Ballet Tops Bolero Knitting Pattern

Ballet Tops in Stylecraft Savannah

What is Being Made

These ballet tops are charming knitted garments designed for children aged 2 to 11 years, available in two sleeve length variations: long sleeves and three-quarter length sleeves. The pattern offers five different sizes to fit chest measurements ranging from 56cm to 76cm (22 to 30 inches). These tops feature a classic ballet-inspired design with decorative eyelet details that create an elegant, dance-ready aesthetic suitable for young dancers and everyday wear.

Techniques and Construction

The ballet tops are constructed using fundamental knitting techniques appropriate for beginners. The pattern begins with casting on stitches and working in garter stitch (knitting every row) to create a stable, textured foundation. A buttonhole row is incorporated into the design, demonstrating basic shaping techniques. The construction includes strategic decreasing and increasing stitches to shape the front and side edges, creating a fitted silhouette. The garment features shaped front and side edges that are gradually tapered using cast-off stitches at the beginning of wrong-side rows, combined with increases at the side edge to maintain proper shaping throughout the piece.

Stitches Used

The pattern employs several essential knitting stitches suitable for beginner-level projects. Garter stitch forms the foundation and textured sections of the top. Stockinette stitch (alternating knit and purl rows) creates the main body fabric. Eyelet stitches are featured prominently, created using yarn forward (yfwd) and knit two together (k2tog) techniques to produce decorative holes that add visual interest and a delicate quality to the design. Additional techniques include kfb (knit front and back) for increasing stitches and standard decreasing methods to shape the garment.

Materials Required

The ballet tops are knitted using Stylecraft Savannah yarn, which is described as a random yarn that creates a unique colour effect in each finished garment. Yarn quantities vary by size and sleeve length: the long-sleeved version requires 2 to 4 balls of 100g, while the three-quarter length sleeved version requires 2 to 3 balls of 100g. The long-sleeved design is shown in the Tundra colourway (3792), while the three-quarter sleeved version is pictured in the Desert colourway (3790).

Two sizes of knitting needles are needed: a pair of 3¾mm needles (UK size 9 / USA size 5) for the ribbed sections and initial cast-on, and a pair of 4½mm needles (UK size 7 / USA size 7) for the main body of the garment. Additional notions include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points, and 2 buttons for fastening the garment.

Yarn Characteristics

Stylecraft Savannah is an aran weight yarn, making it an ideal choice for creating garments with good stitch definition and relatively quick knitting progress. The random nature of this yarn means each finished top will display its own unique colour variations and patterning, ensuring that no two garments are identical. This characteristic adds charm and individuality to each ballet top created from this pattern.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as beginner-friendly and easy, making it an excellent project for knitters who are new to garment construction. The straightforward stitch patterns, clear shaping instructions, and manageable sizing options make these ballet tops accessible to those building their knitting skills while still producing a polished, wearable result.