Bolero knitted in one piece

Beemohr Knitted in One Piece Bolero

What is Being Made

This is a classic bolero jacket designed by Beemohr, a contemporary independent knitwear designer. The bolero is a short, open-front garment that provides elegant layering over dresses, tops, and other pieces. This particular design features angora in the arms and back, offering a luxurious texture and warmth. The garment is available in three sizes to accommodate different body measurements and proportions.

Construction Method

The bolero is knitted in one piece, a streamlined construction technique that minimizes seaming and creates a cohesive fabric flow. This approach begins with casting on stitches for the body section and progressively shapes the garment through strategic increases and shaping techniques, including short rows. Working in one piece allows the knitter to maintain consistent tension throughout and reduces finishing work.

Knitting Techniques Used

• Stockinette Stitch (St st) – The primary fabric structure, created by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side, producing a smooth, classic appearance
• Increases – Strategic increases worked at each side of the piece at regular intervals to shape the body and accommodate arm openings. Early increases occur every 8th row (9, 10, or 11 times depending on size), followed by increases every 2nd row for additional shaping
• Short Rows with Wrap and Turn – An advanced shaping technique used to create the shoulder and neckline contours. This method involves wrapping stitches and turning the work before reaching the end of the row, building dimension without adding bulk
• Stitch Markers – Used to denote important reference points (placed at each side) for tracking shaping sequences and maintaining pattern accuracy

Stitches and Stitch Counts

The bolero begins with a cast-on of 44, 48, or 52 stitches depending on the selected size. Through systematic increases, the stitch count expands to 62, 68, or 74 stitches after the initial shaping phase, then increases further to 68, 74, or 80 stitches before the short-row shaping begins. The pattern uses primarily stockinette stitch throughout, with increases executed at the selvedges to create gradual, even shaping.

Materials and Specifications

This project uses 4-ply yarn weight, a medium-weight yarn that provides good stitch definition and drape suitable for a fitted garment like a bolero. The pattern specifies larger needles for the construction, though specific needle size recommendations are detailed in the full pattern instructions. The inclusion of angora in the arms and back adds softness, warmth, and a subtle sheen to these visible areas of the garment.

Sizing and Finished Measurements

The pattern accommodates three sizes with corresponding finished length measurements. The body section extends to approximately 49, 51, or 53 centimeters (19.3", 20.1", or 20.9") before the final shaping phase. The total finished length reaches 51, 53, or 55 centimeters (20.1", 20.9", or 21.7") after all shaping is complete, creating a proportionate bolero length suitable for layering.

Skill Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle more complex shaping techniques. The one-piece construction and short-row shaping require understanding of increases, wrapping techniques, and the ability to follow detailed row-by-row instructions. Knitters should be comfortable reading pattern abbreviations and managing multiple stitch counts across different sizes.