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This lacy crochet bolero free pattern is available in all sizes. You can make this cute crocheted shrug in both girls and womens sizes.
How do you crochet a bolero?
A bolero is a simple sweater that covers the arms and shoulders, without additional length down the back. That means you can make a crochet bolero from just one rectangle!
This particular bolero crochet pattern uses the same lacy stitch pattern as my Mermaid Tears Shawl. Great news! If you’ve been wanting a rectangular version of this shawl, you can adapt this bolero pattern!
What size should a crochet bolero be?
You can make your bolero in just about any sleeve length you like, and to custom dimensions. I’ve provided a size chart below with suggested sizes to match the short sleeved bolero modeled.
To customize the fit of your bolero, you will need three measurements:
- The width of your back from armpit to armpit
- The desired sleeve length from armpit to the end of the sleeve
- The circumference of the sleeve at the widest point
To find the dimensions of the rectangular bolero, you’ll use these formulas:
Width of back + 2 * sleeve length = Final Width
Circumference of sleeve at widest point = Final Height
Your final width will span across your arms as worn, and the final height will go both around the arms and vertically up and down your back when worn.
This crochet bolero pattern is worked width-wise, but of course you can experiment working the other way, too! Now that you know how to crochet a bolero, you can create to your heart’s content!
Materials
- I/5.5mm Crochet Hook
- 1-3 skeins Audine Wools Sigh DK, Dk [3] weight, 85% merino, 15% cashmere goat yarn, 3.5oz/100g; 302 yds/276m, shown in Leaf Eater colorway
- Yarn Needle
- Scissors
Abbreviations
Ch- chain;
Dc – double crochet;
Prev- previous;
Sc- single crochet;
Sk- skip;
St- stitch;
Gauge
12 sts and 8 rows (2 pattern repeats) in 3” square.
Special Stitches
V Stitch (V-st)- work (dc, ch 1, dc) into the same st or ch.
Picot (pc)- (sl, ch3, sl) into the same st.
Shell- work 5dc into the same st or ch indicated.
Notes
Sizes are notated as 3-4(5-6, 7-8, 9-10, 11-12){S/M, L/XL, XXL/XXXL}.
This easy crochet sweater is worked in back and forth rows as a flat rectangle. Afterwards, you will crochet the sleeves together and add a picot edge to the lower hem for the final row.
Working around (vs into) the chain spaces creates a neater finished look.
Crochet Bolero Sizing Chart
| Size | Width | Height | Sleeve Length |
| 3-4 | 15 | 8 | 3 |
| 5-6 | 21 | 8.5 | 3.5 |
| 7-8 | 27 | 9.5 | 4 |
| 9-10 | 33 | 10 | 5 |
| 11-12 | 36 | 12 | 6 |
| S/M | 38 | 13 | 8 |
| L/XL | 40 | 14.5 | 8.5 |
| XXL/XXXL | 43 | 15.5 | 9 |
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Mermaid Tears Crochet Bolero Pattern
Ch 62 (86, 110, 134, 146){158, 170, 182}.
Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch, *ch 1, sk 2, V-st, ch 1, sk 2, sc,* repeat * to * across. [10(14, 18, 22, 24){26, 28, 30} V stitches]
Row 2: Ch 1, turn, sc in sc from prev row, *sk 2, work shell in V-st from prev row, sk 2, sc in sc from prev row,* repeat * to * across. [10(14, 18, 22, 24){26, 28, 30} shells]
Row 3: Ch 2, turn, 2dc in 1st st, ch 1, sk 2, sc in center of shell, *ch 1, sk 2, V-st into sc, ch 1, sk 2, sc in center of shell,* repeat * to * across, 2dc into last st. [9(13, 17, 21, 23){25, 27, 29} V stitches]
Row 4: Ch 2, turn, 3dc in 1st st, sk 2, sc in sc from prev row, *sk 2, shell in V-st from prev row, sk 2, sc in sc from prev row,* repeat * to * across, sk 2, 3dc in last st. [9(13, 17, 21, 23){25, 27, 29} shells]
Row 5: Ch 1, turn, sc in 1st st, *ch 1, sk 2, V-st in sc from prev row, ch 1, sk 2, sc in next st,* repeat * to * across. [10(14, 18, 22, 24){26, 28, 30} V stitches]
Repeat Rows 2-5 until piece measures 8” (8.5”, 9.5”, 10”, 12”){13”, 14.5”, 15.5”} in height, ending after completing a row 2 or 4 repeat.
Picot Edge
R2 finish: Ch 1, turn, holding both sides together, sc, *ch 2, sk 2, sc,* repeat * to * for length of sleeve, pc in center of shell, **sl 5, pc,** repeat ** to ** across width of back, repeat * to * across the second sleeve.
R4 finish: Ch 1, turn, holding both sides together, sc, *ch 2, sk 2, sc,* repeat * to * for length of sleeve, **sl 2, pc, sl 3,** repeat ** to ** across width of back, repeat * to * across the second sleeve.
Finishing:
Fasten off and weave in all ends. Block lightly.
Syrenia says
Thanks for the beautiful pattern