Monochrome Irish Rose Crochet Bolero Free Pattern

Introduction

This open-front bolero is made from two rectangular panels of joined Irish rose motifs, one black and one white, seamed at the center back for a striking split colorblock effect. It is designed for men in soft DK merino, so it drapes beautifully while keeping a modern, tailored silhouette. The layered three-ring roses give it a floral lace texture that looks delicate but wears comfortably. If you love fairycore style with a clean, graphic edge, this experienced-level piece is a joy to make and to wear.

Materials Needed

• Yarn: DK weight (approx. 200–220 yds / 100 g) merino wool — 500 yds black (Color A), 500 yds white (Color B)
• Hook: 4.0 mm (US G-6)
• Notions: Tapestry needle, stitch markers, blocking mats and pins, scissors, tape measure
• Finished size: To fit chest 38–42 in (96.5–106.5 cm). Width across back: 20 in (51 cm). Length from shoulder: 16 in (40.5 cm). Sleeve opening: 8 in (20 cm) circumference.

Abbreviations

• ch — chain
• sl st — slip stitch
• sc — single crochet
• hdc — half double crochet
• dc — double crochet
• sk — skip
• sp — space
• st(s) — stitch(es)
• RS — right side

Gauge

One rose motif measures 4.5 in (11.5 cm) in diameter after blocking. Work one motif and block it before starting the panels to confirm your gauge.

Tips Before You Start

• Block every motif to exactly 4.5 in (11.5 cm) before joining — consistent motif size is what keeps the panels square and the seams straight.
• Keep your tension even across all 40 motifs; a slightly loose tension makes the layered petals easier to work behind.
• Lay out each panel in its 4 x 5 grid before joining so the petal orientation matches from motif to motif.
• Use a stitch marker at the center back seam and at each underarm so the edging and sleeve rounds stay evenly spaced.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Rose Motif (make 40 total: 20 in A, 20 in B)

Rnd 1: With color, ch 6, sl st to form ring.

Rnd 2: Ch 3 (counts as dc), 11 dc in ring, sl st to top of ch-3 (12 dc).

Rnd 3: Ch 1, sc in same st, [ch 3, sk next dc, sc in next dc] 5 times, ch 3, sl st to first sc (6 ch-3 sps).

Rnd 4: Sl st into first ch-3 sp, ch 1, (sc, hdc, 3 dc, hdc, sc) in same sp, [(sc, hdc, 3 dc, hdc, sc) in next ch-3 sp] 5 times, sl st to first sc (6 petals).

Rnd 5: Working behind petals, [ch 4, sl st around post of next sc of Rnd 3] 6 times, sl st to first ch-4 sp (6 ch-4 sps).

Rnd 6: Sl st into first ch-4 sp, ch 1, (sc, hdc, 5 dc, hdc, sc) in same sp, [(sc, hdc, 5 dc, hdc, sc) in next ch-4 sp] 5 times, sl st to first sc (6 petals).

Rnd 7: Working behind petals, [ch 5, sl st around post of next sc of Rnd 5] 6 times, sl st to first ch-5 sp (6 ch-5 sps).

Rnd 8: Sl st into first ch-5 sp, ch 1, (sc, hdc, 7 dc, hdc, sc) in same sp, [(sc, hdc, 7 dc, hdc, sc) in next ch-5 sp] 5 times, sl st to first sc. Fasten off. (6 petals; motif diameter approx. 4.5 in / 11.5 cm.)

Panel A (Black)

Make 20 rose motifs in Color A. Block all motifs to 4.5 in (11.5 cm). Arrange in 4 columns x 5 rows. Join motifs with whipstitch through back loops of edge stitches, matching petals: join horizontally first, then vertically, to form a rectangle 4 motifs wide x 5 motifs tall.

Panel B (White)

Make 20 rose motifs in Color B. Block, arrange, and join exactly as for Panel A to form a rectangle 4 motifs wide x 5 motifs tall.

Center Back Seam

With RS together, whipstitch Panel A to Panel B along one long edge to create the center back seam.

Edging

With RS facing, join A at the bottom right corner of Panel B. Work sc evenly around the entire outer edge (both panels, including front openings, neck, and bottom), working 3 sc in each corner, sl st to first sc. Fasten off.

Sleeve Openings

With RS facing, join A at the underarm. Work sc evenly around each sleeve opening (approx. 24 sc), sl st to first sc. Fasten off. Repeat for the second sleeve opening.

Assembly and Finishing

Seam the two panels as described in the Center Back Seam step, then work the edging and both sleeve rounds. Weave in all ends on the wrong side, working them through the back of the stitches so they don't show through the lace. Block the finished bolero lightly: pin to the finished measurements (20 in / 51 cm across the back, 16 in / 40.5 cm from shoulder), mist with water, and let it dry completely before wearing.

Pro Tips and Variations

• Swap the black and white panels for two shades of the same color, or use a single color, for a subtler look.
• Add a second sc round in A around the edging for a slightly firmer, more defined border.
• For a lighter summer version, work the motifs in a cotton DK and go up one hook size, checking that the motif still blocks to 4.5 in (11.5 cm).