Butterfly Bolero and Cardigan in Shadow Knitting in BC Garn Semilla Grosso - 5078BC - Downloadable PDF

Butterfly Bolero and Cardigan in Shadow Knitting – BC Garn Semilla Grosso (Pattern No. 5078BC)

Designed by Ann Højgaard Slot and published by BC Garn, this free downloadable PDF pattern (No. 5078BC) presents two charming children's garments worked in the captivating technique of shadow knitting: a Bolero and a Cardigan. Both designs feature a signature Butterfly motif that appears and disappears depending on the viewing angle — a hallmark of shadow knitting that makes these pieces truly eye-catching. The pattern is rated intermediate in difficulty, making it a rewarding project for knitters who are comfortable with basic techniques and ready to explore more creative stitch work.

What Is Shadow Knitting?

Shadow knitting, sometimes called illusion knitting, is a technique in which a hidden pattern is revealed only when the fabric is viewed from an angle. The design is created by alternating rows of two contrasting colours in a specific sequence of knit and purl stitches. When viewed straight on, the fabric appears as simple stripes, but when seen from the side or at an angle, the hidden motif — in this case, a butterfly — emerges dramatically. For the best visual effect, BC Garn recommends using colours with large contrast, such as the suggested pink and burgundy combination.

Garment One: The Butterfly Bolero

Sizes and Measurements

• Sizes: 4 (6) 8 years
• Chest circumference (approx.): 60 (64) 70 cm
• Length (approx.): 25.5 (27) 29 cm

What Is Being Made

The Bolero is a short, open-front children's jacket designed to sit at or above the waist. It is a stylish layering piece suited to girls aged 4 to 8 years. The Butterfly shadow knitting motif is worked across the back panel and sleeves using dedicated stitch charts (C1 = Back-Motif, C2 = Sleeve, C3 = Pocket Back-Motif), ensuring the butterfly design is prominently placed for maximum visual impact. A single button closure completes the front.

Techniques and Stitches Used

• Shadow knitting — the primary decorative technique, creating the hidden butterfly illusion
• Garter stitch — used throughout the shadow knitting sections (knit every row), with 2 rows forming 1 ripple unit
• Stocking stitch (St st) — used in plain sections of the garment
• Edging — worked separately using size 6 mm needles, casting on 27 stitches
• K2tog (knit two stitches together) — a basic decrease used for shaping
• YO (yarn over) — used to create eyelets or as part of shaping details
• Colourwork with two colours — alternating between the ground colour (Gr.col) and pattern colour (Patt.col) across rows
• Working in the round — circular needles are used throughout

Materials

• Yarn: BC Garn Semilla Grosso, a chunky weight yarn
  • 100 (100) 100 g in oa105 (pink) — used as the Ground Colour
  • 100 (100) 150 g in oa109 (burgundy) — used as the Pattern Colour
• Needles: Circular needles, 100 cm length, in sizes 5 mm and 6 mm
• Extras: 1 button
• Tension: 10.5 stitches × 16 rows = 10 × 10 cm on 5.5 mm needles