Jo Sharp Cotton Bolero Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Jo Sharp Cotton Bolero

What Is Being Made

The Jo Sharp Cotton Bolero is a cropped bolero jacket designed as an intermediate-level knitting project. This garment features a snug fit and is available in both short and long sleeve options, making it versatile for different seasons and styling preferences. The bolero is characterized by its cropped length and ribbed edges, creating a refined, finished appearance suitable for layering over dresses, tank tops, or other summer garments.

Techniques Used

This pattern employs seamed construction with pieces worked flat on straight needles, which is a traditional approach to garment shaping. The bolero incorporates several key shaping techniques including armhole shaping through strategic cast-offs and decreases, as well as neck and shoulder shaping to create a professional neckline. The pattern requires working different sections separately and then joining them, with stitches held on holders during construction to manage multiple sections simultaneously.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch throughout the bolero is stockinette stitch (St st), which creates a smooth, classic fabric ideal for summer wear. The ribbed edges are worked in K2, P2 rib (knit 2, purl 2 rib pattern), which provides elasticity and a neat, structured finish. The ribbing is repeated over 10 rows to create defined edges that frame the garment and help it maintain its shape.

Materials

The Jo Sharp Cotton Bolero is designed to be worked in Jo Sharp Soho Summer DK Cotton yarn, a lightweight cotton yarn ideal for warm-weather garments. The pattern requires two needle sizes: 3.25mm needles (USA 3, UK 10) for the ribbed edging and 4.00mm needles (USA 6, UK 8) for the main stockinette stitch fabric. The recommended tension is 22.5 stitches and 30 rows measured over 10cm (approximately 4 inches) of stockinette stitch using 4.00mm needles, ensuring proper fit across the four available sizes.

Sizing and Fit

The pattern is available in four sizes to fit bust measurements of 80cm, 90cm, 100cm, and 110cm (approximately 31½, 35, 39, and 43¼ inches). The bodice circumference ranges from 78cm to 110cm across the sizes. Sleeve length options include short sleeves at approximately 15⅛cm and long sleeves at approximately 18⅞cm, providing flexibility for different preferences and seasons.