Crochet Pattern: Classic Bolero – 9 Sizes
By Rachel Choi – 26 CommentsNew in the Crochet Spot Store, the Classic Bolero pattern is crocheted in one piece (no sewing required), working from the top down. Top down construction allows you to try on the item while crocheting, so that you can easily adjust the bolero size if needed. This pattern also allows you to adjust the length of the bolero so you can make it as long or short as you desire. Feel free to customize your Classic Bolero with buttons or a unique edging!
All purchases help to support Crochet Spot and are greatly appreciated! Please log in or create a new account at the Crochet Spot Store to purchase this pattern. Premium Pattern Members may log into the store and download the pattern for free.
Oh wow! Looks like a great pattern!! I can’t wait to try it 🙂 I just downloaded it, but now have to go out and get some yarn. I’ll let you know how it goes.
This is cute! This is how I always start my sweaters/cardigans!
this is just what i’ve been looking for…but couldn’t find…until now…will gladly purchase this pattern soon…my question is what yarn is used in the picture?…i not getting a clear idea of lightweight yarns…any suggestion for brands? thanks…
Hi Danette, I used Patons yarn for the bolero in the picture, but you can use any yarn with the light weight yarn symbol on it. Here’s a link to a chart that shows you different yarn weights: Types of Yarn
Hi Rachel,
Very cute pattern! I have soooo much lightweight yarn in my stash I think this could be perfect! But I have a question. You say it’s easy to lengthen, but what about the sleeves? Is it easy to lengthen them? The whole point of a cardy for me is to cover my arms so I would want the sleeves at least to my elbows.
Hi Monique, yes you can lengthen the sleeves by adding a few extra rows to the end of each of them. If you end up needing some help with it while crocheting, just let me know and I’ll help you out!
Would you mind telling me how much yarn (in yardage) I would need for this project? I bought a bunch of a nice yarn at a sale and was planning to try and make a bolero out of it but I don’t know if I have enough for this pattern specifically. I would hate to run out and then have no way to finish since I can’t buy more of it.
Hi Caitlin, if you click on the link above that says “Click here to see pattern details” you’ll be taken to the page with the materials list, etc. Let me know the bust size you’re interested in making and I can give you a better approximation.
I had been looking for a little jacket to go with a dress I made. This was perfect. And soooooo easy. I finished it in 4 evenings. For yarn I used Bernat Satin and it worked up great. I think for my next one I want to try one of the fun furry yarns. Thanks Rachel. I’m really enjoying your patterns. And what’s really great is that I can download them to my iPhone and take them with me on the plane when traveling.
Delecia may I suggest you try a beanie or scarf or something really simple with only one ball of that fun furry yarn before you go buying enough to make this bolero. It would look fabulous in the furry yarn, but it’s so hard to crochet with! You can’t see where your loops are so you end up just guessing where to put the next stitch. I started on a beanie in some of that stuff, and when it was about 4 inches in diameter I gave up and searched for a knitted beanie pattern! It’s much easier to knit with!
And Rachel, thanks for your reply to my earlier question. We’re just moving into winter here, and it’s my first one living out in the country instead of in the city and boy is it cold! So I need to work on something a bit warmer for now, but I will remember that this is here when it’s time for me to make a spring/summer lightweight cardy 🙂
This is the first pattern I purchased from the crochet spot, and so far so good! It’s working up really fast, and the instructions are great. Thanks for this one, it’s just what I was looking for!
I just can’t find a light weight yarn that I like. Most of them are baby yarns and baby colors! Can I use a medium weight? Or will that throw the whole pattern off.
Hi Marcia, it would throw the pattern off, but you can work around it using a medium weight yarn. You’ll probably end up making a size or so smaller than what the instructions say for your size is, since your yarn is thicker. Since the pattern is worked from the top down, you can try on the bolero as you work. That way you’ll know when the bolero gets to the proper size for you. Let me know if you need more help with it while you’re crocheting!
I used the Bernat Satin, worked nicely. Had to make extra small though to fit me. Did some ripping out! Did you use the Patons Silk Bamboo Yarn? Thanks, Marcia
Hi Marcia, if I remember correctly I used the Patons Grace 100% cotton yarn.
Love this pattern! is this made all in one piece or are the sleeves added?
Hi Robin! It is made from the top down, all in one piece so that no sewing is required.
Thanks, i just need to learn to read! LOL i saw it after I read the details over again.
i have been making the X-small bolero and i am not coming up with the same amount of DC at the end of the rows that you are. What am i doing wrong?
Robin, send me an email to [email protected]
Let me know what row you start to lose count on so I know where to help. Thanks!
Is it possible to replace the double crochet stitches with another pattern? Such as a V stitch or something like these stitches?
http://crochetpatternbonanza.com/iris-stitch-oui-crochet/
http://www.mypicot.com/2068.html
Star Kaat
Sure thing! I would suggest trying to keep the same number of stitches per row. For example, if a stitch pattern requires sets of 3 stitches, then you can replace 3 double crochets with it. The only tricky part you may have to work with is the increases. Have fun experimenting!
Also, there is a mesh bolero pattern that is similar to this classic bolero if you would like to try that pattern instead: http://www.crochetspot.com/store/?pattern=319
Thank you!
Rachel, I have crocheted 4 of these Boleros. But I still have a question. Row one (and each row ) when you say ch. 2, turn and 2dc in next sc (or 2dc in next dc) does that mean to put the stitch in the same stitch the ch2 is in?
Hi Marcia! Yes, you will make the 2 dc into the very first stitch on the row, it will look like the same stitch as the ch 2, you won’t skip any stitches. Let me know if you need more help with it 🙂