Alice

Alice Bolero by B H Design

What Is Being Made

Alice is a charming bolero designed for children ages 2-3 years. This lightweight layering piece is versatile enough to wear dressed up with pretty shirts or casual with long-sleeved polos. The bolero measures 12½ inches (32cm) long and 12½ inches (32cm) wide, making it an ideal garment for a toddler's wardrobe. The design features a Victorian lace edging that adds an elegant, whimsical touch appropriate for the Alice-inspired aesthetic.

Construction Techniques

Alice is knitted flat using a bottom-up construction method on circular needles, which allows for easy stitch management and comfortable handling during the knitting process. The pattern includes row-by-row instructions designed for straightforward, beginner-friendly construction. The Victorian lace edging is knitted separately and then sewn around the completed bolero, allowing crafters to work on the main garment body and decorative edge as distinct components before assembly.

Stitches Used

The pattern employs a rib stitch pattern as a foundational element. The rib pattern repeats over two rows: Row 1 consists of K1 (knit 1 stitch) followed by a repeat of P1 (purl 1 stitch) and K1 across the row. This classic ribbing creates texture and elasticity. The Victorian lace edging incorporates lace stitchwork, adding decorative detail and visual interest to the bolero's perimeter.

Yarn and Materials

Alice is knitted from Lana Grossa Landlust Merino 180 in Colour 202, a 100% virgin wool yarn that is non-felting. Each 50-gram ball contains 180 meters of yarn, and the project requires 100 grams total (approximately 360 meters). This DK to sport weight yarn works at a gauge of 20 stitches and 29 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) when knitted on size 4mm (US 6) needles.

Needles and Notions

• Size 4mm (US 6, UK 8) circular knitting needles for the main bolero body
• Size 3¼mm (US 3, UK 10) knitting needles for the Victorian lace edging
• One ½-inch (12mm) button for closure or decoration

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated beginner level, making it an excellent choice for knitters new to garment construction. The very easy and superfast construction, combined with clear row-by-row instructions, ensures that crafters can complete this charming bolero quickly and with confidence. The separate knitting of the lace edging breaks the project into manageable stages, further supporting beginner success.