Patricia Bolero Knitting Pattern

Patricia Bolero in Juniper Moon Farm Fourteen Paints

What Is Being Made

The Patricia Bolero is a knitted shawl-style wrap garment designed as part of the Winter Breeze Collection. This intermediate-level knitting project creates a sophisticated bolero that combines a fitted upper section with a flowing shawl component. The design is available in two sizes: Small/Medium (to fit bust 33-37 inches) and Large/X-Large (to fit bust 41-45 inches), with corresponding finished lengths to shoulder of 15¾ inches and 17¾ inches respectively. The shawl portion extends significantly, with outer edge lengths ranging from 50½ to 56¾ inches depending on size, and widths from 9½ to 13 inches.

Techniques Used

This knitting pattern employs several advanced techniques suitable for intermediate knitters. Cable work is a primary feature, with multiple cable crosses creating visual interest and texture throughout the garment. Short-row shaping (using wrap and turn methods) is utilized to construct the three-dimensional shaping of the bolero, allowing the designer to create a fitted bodice that transitions into a graceful shawl. The pattern incorporates garter stitch for selvage edges and structural elements, while stockinette stitch forms the base fabric. The combination of knit and purl stitches creates a textured pattern that showcases the yarn's color variations.

Stitches Used

• Cable stitches: C6B (6-stitch cable cross), C8B (8-stitch cable cross), and C10B (10-stitch cable cross) — these involve slipping stitches onto a cable needle, working stitches from the main needle, then working the cable needle stitches to create twisted rope-like textures
• Garter stitch: Created by knitting every row, used for selvage edges and structural stability
• Stockinette stitch: Alternating knit and purl rows to create a smooth, classic fabric base
• Wrap and turn (w&t): A short-row technique that involves slipping a stitch, wrapping yarn around it, and turning work to create shaping without visible holes
• Knit and purl combinations: The main pattern alternates knit and purl stitches in specific sequences to create the textured design

Materials

The Patricia Bolero is designed to be knitted with Juniper Moon Farm Fourteen Paints yarn in color 102 Savannah. The yardage requirement is 5 balls (250g total) for the Small/Medium size and 7 balls (350g total) for the Large/X-Large size, with each ball weighing 50g. The pattern calls for US 8/5mm straight knitting needles for the main shaping sections and US 8/5mm circular needles measuring 32 inches long for sections requiring additional stitch capacity. A cable needle is essential for executing the cable crosses, and stitch markers help track pattern repeats and shaping points. The recommended gauge is 20 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches in pattern, and 16 stitches and 26 rows over 4 inches in garter stitch, both measured using US 8/5mm needles.