Crystal Bolero

The Crystal Bolero is a light and airy layering piece featuring a beautiful openwork stitch pattern. Its delicate texture adds an elegant touch while keeping the design relaxed and comfortable – perfect for wearing over a dress, camisole, or simple top.

Although the finished bolero looks intricate, its construction is surprisingly straightforward. It is crocheted in simple rectangular pieces that are joined at the side and shoulder seams, making this an enjoyable project without complicated shaping. Follow the written pattern and video tutorial to create your own Crystal Bolero in your favorite color.

VIDEO TUTORIAL OF CRYSTAL BOLERO

WRITTEN PATTERN OF CRYSTAL BOLERO

MATERIALS

• light size 3 yarn – 300 grams
• 4 mm crochet hook
• tapestry needle
• stitch marker

Abbreviations:
ch = chain
sc = single crochet
sl st = slip stitch
tr = triple crochet

Pattern notes:
– The Crystal Bolero is made from two rectangular pieces, each measuring approximately 15 inches long and 24 inches wide.
– The side seams are joined with slip stitches.
– The shoulder seams are sewn together using the yarn tails and a tapestry needle.
– For visual guidance on joining the side and shoulder seams, please refer to the video tutorial.

RECTANGLES (MAKE 2)

• Ch 75.
• Row 1 = sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next ch, ch 9, sl st through horizontal and vertical loop of sc below, *ch 4, skip 4 ch, (sc in next ch, ch 9, sl st in sc below) twice, repeat from*, finish the row with: ch 4, skip 4 ch, sc in next ch, ch 9, sl st in sc below, sc in last ch.
• Row 2 = ch 7, turn, (sc in ch9-loop) twice, *ch 4, (sc in ch9-loop) twice, repeat from*, finish the row with: ch 2, tr in last st.
• Row 3 = ch, turn, sc in tr, ch 2, *(sc in next sc, ch 9, sl st in sc below) twice, ch 4, repeat from*, finish the row with: instead of last 4ch -> ch 2, sc in 3rd ch of turning ch.
• Row 4 = ch 4, turn, sc in ch9-loop, *ch 4, (sc in ch9-loop) twice, repeat from*, finish the row with: ch 4, sc in ch9-loop, tr in last st.
• Row 5 = ch, turn, sc in tr, sc in sc, ch 9, sl st in sc below, *ch 4, (sc in next sc, ch 9, sl st in sc below) twice, repeat from*, finish the row with: ch 4, sc in next sc, ch 9, sl st in sc below, sc in last st.
• Row 6 = repeat row 2.
• Row 7 = repeat row 3.
• Row 8 = repeat row 4.
• Repeat rows 5-8 ten more times (total 12 repeats of 4 rows).
• Don’t cut off yarn after finishing each square.

JOINING THE SIDE SEAMS

Place the two rectangles next to each other with their edges aligned. Position them so that the working yarn from each rectangle is located at an opposite end. The working yarn from one rectangle will be used to join the first side, and the working yarn from the other rectangle will be used to join the second side.

With the working loop on your hook:

1. Insert the hook from front to back through the first stitch of the right panel, then from front to back through the corresponding first stitch of the left panel. Complete a slip stitch through both layers.
2. Repeat in the second stitch of both panels.
3. Slip stitch through the first chain of both panels.
4. Skip the second chain on both panels.
5. Slip stitch through the third chain of both panels.
6. Slip stitch through the fourth chain of both panels.
7. Slip stitch through each of the next two stitches on both panels.

Continue repeating this joining sequence across the side, always matching the corresponding stitches and chains of both panels, until 27 slip stitches have been made. Fasten off and weave in the yarn end.

Repeat on the opposite side using the working yarn from the second rectangle.

JOINING THE SHOULDER SEAMS

Align the upper edges of the two rectangles, making sure the stitches match evenly. Thread a long yarn tail through a tapestry needle and sew the shoulder seam, working through both layers.

Fasten off securely and weave in the yarn end. Repeat on the opposite shoulder to complete the bolero.

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If you enjoy crocheting boleros and ponchos, check out all my wearables patterns.

HAPPY CROCHETING!

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