2705 Cosy Wool Bolero

How to Knit a Cosy Wool Bolero

Create a cosy knitted bolero jacket featuring a classic ribbed edging, comfortable sleeves and a simple stocking stitch body. This versatile layer is designed for children and is perfect for adding warmth without the bulk of a full cardigan.

The bolero is knitted in separate pieces and assembled, with a ribbed border added around the back and front edges for a neat professional finish.

What You Will Need

Materials

• Cosy Wool yarn
• Main Colour (MC)
• Contrast Colour (CC) for sleeve rib and edging

Equipment

• 4mm knitting needles
• 3.25mm knitting needles
• 3.25mm circular knitting needle
• Stitch holder
• Wool needle for sewing seams and finishing
• Scissors

Alternative Yarns

This bolero is designed using Cosy Wool yarn. When selecting an alternative yarn, choose a yarn with a similar weight, warmth and stitch definition to maintain the garment shape.

• 8ply Wool Yarn – provides warmth and elasticity for a classic knitted garment.
• Wool Blend Yarn – combines warmth with durability and easy care.
• Merino Yarn – creates a soft, comfortable layer against the skin.
• Acrylic Blend Yarn – provides an affordable, easy-care alternative.

Measurements

Tension

Using 4mm needles:

• 22 stitches x 30 rows = 10cm x 10cm over stocking stitch

Knitting Abbreviations

• K: knit
• P: purl
• Kfb: knit into front and back of stitch
• K2tog: knit two stitches together
• MC: main colour
• CC: contrast colour
• St(s): stitch(es)
• Rep: repeat

Construction Overview

1. Knit the back piece in stocking stitch.
2. Knit the two front pieces with shaping for the front opening.
3. Knit the sleeves with ribbed cuffs.
4. Join the shoulder and side seams.
5. Attach sleeves and finish with rib edging around the opening.

Knit the Back

1. Using 4mm needles and MC, cast on stitches according to your chosen size.
2. Work in stocking stitch.
3. Shape the armholes by casting off stitches at the beginning of rows.
4. Continue decreasing at each end as instructed.
5. Shape the shoulders.
6. Place remaining neckline stitches onto a stitch holder.

Knit the Front Pieces

The left and right fronts are knitted separately and mirror each other.

1. Cast on stitches using MC.
2. Work stocking stitch while increasing to create the front shape.
3. Shape the armhole and front slope using decreases.
4. Shape the shoulder and cast off.

Knit the Sleeves

1. Using 3.25mm needles and CC, cast on sleeve stitches.
2. Work K2, P2 rib.
3. Change to MC and continue ribbing until the cuff measures approximately 5cm.
4. Change to 4mm needles and continue in stocking stitch.
5. Increase at each end according to size instructions.
6. Continue until the sleeve reaches the required length.
7. Shape the sleeve top with decreases.
8. Cast off.

Assembly

1. Join shoulder seams.
2. Join side seams.
3. Sew sleeves into armholes.
4. Join sleeve seams.
5. Sew in all loose ends.

Add the Ribbed Edging

1. Using a 3.25mm circular needle and MC, pick up stitches around the back and front edges.
2. Work K2, P2 rib around the opening.
3. Continue ribbing for the required rounds.
4. Change to CC and repeat the rib round twice.
5. Cast off loosely in rib.

Customisation Ideas

• Use contrasting colours for the rib edging.
• Create a striped sleeve design.
• Add decorative buttons to the front opening.
• Use a soft merino yarn for extra warmth.
• Make matching accessories such as scarves or beanies.

Care

Follow the care instructions for your chosen yarn.

Gently reshape the bolero while damp and dry flat to maintain the garment shape.