Courmayeur Bolero in Adriafil Sierra Andina - Downloadable PDF

Courmayeur Bolero in Adriafil Sierra Andina – Free Knitting Pattern (Downloadable PDF)

The Courmayeur Bolero is a beautifully structured, short-length knitted bolero worked in Adriafil Sierra Andina yarn. Designed to sit elegantly across the shoulders and upper body, this bolero features integrated short sleeves shaped directly from the body — a classic construction technique that creates a seamless, fluid silhouette. The pattern is available as a free downloadable PDF and is suitable for knitters with some experience in shaping and stitch pattern work.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a bolero — a cropped, open-front jacket-style garment that covers the back and upper arms while leaving the front largely open. Boleros are a versatile wardrobe piece, ideal for layering over dresses, tops, or blouses. The Courmayeur Bolero is worked in pieces and features a textured body, ribbed border, and integrated sleeve shaping, giving it a polished, tailored finish.

The pattern is sized for a size 46 with adjustments provided for sizes 42–44, making it accessible across a small range of women's sizing.

Materials Required

• Yarn: Adriafil Sierra Andina — 400 g in pink, shade no. 46. Sierra Andina is a DK-weight yarn from the well-regarded Italian brand Adriafil Yarns, known for its quality and stitch definition.
• Knitting Needles: Size 3.5 mm (no. 3½) straight or circular knitting needles
• Notions: A tapestry needle for seaming and finishing

Yarn Weight and Gauge

The Adriafil Sierra Andina is a DK weight yarn, offering a medium-fine fabric with excellent stitch clarity — ideal for showcasing the textured checker stitch pattern used throughout the body of this bolero. The stated gauge is 23 stitches and 35 rows over 10 × 10 cm, worked in checker stitch on 3.5 mm needles. Achieving this gauge is important for correct sizing and fit, so knitters are encouraged to swatch before beginning.

Stitches and Techniques Used

The Courmayeur Bolero incorporates a variety of classic knitting stitches and techniques, each serving a specific structural or decorative purpose:

• Garter Stitch: Used for the border edging at the cast-on edge. Garter stitch (knitting every row) creates a firm, non-curling edge that gives the lower border a neat finish. In this pattern, 2 rows of garter stitch are worked as the foundation of the border.
• K2/P2 Rib Stitch: Following the garter stitch rows, 6 rows of knit 2, purl 2 ribbing are worked to complete the border section, totalling approximately 3 cm. Ribbing is a stretchy, elasticated stitch pattern commonly used at cuffs, hems, and necklines to provide structure and a snug fit.
• Knitted Stitch (Stockinette): Standard knit stitch is referenced as one of the pattern stitches, providing a smooth, classic fabric surface used in conjunction with other textures.
• Checker Stitch: The main body of the bolero is worked in a checker stitch, a beautifully geometric, reversible texture created by alternating blocks of knit and purl stitches. Worked over a multiple of 6 + 3 stitches, the pattern sequence is as follows:
  • Row 1: * K3, P3 *, repeat to last 3 sts, K3
  • Rows 2 and 3: Work stitches as they appear
  • Row 4: K3, * P3, K3 *, repeat to end
  • Rows 5 and 6: Work stitches as they appear