Crochet Boleros in King Cole Galaxy DK - 4426 - Downloadable PDF

Crochet Boleros in King Cole Galaxy DK – Pattern 4426

Pattern 4426 from King Cole is a charming collection of crochet designs for children, sized to fit ages 2 to 8 years with chest measurements ranging from 59 to 87.5 cm (23 to 34½ inches). The leaflet includes two distinct projects: a Short Sleeved Bolero and a Crochet Shell Hat, both worked in King Cole Galaxy DK yarn. The pattern is rated Easy Crochet, making it an accessible project for those with a foundational understanding of crochet techniques, though some familiarity with shaping and reading pattern repeats will be helpful.

About King Cole Galaxy DK Yarn

Both designs in this leaflet are worked in King Cole Galaxy DK, a double knit weight yarn. DK yarn is a versatile, medium-light weight that works up quickly and produces a fabric with good stitch definition — ideal for showcasing the textured shell and treble stitch patterns used throughout these designs. A standard crochet hook suitable for DK weight yarn is required, and achieving the correct tension is essential before beginning either project.

Tension

• Bolero: 10 rows and 15 stitches to 10 cm / 4 inches
• Crochet Shell Hat: 10 rounds and 15 stitches to 10 cm / 4 inches, measured over treble stitch

Always work a tension swatch before starting and adjust your hook size accordingly to ensure the finished garment matches the intended measurements.

Design One: Short Sleeved Bolero

The Short Sleeved Bolero is a classic, lightweight cover-up designed to sit over the shoulders and upper body, making it a versatile layering piece for children. It is worked in one piece to the underarms, which reduces the number of seams and simplifies construction — a particularly beginner-friendly approach to garment making.

Construction Method

The body begins with a foundation chain of 82, 90, 98, or 106 chains depending on the size being made. The piece is worked flat in rows, with shaping introduced through increases and decreases at key points to create the fitted silhouette. Once the body is complete to the underarm, stitches are divided and the Right Front, Back, and Left Front sections are each worked separately. Sleeves are worked independently and then set in, with shoulder and sleeve seams joined during assembly.

Shaping Techniques

• Increases are worked by placing two treble stitches into a single stitch at each end of rows, creating a gradual flare at the body edges.
• Decreases are achieved using the tr2tog technique — a treble two together decrease — where the last loop of each treble is left on the hook before pulling through all loops together, neatly reducing the stitch count.
• Armhole and front edge shaping uses a combination of slip stitches, double crochet, and half treble stitches at the edges to create smooth, tapered curves rather than abrupt steps.

Stitches Used – Bolero

• Chain (ch) – used for the foundation and to begin each row (3 chain counts as 1 treble throughout)
• Slip stitch (slst) – used for joining and edge shaping
• Double crochet (dc) – used at shaped edges for a neat finish
• Half treble (htr) – used as a transitional stitch in shaping rows
• Treble (tr) – the primary stitch used across the main body fabric
• tr2tog – a special decrease stitch worked over two stitches

Assembly

• Shoulder seams are joined after the body sections are complete.
• Sleeve seams are sewn and sleeves are set into the armhole openings