Mermaid Tears Bolero

Mermaid Tears Bolero by Salty Pearl Crochet

What is Being Made

The Mermaid Tears Bolero is a cute and simple crocheted bolero designed by Katie Clary of Salty Pearl Crochet. This garment is worked as a flat rectangle that is crocheted together and finished with a decorative picot edge. The bolero is available in multiple sizes, ranging from children's sizes 3-4 through 11-12, as well as adult sizes S/M, L/XL, XXL/XXXL, making it a versatile piece suitable for various body types.

Crochet Techniques and Construction

This beginner-friendly bolero is constructed using straightforward crochet techniques that make it accessible to newer crocheters. The garment is worked in back and forth rows as a flat rectangle, which simplifies the construction process and eliminates the need for complex shaping. The lacy design incorporates repeating stitch patterns that create an elegant, openwork appearance. Once the rectangular panels are complete, they are crocheted together, and the finishing touch involves adding a picot edge around the perimeter of the bolero for a polished, decorative detail.

Stitches Used

The Mermaid Tears Bolero utilizes several fundamental crochet stitches that are essential to the pattern:

• Chain (Ch) - used for foundation and stitch construction
• Single Crochet (Sc) - a basic stitch for structure and joining
• Double Crochet (Dc) - the primary stitch used throughout the lacy pattern
• V Stitch (V-st) - a special stitch created by working (dc, ch 1, dc) into the same stitch or chain, which contributes to the lacy, openwork aesthetic
• Shell - a decorative stitch formed by working 5 double crochets into the same stitch or chain space
• Picot (Pc) - a finishing stitch created by working (slip stitch, ch 3, slip stitch) into the same stitch, used for the decorative edge
• Slip Stitch (Sl) - used for joining and in the picot edge detail

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The pattern calls for an I/5.5mm crochet hook and requires 1-3 skeins of Audine Wools Sigh DK yarn, depending on the size being made. The yarn is a DK weight [3] classification, composed of 85% merino and 15% cashmere goat fiber, offering a luxurious blend of softness and durability. Each skein contains 3.5oz/100g and 302 yards/276 meters of yardage. The pattern sample shown features the Leaf Eater colorway. Additional materials needed include a yarn needle for weaving in ends and scissors for cutting yarn.

Gauge and Pattern Specifications

The recommended gauge for this project is 12 stitches and 8 rows (2 pattern repeats) in a 3-inch square. Maintaining proper gauge ensures that the finished bolero will fit correctly and drape as intended. The pattern uses clear abbreviations and includes special stitch definitions to guide crocheters through the construction process.

Pattern by Katie Clary of Salty Pearl Crochet. Copyright 2020 Kathryn L. Clary. All rights reserved.