Rose Water

Rose Water Bolero and Cardigan Pattern by Taiga Hilliard Designs

Project Overview

Rose Water is a timeless knitted garment designed for little girls, available as both a bolero and cardigan option. This downloadable PDF pattern from independent designer Taiga Hilliard Designs offers versatile styling choices with two distinct sleeve options, making it an adaptable piece for various occasions and preferences. The pattern spans nine sizes from newborn through children's sizing, accommodating chest measurements from 14½ inches up to 27 inches.

What Is Being Made

The Rose Water pattern produces a charming top-down knitted garment featuring simple lace touches throughout the design. The garment is constructed with a top-down method, allowing for easy fitting adjustments and seamless construction. Two sleeve variations are included in the pattern, giving knitters the flexibility to create either a bolero-style short sleeve or a full cardigan with longer sleeves. The finished pieces are secured with two ½-inch buttons, adding both functional and decorative elements to the design.

Sizes and Measurements

The pattern includes nine size options:

• 0-3 months (14½" chest)
• 3-6 months (17" chest)
• 6-12 months (18½" chest)
• 12-18 months (20" chest)
• 18-24 months (20¾" chest)
• 2-4T (21½" chest)
• 4-6 years (24" chest)
• 6-8 years (25" chest)
• 8-10 years (27" chest)

Knitting Techniques Used

Rose Water employs a top-down construction method, which is ideal for achieving proper fit and allows knitters to try on the garment as it progresses. The pattern incorporates simple lace work as a design feature, adding visual interest and texture to the piece. This intermediate-level project is well-suited for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to work with lace elements and shaping techniques.

Stitches and Abbreviations

The pattern utilizes a variety of fundamental and intermediate knitting stitches:

• K (Knit) – The basic knit stitch forming the foundation of the fabric
• P (Purl) – Creates textured surfaces and is essential for lace patterning
• YO (Yarn Over) – Creates decorative eyelets characteristic of lace designs
• K2tog (Knit Two Together) – A right-leaning decrease used for shaping
• SSK (Slip, Slip, Knit) – A left-leaning decrease for balanced shaping
• Kfb (Knit into Front and Back) – An increase technique creating two stitches from one
• M1 (Make One) – A bar increase created by picking up the horizontal strand between stitches and knitting through the back loop
• Pm (Place Marker) and Sm (Slip Marker) – Used to track pattern sections and construction points

Yarn and Needle Requirements

The Rose Water pattern calls for Cascade 220 Superwash yarn, a durable and easy-care option ideal for children's garments. Yardage requirements vary by size, ranging from 150 yards for the smallest newborn size to 600 yards for the largest 8-10 years size. The pattern accommodates multiple yarn weights including DK, Worsted, and Aran weights, providing flexibility based on available materials and desired fabric characteristics.

Needle specifications are provided for achieving proper gauge: US size 6 (4.00 mm) needles are listed, with a note that US size 7 (4.50 mm) needles may be used depending on individual gauge requirements. Knitters should always work a gauge swatch to ensure proper fit, as the pattern specifies a gauge of 20.0 stitches over 4 inches. Notions required include 2 buttons measuring ½ inch in diameter.

Pattern Construction Details

The pattern begins with a long-tail cast-on, starting with 42 to 86 stitches depending on the selected size. The