is created using the knitting craft, specifically employing advanced-level knitting techniques. The bolero is worked primarily with circular needles in the round, allowing for seamless construction and smooth stitch continuity throughout the garment.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques Used

The pattern incorporates fundamental knitting stitches combined with lace-work techniques to achieve its delicate aesthetic. Key stitches employed include:

• Knit (k) - the basic knit stitch forming the foundation of the fabric
• Purl (p) - used to create texture and pattern variation
• Slip, slip, knit (ssk) - a left-leaning decrease stitch commonly used in lace patterns
• Knit 2 together (k2tog) - a right-leaning decrease stitch that pairs with ssk to create balanced lace motifs
• Knit front and back (kfb) - an increase stitch used to expand stitches where needed
• Lace techniques - created through strategic yarn overs and decreases to form openwork patterns
• Ruffle construction - optional decorative element worked into the sleeve sections

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Little Flower bolero is designed to be worked in DK weight yarn, specifically using Knit Picks Cotlin, a breathable blend composed of 70% cotton and 30% linen. This fiber composition makes the finished garment ideal for warm weather wear, offering comfort and breathability for active toddlers.

Yardage Requirements: Two skeins of Knit Picks Cotlin are required for all sizes, with each skein providing 123 yards per 50 grams. The pattern offers two colorway options: Linen (for the shrug with ruffle) and Flamingo (for the shrug without ruffle). For the largest size, yardage is very close, though testing confirmed that 2 skeins remain sufficient.

Needles and Notions

Construction requires specific needle sizes and accessories to achieve the proper gauge and fabric characteristics:

• One 24-inch US 5 (3.75mm) circular needle - used for the majority of the garment worked in the round
• One set of US 5 (3.75mm) double-pointed needles - employed for smaller circumference sections, such as finishing edges or working small-diameter rounds
• Darning needle - for weaving in yarn ends and finishing
• Scrap yarn - used for provisional cast-on or stitch holders
• Stitch markers - essential for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points
• Split ring markers or safety pins - specifically recommended for managing stitches when working the ruffled sleeve sections

Gauge

The pattern is worked to a gauge of 22 stitches and 32 rows over 4 inches when the finished fabric is washed and blocked. Achieving this gauge is critical for proper sizing, particularly important when knitting garments for young children.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as advanced difficulty, reflecting the incorporation of lace techniques, seamless construction methods, and the precision required to work with circular and double-pointed needles. Knitters should have solid foundational skills and experience with decreases, yarn overs, and working in the round before undertaking this project.