Antoinette Vintage Statement Necklace Free Pattern – A Knitted Rococo Rose Collar

Antoinette Vintage Statement Necklace Free Pattern – A Knitted Rococo Rose Collar

Wrap yourself in the opulent charm of a bygone era with this knitted statement necklace, featuring cascading rose motifs and delicate pearl beads. This luxurious accessory transforms soft yarn into a sculptural collar that evokes the grandeur of Versailles. Whether you're dressing up a simple blouse or adding drama to an evening gown, this handmade rococo-inspired piece is sure to become a treasured heirloom. Best of all, this free knitting pattern is surprisingly beginner-friendly, using simple knit and purl stitches to create a stunning, dimensional effect.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies to ensure a smooth and enjoyable knitting experience:

• Yarn: Worsted weight cotton or cotton-blend yarn in cream, blush pink, and deep burgundy (approx. 100g total). A cotton blend works best for structure and stitch definition.
• Knitting Needles: US 6 (4.0 mm) knitting needles for the collar and rose motifs.
• Crochet Hook: US G/6 (4.0 mm) crochet hook for the edging and closure loop.
• Pearl Beads: Approximately 20-25 small pearl beads (4mm) for embellishment.
• Notions: Tapestry needle, matching sewing thread, small button (approx. 1/2 inch), and scissors.

Gauge: 20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch. While gauge is not critical for this project, matching it will ensure the collar fits comfortably around your neck.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Part 1: Knitting the Necklace Base (Collar)

Using your cream yarn and US 6 knitting needles, cast on 80 stitches. This will form the foundation of your curved collar.

Row 1 (Right Side): Knit all stitches.

Row 2 (Wrong Side): Purl all stitches.

Repeat Rows 1 and 2 (stockinette stitch) until the piece measures 12 inches from the cast-on edge. This creates the straight portion that will wrap around the back of your neck.

Shaping the Collar Curve:

Now we will create the graceful curve that drapes across your collarbone:

Decrease Row 1 (RS): K2tog (knit two together), knit to the last 2 stitches, K2tog. (78 stitches remain)

Decrease Row 2 (WS): Purl all stitches.

Repeat these two decrease rows until 40 stitches remain on your needle. This gradual decrease creates the elegant, curved front of the collar that sits lower on your chest.

Bind off all stitches loosely. Set the collar aside—this is the canvas for your rose garden.

Part 2: Knitting the Rose Motifs

You will create 5 large roses in blush pink and 3 small roses in deep burgundy. Each rose is worked as a simple strip that is then rolled into a dimensional flower.

Large Rose (Make 5)

Using blush pink yarn, cast on 60 stitches.

Row 1 (RS): Knit all stitches.

Row 2 (WS): Purl all stitches.

Row 3: *K1, M1 (make one), K1* repeat to end of row. (90 stitches)

Note: To make one (M1), lift the bar between the stitch just worked and the next stitch, and knit into the back of it. This creates an invisible increase.

Row 4: Purl all stitches.

Row 5: *K2, M1, K2* repeat to end of row. (120 stitches)

Row 6: Purl all stitches.

Bind off all stitches loosely. The increases create a ruffled edge that will form the lush outer petals of your rose.

Small Rose (Make 3)

Using deep burgundy yarn, cast on 40 stitches.

Row 1 (RS): Knit all stitches.

Row 2 (WS): Purl all stitches.

Row 3: *K1, M1, K1* repeat to end of row. (60 stitches)

Row 4: Purl all stitches.

Bind off all stitches loosely.

Part 3: Finishing the Roses

This is where the magic happens—transforming flat strips into dimensional blooms:

1. Take each bound-off strip and locate the cast-on edge (the straight edge).
2. Starting from one end, roll the strip tightly for the first 1-2 inches to form the rose's center bud.
3. Continue rolling, but loosen your tension slightly as you go, allowing the ruffled bind-off edge to flare outward like petals.
4. Once fully rolled, use a tapestry needle and matching thread to sew through the base of the rose several times, securing all layers together.
5. Gently fluff and arrange the outer edges with your fingers to create a full, petal-like appearance.

Part 4: Assembling the Necklace

Lay your knitted collar flat with the right side (smooth stockinette side) facing up. Arrange the 5 large blush roses along the center front of the collar, spacing them evenly. Place the 3 small burgundy roses between the large ones, slightly overlapping for a lush, romantic look. Play with the arrangement until you're satisfied with the composition.

Using a tapestry needle and matching yarn, sew each rose firmly to the collar. Make sure to catch the base of each rose securely to the knitted fabric, stitching through both layers several times for durability.

Part 5: Crochet Edging

Using your crochet hook and cream yarn, work a single crochet border around the entire outer edge of the collar. This gives the piece a clean, professional finish:

1. Starting at one end of the collar, insert your hook into the first stitch and pull up a loop.
2. Work 1 single crochet (sc) in each bound-off stitch along the straight edges.
3. Along the curved edges (the row-ends), work 2 sc in each row-end to prevent puckering.
4. Continue around the entire perimeter, join with a slip stitch to the first sc, and fasten off. Weave in all loose ends.

Part 6: Adding Pearl Beads

Thread a tapestry needle with cream sewing thread. Sew a small pearl bead (4mm) into the center of each rose, pushing it gently into the rolled center for a nestled effect. Add a few scattered beads along the collar's edge for extra elegance—space them approximately 1 inch apart. Secure all threads on the inside of the collar so they're invisible when worn.

Part 7: Creating the Closure

To finish your necklace, you'll need a secure closure at the back:

1. Button option: Sew a small button to one end of the collar (on the inside edge). Using your crochet hook and cream yarn, chain 8-10 stitches to create a loop. Attach this loop to the opposite end of the collar, positioned to fit snugly over the button.
2. Ribbon tie option: Alternatively, attach a small ribbon tie (approximately 12 inches long) to each end of the collar for an adjustable, romantic fit.

Weave in all remaining ends and give your necklace a gentle steam block (if your yarn allows) to smooth the stitches and enhance the rose shapes. Your Antoinette Vintage Statement Necklace is now complete—a stunning, handcrafted accessory that brings a touch of French aristocracy to any outfit. Wear it with pride, knowing you've created something truly special with your own hands.