Misty Vine Tunisian Lace Bolero Free Pattern

Misty Vine Tunisian Lace Bolero: A Free Pattern for an Elegant Layering Piece

Embrace the beauty of transitional weather with the Misty Vine Tunisian Lace Bolero. This free pattern creates a delicate, airy wrap that drapes elegantly over any outfit, from summer dresses to autumn blouses. The unique Tunisian lace stitch produces a beautiful eyelet texture, while the soft gradient from sage green to cream evokes a misty morning garden. Whether you're a seasoned Tunisian crocheter or looking to expand your skills, this bolero is a rewarding project that results in a stunning, wearable garment.

This pattern is worked flat in three panels—a wider back and two narrower fronts—then seamed to create a loose, flowing silhouette with open armholes. The result is a lightweight, textured shawl-like bolero that adds a touch of handmade elegance to your wardrobe.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following materials to ensure a smooth crochet experience:

• Yarn: Fingering weight yarn (e.g., Malabrigo Sock in 'Sage' and 'Natural'), approximately 600 yards total (300 yards of each color).
• Tunisian Crochet Hook: Size 4.0 mm (US G/6) with a 24-inch cable to accommodate the large number of stitches.
• Standard Crochet Hook: Size 3.5 mm (US E/4) for the edging.
• Other: Yarn needle for seaming and weaving in ends, scissors, blocking mats and pins.

Gauge: 18 stitches x 16 rows in Tunisian lace pattern = 4 inches square (after blocking). Always check your gauge to ensure the correct sizing.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This bolero is worked flat in two panels (front and back) and seamed at the shoulders and sides, leaving armhole openings. The lace pattern creates a beautiful drape. Follow these detailed instructions carefully.

Stitch Guide

Familiarize yourself with these Tunisian crochet stitches before starting:

• TSS (Tunisian Simple Stitch): Insert hook under the front vertical bar, yarn over, pull up a loop.
• TKS (Tunisian Knit Stitch): Insert hook between the front and back vertical bars, yarn over, pull up a loop.
• TPS (Tunisian Purl Stitch): Bring yarn to the front, insert hook under the front vertical bar, yarn over, pull up a loop.
• T-Lace: (TSS, yarn over, skip next vertical bar, TSS) – this creates an eyelet.
• Return Pass: Yarn over, pull through 1 loop, *yarn over, pull through 2 loops* repeat to end.

Back Panel

Follow these steps to create the back panel of the bolero:

1. Foundation Row: With sage yarn, chain 80 loosely. Work TSS across (80 loops on hook). Complete a return pass.
2. Row 1: Work TKS across. Complete a return pass.
3. Row 2: Work *T-Lace* across. Complete a return pass.
4. Row 3: Work TKS across. Complete a return pass.
5. Repeat Rows 2-3 for the lace pattern, working in sage for 20 rows total (about 5 inches).
6. Switch to cream yarn and continue the lace pattern for another 40 rows (about 10 inches).
7. Switch back to sage yarn and work 20 more rows (total 80 rows, about 20 inches). Bind off loosely.

Front Panels (Make 2)

Create two identical front panels using these instructions:

1. Foundation Row: With sage yarn, chain 40. Work TSS across (40 loops on hook). Complete a return pass.
2. Repeat the same lace pattern as the back panel, but only work 20 rows in sage, 40 rows in cream, and 20 rows in sage (total 80 rows). Bind off.

Seaming

Assemble the panels to create the bolero shape:

1. Place front panels on top of the back panel, aligning the 20-row sage sections at the top and bottom. The cream sections will be in the middle.
2. Seam the shoulders: Sew the top 10 rows of each front panel to the corresponding top 10 rows of the back panel using a mattress stitch or whip stitch.
3. Seam the sides: Sew the bottom 20 rows of each front panel to the bottom 20 rows of the back panel, leaving the middle 40 rows open for armholes.

Edging

Finish the bolero with a delicate crochet edging:

1. Using the standard 3.5 mm crochet hook and cream yarn, work a round of single crochet (sc) around the entire outer edge of the bolero, including armholes, front edges, and bottom.
2. Next round: *Chain 3, skip 1 sc, sc in next sc* repeat around for a delicate picot edge.
3. Fasten off and weave in all ends securely.

Blocking

Blocking is essential to achieve the beautiful drape and open lace pattern:

1. Soak the finished bolero in lukewarm water with a drop of mild soap.
2. Gently squeeze out excess water (do not wring).
3. Lay flat on towels and pin to measurements: back panel should be 20" wide x 20" tall, and front panels should be 10" wide x 20" tall.
4. Let dry completely before removing pins.

Your Misty Vine Tunisian Lace Bolero is now complete! This elegant, lightweight wrap is perfect for adding a touch of handmade sophistication to any outfit. The unique Tunisian lace technique creates a fabric that is both textured and airy, making it a joy to wear and a beautiful addition to your handmade wardrobe.