Royalton Bolero Knitting Pattern

Royalton Bolero in Organic Cotton Worsted

What Is Being Made

The Royalton Bolero is an elegant knitted bolero designed by Sarah Smuland, perfect for adding sophistication to casual outfits. This garment is constructed as a rectangle that is knit back and forth on circular needles and then sewn together under the arms. The bolero is available in five women's sizes: XS, S, M, L, and XL, with finished widths ranging from 21 to 24 inches and lengths from 37 to 43 inches.

Techniques and Construction Methods

The Royalton Bolero employs a straightforward construction technique suitable for advanced beginners. The garment begins with a ribbed cuff worked on smaller circular needles, followed by a transition to larger needles for the body section. The pattern uses a classic yarn over technique that creates an open, textural, and modern fabric appearance. The construction method involves working the piece in three distinct sections: an initial wrap rib, the main body with the decorative yarn over pattern, and a finishing rib section. The rectangular shape is achieved by working back and forth rather than in the round, making this an accessible project for knitters developing their skills.

Stitches Used

The Royalton Bolero incorporates several fundamental knitting stitches:

• Knit and Purl Stitches: The foundation of the ribbed sections, creating vertical texture and elasticity
• Yarn Overs (yo): The signature stitch that creates the open, lacy pattern throughout the body of the bolero
• Knit Two Together (k2tog) and Purl Two Together (p2tog): Decreasing stitches used to balance the yarn overs and maintain stitch count
• Ribbing Pattern: A k4, p2 repeat creates the structured edges and cuffs that frame the garment

The body pattern alternates between rows of yarn overs and rows of decreases, with knit and purl combinations worked into the yarn overs to create texture and visual interest.

Materials and Tools

The Royalton Bolero is designed for use with Organic Cotton Worsted yarn in 100% organic cotton. The yarn is available in 100-gram hanks with 150 yards per hank. Depending on size, the project requires between 4 and 5 hanks of yarn. The color shown in the pattern is No. 635 Sleet from Blue Sky Fibers' Classic Series.

Two sizes of 30-inch circular needles are required to achieve proper gauge:

• Size 7 (4.5mm) circular needle: Used for the ribbed sections, where the gauge is 16 stitches and 24 rows over 4 inches
• Size 9 (5.5mm) circular needle: Used for the lace body sections, where the gauge is 12 stitches and 18 rows over 4 inches

A tapestry needle is also required for seaming the bolero under the arms and finishing the garment.