The Breezy Bolero Topper is the perfect addition to your wardrobe for those cool evenings. This airy mesh long-sleeve cardigan provides just the right amount of warmth while maintaining a light and stylish look. Designed to be layered over a sundress or tank top, it effortlessly keeps your arms and shoulders cozy without sacrificing style. The button-up front adds a charming touch, making it versatile enough for both casual outings and dressier occasions. Enhance your outfit with this delicate yet practical topper, ideal for transitioning through the seasons with ease.
Time: 2-3 weeks
Skill Level: Easy
SIZES: S/M (L/XL, 2X/3X):
Finished High Bust Size 46 (52, 58)” to fit high bust 33-37 (39-43, 45-49)”
9-13” positive ease recommended.
Shown in size S/M
Gauge: 22 sts and 32 rows = 4” (10 cm) in Mesh Lace Stitch.
Materials
Yarn: Cascade Yarns Hampton (70% pima cotton/ 30% Linen; 273 yards (250 meters) / 3.5 ounces (100 grams)): #19 Sesame (3 (3, 4) balls)
Needles: US size 6 4.0 mm, 24” circular needle, or size needed for gauge
US size 6 4.0 mm, 16” circular needle
US 6 4.0 mm DPNs, or small circumference knitting method of choice
Spare needle, same size for 3-needle BO
Notions: Markers, stitch holders, tapestry needle, 7/8” buttons (3)
Abbreviations
KFB – knit in the front & back of the same stitch (increase)
LHN – left-hand needle
RHN – right-hand needle
Stitch Patterns
2/2 Rib (Body — worked flat)
Row 1: *K2, p2*; rep from * to * to last 2 sts, k2.
Row 2: *P2, k2*; rep from * to * to last 2 sts, p2.
Repeat Rows 1 & 2 for pattern.
2/2 Rib (Sleeves — worked in the round)
Rnd 1: *K2, p2; rep from * to end.
Repeat Rnd 1 for pattern.
Mesh Lace (Body — worked flat)
Note: work each wrap of double YOs as separate sts.
Row 1: K2, *k2tog, YO twice, ssk*; repeat from * to * to last 2 sts, k2.
Row 2: P2, *p2, k1, p1*; repeat from * to * to last 2 sts, p2.
Row 3: K2, *yo, ssk, k2tog, yo*; repeat from * to * to last 2 sts, k2.
Row 4: P2, *k1, p3*: repeat from * to * to last 2 sts, p2.
Repeat Rows 1-4 for pattern.
Mesh Lace (Sleeves — worked in the round)
Note: work each wrap of double YOs as separate sts.
Rnd 1: K1, *k2tog, YO twice, ssk*; repeat from * to * to end.
Rnd 2: K1, *k2, p1, k1*; repeat from * to * to end.
Rnd 3: K1, *yo, ssk, k2tog, yo*, repeat from * to * to end.
Rnd 4: K1, *p1, k3*; repeat from * to * to end.
Repeat Rnds 1-4 for pattern.
Special Techniques
2-stitch Buttonhole: *Work to 2 sts before desired buttonhole placement. K1, kfb, (p1, pass 2nd st on RHN over) 2 times, return 1 st on RHN to LHN, k2tog, k1*. Repeat from * to * 2 times more.
3-needle BO: Hold the 2 needles parallel and with RS together, with 3rd needle knit together first stitch from each needle, *knit together next stitch from each needle, pass first stitch over 2nd stitch and off right needle; repeat from * until all stitches have been knit from the 2 parallel needles and only one stitch remains on the right needle. Fasten off.
Pattern Notes
The body of this pattern is worked flat in one piece to the underarms. Fronts & back are then worked separately to the shoulders, which are joined using the 3-needle BO technique. Stitches for sleeves are picked up around the armholes, then worked in the round to the cuff. Stitches are picked up around the neck & front edges for neck & button bands.
Pattern
Border
With longer circular needle, CO 230 (250, 274) sts.
Work 3 rows of 2/2 Rib (worked flat).
Body
Next Row (WS): Work 2/2 Rib as established for 55 (59, 63) sts, m1, pm for side, work 2/2 rib for 120 (132, 148) sts, pm, m1, work to end in 2/2 Rib. (232 (252, 276) sts)
Work Rows 1-4 of Mesh Lace stitch (worked flat).
Divide for Front & Back
Work Mesh Lace stitch to 2 sts before 1st marker, k2. Place sts just worked onto holder for Right Front. Remove marker. (56 (60, 64) sts)
Work Mesh Lace stitch to 2 sts before 2nd marker, k2. Place sts just worked onto holder for Back. Remove marker. (120 (132, 148) sts)
Work rem sts in Mesh Lace stitch to end. (56 (60, 64) sts)
Left Front
Continue in Mesh Lace stitch as established until piece measures 5.5 (6, 6.5)” from beg, ending with a RS row.
Begin Left Front Neck Shaping (all Sizes)
Row 1 (WS): Bind off 18 sts, work to end of row in pattern.
Row 2 (RS) (Dec): Continuing in Mesh Lace stitch as established, work to 3 sts before neck opening, K2tog, k1.
Continuing in Mesh Lace stitch as established, repeat decrease every other row 7 times more. (30 (34, 38) sts)
Work even in Mesh Lace stitch until piece measures 8.5 (9, 9.5)” from beg. Place all sts on holder for Shoulder.
Right Front
With WS facing, return sts on holder for Right Front to needle. Join yarn at side edge.
Continue in Mesh Lace stitch as established until piece measures 5.5 (6, 6.5)” from beg.
Begin Right Front Neck Shaping (all Sizes)
Row 1 (RS): BO 18 sts. Work to end of row in Mesh Lace stitch as established.
Row 2 (WS): Work in Mesh Lace stitch as established.
Row 3 (RS) (Dec): K1, ssk, work to end in Mesh Lace stitch as established.
Continuing in Mesh Lace stitch, repeat decrease every other row 7 times more. (30 (34, 38) sts)
Work even in Mesh Lace stitch until piece measures 8.5 (9, 9.5)” from beg. Place all sts on holder for Shoulder.
Back
With WS facing, return sts on hold for Back to needle. Join yarn.
Continue in Mesh Lace stitch until piece measures 8 (8.5, 9)” from beg ending with a WS row.
Begin Back Neck Shaping
Next Row: work in established pattern to center 58 (62, 70) sts, attach another ball of yarn and bind off 58 (62, 60) sts. Complete row in pattern. (31 (35, 39) sts each shoulder)
Working both shoulders at the same time, work 1 WS row in pattern as established.
Next row (RS) (dec): Work in pattern as established to 3 sts before neck opening. K2tog, k1, using 2nd ball of yarn, k1, ssk, work to end in pattern as established.
Cont. in Mesh Lace stitch as established until piece measures 8.5 (9, 9.5)” from beg.
Place rem 30 (34, 38) sts for each shoulder onto holders.
Join Shoulders
With right sides together, join Front & Back shoulders using the 3-needle BO method.
Sleeves
With shorter circular needles and beginning at underarm, pick up & knit 81 (89, 93) sts around armhole edge. Join for knitting in the round & place marker for BOR.
Begin working Mesh Lace stitch in the round. Continue to work even in Mesh Lace stitch until sleeves measures 14.5 (14, 13.5)” from beg (or 3” less than desired final sleeve length).
Cuff Shaping (all Sizes)
Next rnd (dec): K2tog around to last 3 sts, k3tog. (40 (44, 46) sts)
Work 2/2 Rib until cuff measures 3” from beg. BO all sts loosely.
Work 2nd sleeve to match.
Bands
Neckband
Using smaller needle and RS facing, pick up 18 bound off sts from right front, pick up 17 side neck sts, pick up 58 (62, 70) back neck sts, pick up 17 left side neck sts, pick up 18 bound off sts. (128 (132, 140) sts)
Working back and forth, work 2/2 Rib for 9 rows. Bind off.
Button Band (Left Front)
With smaller needle and RS facing, pick up 38 (42, 46) sts along front edge. Work in 2/2 Rib for 9 rows. End on WS. Bind off loosely.
Mark position for 3 buttons evenly spaced along Button Band with top & bottom buttons placed approx. 0.5” from edges.
Buttonhole Band (Right Front)
With smaller needle and RS facing, pick up 38 (42, 46) sts along front edge. Work in 2/2 Rib for 3 rows, ending on WS.
Next Row (RS): Work three 2-stitch buttonholes according to the marked placement. (see Special Techniques).
Complete band as for Left Front.
Finishing
Weave in all ends. Sew buttons opposite buttonholes.