Willow & Lark Grace Bolero Knitting Pattern

Willow & Lark Grace Bolero: Longsleved Lace Bolero

What is Being Made

The Grace Bolero is a sophisticated and delicate longsleved lace bolero designed to complement any outfit. This intermediate-level knitting project features a stunning lace motif on the front panels as the focal point, supported by simple plain-knitted sleeves and back panel. The bolero is available in six sizes, ranging from 81cm to 107cm chest measurements (32in to 42in), with finished chest measurements from 83cm to 108cm (32½in to 42½in). The length to shoulder measures 33cm to 35cm (13in to 13¾in) depending on size, with sleeve seams ranging from 37cm to 39cm (14½in to 15¼in).

Techniques Used

The Grace Bolero is constructed using several key knitting techniques. The garment is worked flat, meaning it is knitted on straight needles rather than in the round, allowing for straightforward construction of the front, back, and sleeve pieces. The design employs seaming to join these individual pieces together, creating a finished bolero with clean, professional seams. The defining feature of this project is the incorporation of lace techniques, which create the intricate and delicate lace motif that adorns the front panels and gives the bolero its elegant character.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques

The pattern requires knowledge of lace knitting as a core skill. Lace work in knitting typically involves yarn overs and decreases worked in coordinated patterns to create openwork designs with visual interest and texture. The Grace Bolero combines these lace stitches on the front panels with plain knitting on the sleeves and back, creating visual contrast and allowing the lace motif to take centre stage. The pattern uses standard knitting abbreviations including increases (inc), decreases (dec), and directional instructions (alt for alternate, cont for continue, foll for following).

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Grace Bolero is designed specifically for Willow & Lark Plume yarn, a luxury blend comprising 70% mohair and 30% silk. This fiber composition creates a soft, delicate fabric with subtle sheen, appropriate for the sophisticated aesthetic of the bolero. Yarn quantities vary by size, ranging from 4 balls to 6 balls of the 25g (0.9oz) balls. The pattern suggests colourways including Marmalade 313 and Beach Hut Blue 322.

Construction requires 3.25mm (UK 10, US 3) knitting needles for the main fabric. Specifically, the pattern calls for one pair of straight 3.25mm needles and one 3.25mm circular knitting needle measuring 40cm (16in), which is likely used for finishing techniques such as binding off or picking up stitches for neckline or edging work.

Tension and Gauge

Achieving correct tension is essential for this project. The pattern specifies a tension of 32 stitches and 40 rows to 10cm (4in), measured over the lace pattern using 3.25mm (US 3) needles. Knitters should swatch before beginning to ensure their tension matches this specification, as variations in tension will affect the final measurements and drape of the finished bolero. The pattern notes that yarn quantities are approximate and based on average requirements, and that finished garment appearance depends on using the recommended Willow & Lark Plume yarn, as fiber weight, twist, and composition significantly impact the look of the finished item.

Difficulty Level

The Grace Bolero is classified as an intermediate knitting project. This difficulty level reflects the requirement for lace knitting skills and the ability to work with multiple pieces that must be seamed together accurately. Knitters should be comfortable reading lace charts or written lace instructions and managing yarn overs and decreases in coordinated patterns before attempting this project.