Celestial Moon Phase Bolero Knit Free Pattern
Introduction
This Celestial Moon Phase Bolero is a soft, grunge-inspired shrug that looks far more complicated than it is. It's made from one simple rectangle of blush DK merino worked in linen stitch, folded and seamed, so even newer knitters can tackle it with confidence. The dense, slightly nubby linen stitch gives it a cozy, textured feel, while five emerald crocheted moons arc across the shoulders for a quiet celestial finish. It's the perfect layer to throw over a slip dress or a plain tee when you want something a little magical.
Materials Needed
- Yarn (Color A, blush): DK weight (Category 3), 100% merino, approx 480 yd (440 m).
- Yarn (Color B, emerald): DK weight (Category 3), 100% merino, approx 60 yd (55 m) for the appliqués.
- Needles: 4.0 mm (US 6) circular needle, 32 in (80 cm) cable, plus a spare 4.0 mm needle for the three-needle bind-off.
- Notions: Stitch markers, tapestry needle, scissors, pins, and a 4.0 mm crochet hook for the moons.
- Finished size: To fit chest 38–42 in (96–107 cm); flat rectangle 40 in (102 cm) wide x 20 in (51 cm) deep before seaming; armhole openings 8 in (20 cm); ribbed border approx 1.5 in (4 cm).
Abbreviations
- CO – cast on
- BO – bind off
- st(s) – stitch(es)
- k – knit
- p – purl
- sl1 wyif – slip one stitch purlwise with the yarn held in front of the work
- pm – place marker
- RS / WS – right side / wrong side
- sc – single crochet
- inc – increase (work 2 sc in the same stitch)
- dec – decrease (sc 2 stitches together)
- sl st – slip stitch
- MR – magic ring
Gauge
Linen stitch: 22 sts and 40 rows = 4 in (10 cm) after blocking; 2x2 rib: 24 sts and 32 rows = 4 in (10 cm). Knit a small swatch in linen stitch, block it, and measure a 4 in (10 cm) section to confirm your stitch and row counts before starting.
Tips Before You Start
- Linen stitch is dense and uses more yarn than plain stockinette, so buy the full yardage listed to avoid running short.
- Always slip stitches purlwise with the yarn in front; this keeps the woven texture even and prevents twisted stitches.
- Use a row counter or tally marks, since 200 rows of linen stitch can blur together.
- Work the moons in emerald before seaming so you can lay them out and check the arc placement.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Body Rectangle (Color A)
Linen stitch (flat, odd stitch count): RS: [k1, sl1 wyif] to last st, k1. WS: [p1, sl1 wyif] to last st, p1. Slip all stitches purlwise.
Row 1 (CO): Cast on 221 sts.
Rows 2–200: Work in linen stitch as established, ending after a WS row (221 sts). Do not bind off.
Armhole Openings
Marker setup: Place markers as follows: 41 sts, pm, 40 sts, pm, 59 sts, pm, 40 sts, pm, 41 sts.
Next RS row: Work 41 sts, BO 40 sts, work 59 sts, BO 40 sts, work 41 sts (141 sts live).
Next WS row: Work 41 sts, CO 40 sts, work 59 sts, CO 40 sts, work 41 sts (221 sts).
Rows 1–4: Work 4 rows in linen stitch straight (221 sts).
Fold and Seam
Fold the rectangle in half with RS together so the cast-on edge and the live edge meet. Using the spare needle, three-needle BO all 221 sts to close the shoulder/side seam. Turn RS out. The armhole openings remain at each side.
Ribbed Border (Color A) – Lower Edge
With RS facing, pick up and knit 221 sts evenly along the lower edge.
Rows 1–12: Work 2x2 rib ([k2, p2] to last st, k1) for approx 1.5 in (4 cm) (221 sts).
Final row: BO in rib.
Ribbed Border (Color A) – Upper Edge
With RS facing, pick up and knit 221 sts evenly along the upper edge.
Rows 1–12: Work 2x2 rib ([k2, p2] to last st, k1) for approx 1.5 in (4 cm) (221 sts).
Final row: BO in rib.
Moon Phase Appliqués (Color B) – Make 5
Rnd 1: MR 6 sc (6 sts).
Rnd 2: inc x6 (12 sts).
Rnd 3: [sc, inc] x6 (18 sts).
Rnd 4: sc in each st around (18 sts).
Rnd 5: [sc, dec] x6 (12 sts).
Rnd 6: dec x6 (6 sts).
Finish: sl st to close, leaving an 8 in (20 cm) tail for sewing.
Assembly and Finishing
Arrange the 5 moons in a gentle arc across the upper back shoulders, centered and spaced approx 2 in (5 cm) apart. Pin each moon in place, then whipstitch around the edges with Color B. Weave in all ends neatly on the wrong side. Block lightly to the finished measurements, pinning the borders flat and letting the piece dry fully before wearing.
Pro Tips and Variations
- Swap the emerald moons for a tonal blush for a subtle, monochrome look, or use silver-grey for a cooler grunge feel.
- Add a third moon size by working fewer increase rounds for a smaller appliqué and mixing sizes along the arc.
- For a longer, more dramatic shrug, add extra linen stitch rows before the armhole openings, keeping the stitch count the same.
