Madeleine Bolero and Scarf in Adriafil Poema - Downloadable PDF

Madeleine Bolero and Scarf Knitting Pattern in Adriafil Poema – Free Downloadable PDF

The Madeleine Bolero and Scarf is a free downloadable knitting pattern designed for use with Adriafil Poema yarn, a DK weight yarn. This pattern covers two coordinating accessories: a classic fitted bolero jacket and a matching scarf, making it an ideal project for knitters who want a complete, cohesive look. The pattern is available in three sizes, accommodating a range of fits through adjusted stitch counts and shaping instructions.

About the Madeleine Bolero

The Madeleine Bolero is a short, elegant cover-up knitted entirely in Garter stitch, one of the most foundational and beginner-friendly knitting stitches. Garter stitch is created by knitting every row on both the right side and wrong side, producing a ridged, stretchy fabric with a pleasing texture that drapes beautifully in DK weight yarn. Despite its simplicity, the stitch creates a sophisticated finish that suits the refined style of this bolero.

Construction and Shaping

The bolero is worked in separate pieces and seamed together, following a traditional flat knitting construction. The key pieces include:

• Right Front: Cast on between 115 and 135 stitches depending on size. Shaping at the right (neck) edge involves binding off alternately every 2 rows and every row, with decreases worked as K2tog twisted on right side rows and a standard two-stitch decrease on wrong side rows, maintaining a neat 3-stitch border throughout.
• Left Front: Worked identically to the right front with all shaping reversed to create a mirror image. Neck edge decreases are placed symmetrically to match the right front.
• Sleeves: Cast on between 60 and 62 stitches and worked in Garter stitch. Sleeve width is increased by adding 1 stitch at both edges at regular intervals — every 9, 11, or 13 rows depending on size — for a total of 9 to 13 increases per side. Once the sleeve reaches 29 cm in length, a shaped sleeve cap is formed by binding off stitches at both edges in a stepped sequence: 1x3 stitches, 1x2 stitches, 25x1 stitch, 1x2 stitches, and 1x3 stitches, every 2 rows.

Techniques Used

• Garter stitch – the primary stitch pattern used throughout all pieces
• K2tog twisted – a right-leaning decrease that creates a neat, tidy edge along the neck shaping
• Standard two-stitch decrease – used on wrong side rows for balanced neck shaping
• Sleeve cap shaping – achieved through a structured bind-off sequence for a smooth set-in sleeve finish
• Seaming – shoulder seams and sleeve seams are sewn together during finishing
• Three-size grading – stitch counts and row intervals are provided for three distinct sizes throughout the pattern

About the Madeleine Scarf

The pattern also includes instructions for a coordinating Madeleine Scarf, designed to complement the bolero and be worked in the same Adriafil Poema DK weight yarn. The scarf provides a simple yet stylish accessory to complete the set, worked in the same Garter stitch technique as the bolero for a unified aesthetic.

Materials and Yarn

This pattern is specifically designed for Adriafil Poema, a DK weight yarn. Adriafil Poema is known for its soft, luxurious handle and is well suited to the smooth, ridged texture of Garter stitch. Knitters will need appropriate knitting needles sized to achieve the correct gauge for DK weight yarn — typically in the range of 3.75 mm to 4.5 mm, though the pattern's specified needle size and gauge swatch should always be consulted before beginning.

Pattern Format and Availability

• Format: