Now
in sizes
2-34!
in sizes
2-34!
Dorothy Bolero
$20.00 – $25.00
- A super versatile bolero pattern with multiple designs and finishing options
- US sizes 2-20 and 18-34 (approximately 30.5″ to 64″ bust measurement)
- Includes a fully illustrated booklet with design ideas, fitting advice, and multiple finishing options
- Beautifully illustrated and full of vintage charm
- PDF printable AO size sheets and A4/Letter size sheets included
See sample pages
Boleros are the icing on the cake of a vintage-inspired wardrobe! These little cropped jackets cover your shoulders while still letting the world see the fabulous ensemble you’re wearing underneath. The Dorothy Bolero is all about giving you options, from daywear to evening glam. The band collar was inspired by vintage Hawaiian sets and it’s perfect for tiki and beach looks, while the wing collar is a classic ‘50s shape that pairs with everything from sweet day dresses to rockabilly jumpsuits (add the matching cuffs for extra flair!). Making the bolero collarless gives off a simple, understated vibe when you want the bodice of your dress to do all the talking (wink, wink). And, as always, I give you multiple finishing options: make the bolero unlined with facings or fully lined for a clean inside finish. There’s even a design chapter with more ideas like using sheers, making your bolero reversible, and creating a pretty closure with frogs or button loops!
Charts
Dorothy Size Chart
Not sure which size range to choose? Read more about our two size ranges here.
Sizes 2-20
| Size | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 18 | 20 |
| Upper Bust | 29 in | 31 in | 33 in | 35 in | 37 in | 39 in | 41 in | 43 in | 45 in | 47 in |
| 73.7 cm | 78.7 cm | 83.8 cm | 88.9 cm | 94 cm | 99 cm | 104.1 cm | 109.2 cm | 114.3 cm | 119.4 cm | |
| Bust | 30.5- 34 in |
32.5- 36 in |
34.5- 38 in |
36.5- 40 in |
38.5- 42 in |
40.5- 44 in |
42.5- 46 in |
44.5- 48 in |
46.5- 50 in |
48.5- 52 in |
| 77.5- 86.4 cm |
82.5- 91.4 cm |
87.6- 96.5 cm |
92.7- 101.6 cm |
97.8- 106.7 cm |
102.9- 111.8 cm |
107.9- 116.8 cm |
113- 121.9 cm |
118.1- 127 cm |
123.1- 132 cm |
|
| Waist | 24 in | 26 in | 28 in | 30 in | 32 in | 34 in | 36 in | 38 in | 40 in | 42 in |
| 61 cm | 66 cm | 71.1 cm | 76.2 cm | 81.3 cm | 86.4 cm | 91.4 cm | 96.5 cm | 101.6 cm | 106.7 cm | |
| Bicep | 15 in | 15.25 in | 15.5 in | 15.75 in | 16 in | 16.25 in | 16.5 in | 16.75 in | 17 in | 17.25 in |
| 38.1 cm | 38.7 cm | 39.4 cm | 40 cm | 40.6 cm | 41.3 cm | 41.9 cm | 42.5 cm | 43.2 cm | 43.8 cm |
Sizes 18-34
| Size | 18 | 20 | 22 | 24 | 26 | 28 | 30 | 32 | 34 | |
| Upper Bust | 43 in | 45 in | 47 in | 49 in | 51 in | 53 in | 55 in | 57 in | 59 in | |
| 109.2 cm | 114.3 cm | 119.4 cm | 124.5 cm | 129.5 cm | 134.6 cm | 139.7 cm | 144.8 cm | 149.9 cm | ||
| Bust | 44.5- 48 in |
46.5- 50 in |
48.5- 52 in |
50.5- 54 in |
52.5- 56 in |
54.5- 58 in |
56.5- 60 in |
58.5- 62 in |
60.5- 64 in |
|
| 113- 121.9 cm |
118.1- 127 cm |
123.2- 132.1 cm |
128.3- 137.2 cm |
133.4- 142.2 cm |
138.4- 147.3 cm |
143.5- 152.4 cm |
148.6- 157.5 cm |
153.7- 162.6 cm |
||
| Waist | 40 in | 42 in | 44 in | 46 in | 48 in | 50 in | 52 in | 54 in | 56 in | |
| 101.6 cm | 106.7 cm | 111.8 cm | 116.8 cm | 121.9 cm | 127 cm | 132.1 cm | 137.2 cm | 142.2 cm | ||
| Bicep | 17.75 in | 18 in | 18.25 in | 18.5 in | 18.75 in | 19 in | 19.25 in | 19.5 in | 19.75 in | |
| 45.1 cm | 45.7 cm | 46.4 cm | 47 cm | 47.6 cm | 48.3 cm | 48.9 cm | 49.5 cm | 50.2 cm |
Dorothy Yardage
| Piece Name | Sizes 2-10 | Sizes 12-20 | Sizes 18-24 | Sizes 26-34 |
| Bolero Front A and Back, Fabric and Lining (1, 3) | ||||
| 45 in | 1 yd • .91 m | 1-1/8 yd • 1 m | 1-1/8 yd • 1 m | 1-1/4 yd • 1.1 m |
| 60 in | 3/4 yd • .7 m | 1 yd • .91 m | 3/4 yd • .7 m | 1-1/8 yd • 1 m |
| Bolero Front B and Back, Fabric and Lining (2, 3) | ||||
| 45 in | 1 yd • .91 m | 1-1/8 yd • 1 m | 1-1/8 yd • 1 m | 1-1/4 yd • 1.1 m |
| 60 in | 3/4 yd • .7 m | 1 yd • .9 m | 7/8 yd • .8 m | 1-1/8 yd • 1 m |
| Band Collar, Fabric (4) | ||||
| 45 in | 1/4 yd • .3 m | 1/4 yd • .3 m | 3/8 yd • .3 m | 3/8 yd • .3 m |
| 60 in | 1/4 yd • .3 m | 1/4 yd • .3 m | 1/4 yd • .3 m | 1/4 yd • .3 m |
| Band Collar, Interfacing (4) | ||||
| 45 in | 1/4 yd • .3 m | 1/4 yd • .3 m | 1/4 yd • .3 m | 1/4 yd • .3 m |
| 60 in | 1/4 yd • .3 m | 1/4 yd • .3 m | 1/4 yd • .3 m | 1/4 yd • .3 m |
| Cuff, Fabric (5, 6) | ||||
| 45 in | 1/2 yd • .5 m | 1/2 yd • .5 m | 1/2 yd • .5 m | 1/2 yd • .5 m |
| 60 in | 1/2 yd • .5 m | 1/2 yd • .5 m | 1/2 yd • .5 m | 1/2 yd • .5 m |
| Cuff, Interfacing (5, 6) | ||||
| 45 in | 1/2 yd • .5 m | 1/2 yd • .5 m | 1/2 yd • .5 m | 1/2 yd • .5 m |
| 60 in | 1/2 yd • .5 m | 1/2 yd • .5 m | 1/2 yd • .5 m | 1/2 yd • .5 m |
| Bolero A Front Facing, Back Neck Facing, Sleeve Facing, and Back Hem Facing (7, 9, 10, 11, 12) |
||||
| 45 in | 3/4 yd • .7 m | 3/4 yd • .7 m | 3/4 yd • .7 m | 7/8 yd • .8 m |
| 60 in | 3/4 yd • .7 m | 3/4 yd • .7 m | 5/8 yd • .6 m | 5/8 yd • .6 m |
| Bolero B Front Facing, Back Neck Facing, Sleeve Facing, and Back Hem Facing (8, 9, 10, 11, 12) |
||||
| 45 in | 3/4 yd • .7 m | 3/4 yd • .7 m | 3/4 yd • .7 m | 7/8 yd • .8 m |
| 60 in | 3/4 yd • .7 m | 3/4 yd • .7 m | 5/8 yd • .6 m | 5/8 yd • .6 m |
Finished Measurements
I always stress the importance of finished garment measurements (especially the bust) when choosing a size, but this pattern is a little different. Because of its cutaway design, it opens or closes to suit the wearer’s body. This means that there is a lot of flexibility in bust fit and no accurate way to judge what the finished bust measurement would be on you. This is why no finished bust measurements are provided and why I recommend using your high bust to choose your size. I did, however, provide the finished bicep measurement on the size chart (on the envelope) for your reference. Bicep measurements vary widely from person to person (even if they wear the same dress size), so it’s a good idea to check that finished measurement and make sure you have enough wearing ease (2–4 inches [in] is appropriate for this design).
Fabric Notes
Main Fabric: light to medium weight wovens: cottons like poplin, sateen, and lawn; silks with body like dupioni and shantung; sheers like flocked tulle, lace, and eyelet.
Lining: light to medium weight cottons and lining fabrics.
Supplies
- dress and lining fabric
- thread to match fabric
- fusible interfacing
| Weight | 240 g |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 16 × 23 × 1.5 cm |
| Sewing Pattern | Sizes 2-20 printed pattern, Sizes 2-20 PDF pattern (print-at-home and copy shop options), Sizes 18-34 PDF pattern (print-at-home and copy shop options) |
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