Bolero Shrug with a Free Sewing Pattern

In this post, you will learn how to sew a bolero shrug with a free sewing pattern.

A bolero shrug is a stylish and versatile accessory that can add some flair to any outfit. It’s a short, open-front jacket that covers the shoulders and arms, leaving the chest and waist exposed. You can wear it over a dress, a top, or even a swimsuit for some extra coverage and warmth.

In this tutorial, I’ll show you how to sew a bolero shrug with a free PDF pattern. You can use any woven or knit fabric that has a good drape and stretch, such as cotton, linen, rayon, jersey, or lace. You’ll also need some matching thread and a sewing machine. This project is suitable for beginners and can be done in a few hours.

What You’ll Need

To make this bolero shrug, you’ll need the following materials and tools:

• Fabric scraps (about 0.5 meter, depending on your size and the width of your fabric)
• Thread
• Sewing machine
• Needle and pins
• Scissors
• Measuring tape
• Iron and ironing board
• Free PDF pattern 

Choosing The Best Fabric For Bolero Shrug

For this project, you can choose any woven or knit fabric that is stretchy and flows well, like cotton, linen, rayon, jersey, or lace. The amount of fabric you need is about 0.5 meter, but it may vary depending on your size and the fabric width.

Free PDF Patterns

The pattern is available at the end of the post for blog subscribers. Subscribing is free.

Hack this pattern to a bolero

Check out how to measure yourself to see what size is the best for you.

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How to Sew a Bolero Shrug

Follow these steps to sew your dream shrug:

Download and print the free PDF pattern .

The pattern includes the basic bodice and the sleeve pieces. You’ll need to hack the pattern to create the bolero shape. To do this, measure the length from your shoulder to where you want the bolero to end (usually just above the bust). Mark this length on the center front and center back lines of the bodice pattern. Then draw a curved line from the armhole to the marked point on both sides. Cut along this line to get the bolero front and back pieces. You can also adjust the neckline and the hemline to your preference.

Cutting out pattern

Fold your fabric in half, right sides together, and place your pattern pieces on top of it, aligning the center front and center back lines with the fold of the fabric. Pin the pattern pieces to the fabric and cut around them, leaving a 1 cm seam allowance. You will have two pieces of fabric: one for the front and one for the back.

Sewing

• Sew the shoulder seams of the front and back pieces, right sides together, using a 1 cm seam allowance. Press the seam open and finish the raw edges with a zigzag stitch or a serger.

• Sew the side seams of the front and back pieces, right sides together, using a 1 cm seam allowance. Press the seam open and finish the raw edges with a zigzag stitch or a serger.
• Hem the neckline and the hemline of your bolero shrug, folding the fabric under 1 cm and stitching close to the edge. You can also use a double fold hem, a bias tape, or a lace trim for a more decorative finish.
• Place the sleeve pattern on the fabric, right sides together, and pin it to the fabric. Cut around the pattern, leaving a 1 cm seam allowance. Repeat for the other sleeve.
• Sew the sleeve seam, right sides together, using a 1 cm seam allowance. Press the seam open and finish the raw edges with a zigzag stitch or a serger.
• Hem the sleeve opening, folding the fabric under 1 cm and stitching close to the edge. You can also use a double fold hem, a bias tape, or a lace trim for a more decorative finish.
• Pin the sleeve to the armhole of the bolero, right sides together, matching the notches and the seams. Sew the sleeve to the armhole, using a 1 cm seam allowance. Press the seam towards the sleeve and finish the raw edges with a zigzag stitch or a serger. Repeat for the other sleeve.
• Turn your bolero shrug right side out and press it well. You can also add some finishing touches to your bolero shrug, such as buttons, snaps, hooks, ties, pockets, ruffles, or embroidery. See below for some ideas.

How to Add Some Finishing Touches

To add some finishing touches to your bolero shrug, you can embellish it with some buttons, snaps, hooks, or ties. You can also add some pockets, ruffles, or embroidery to make it more unique and personal. Here are some ideas:

• Add some buttons or snaps along the center front of your bolero shrug, so you can close it if you want. You can use matching or contrasting buttons, or even some decorative ones for some extra flair.
• Add some hooks and eyes along the neckline of your bolero shrug, so you can create a different look by fastening them. You can also use some ribbon or fabric ties instead of hooks and eyes, and tie them into a bow or a knot.
• Add some patch pockets to the front of your bolero shrug, using the same or a different fabric. You can make them square, round, or any shape you like. You can also add some ruffles or lace to the edges of the pockets for some more detail.
• Add some embroidery to the hemline or the neckline of your bolero shrug, using some thread or yarn in a contrasting color. You can embroider some flowers, stars, hearts, or any design you like. You can also use some beads, sequins, or appliques for some more sparkle.

How to make bias binding tape for professional finish.

Step by Step Video Tutorial

If you prefer to watch a video tutorial on how to sew this bolero shrug, you can find it on my YouTube channel. I will show you how to cut the fabric, hack the pattern, how to sew it, and how to make some adjustments if needed.

Super easy video tutorial on how to sew this beautiful bolero shrug.

How to Style a Bolero Shrug ?

 DIY bolero shrug can add some style and warmth to any outfit, and you can customize it with different fabrics and embellishments. Here are some tips on how to style a bolero shrug:

Fitting

Choose a bolero shrug that fits well and flatters your body shape. It should crop at the narrowest part of your waist or higher, creating a curvy silhouette and giving length to your legs. It should also match the neckline and the hemline of your outfit, or create a contrast for more interest.

Ocassion and season

Pick a bolero shrug that suits the occasion and the season. For a formal or dressy look, opt for a bolero shrug made of silk, satin, velvet, or lace, and embellish it with some buttons, snaps, hooks, or ties. For a casual or everyday look, go for a bolero shrug made of cotton, linen, rayon, jersey, or denim, and add some pockets, ruffles, or embroidery.

Color and pattern

Coordinate the color and the pattern of your bolero shrug with your outfit. You can choose a bolero shrug that matches the color of your outfit, or use a contrasting or complementary color for more pop. You can also mix and match different patterns, such as stripes, florals, polka dots, or animal prints, as long as they have a common color scheme or theme.

Layering

Layer your bolero shrug over a variety of tops and dresses. You can wear it over a tank top, a t-shirt, a blouse, a sweater, or a dress, depending on the weather and your mood. You can also wear it over a swimsuit for some extra coverage and style. A bolero shrug can transform any outfit from plain to chic in an instant.

Accessorize

Accessorize your bolero shrug with some jewelry, shoes, and bags. You can wear a necklace, earrings, bracelets, or rings that complement or contrast with your bolero shrug. You can also choose shoes and bags that match or coordinate with your bolero shrug, such as heels, flats, boots, sandals, clutches, totes, or backpacks.

Some examples of how to style a bolero shrug are:

Layer a black bolero shrug over a white tank top and a pair of jeans, and add some heels and a necklace for a simple and elegant look.

Wear a floral bolero shrug over a maxi dress and some sandals, and add some earrings and a tote bag for a boho and feminine look.

Put a denim bolero shrug over a striped t-shirt and a skirt, and add some sneakers and a backpack for a sporty and casual look.

Layer a lace bolero shrug over a little black dress and some pumps, and add some hooks and eyes and a clutch for a glamorous and sophisticated look.

I hope these tips and examples help you style your DIY bolero shrug.

A bolero shrug is a useful and easy sewing project that you can make with fabric scraps and a few other materials. It’s a great way to add some style and warmth to your outfit, and you can customize it with different fabrics and embellishments. I hope you enjoyed this tutorial and found it helpful. If you have any questions or feedback, please leave a comment below. Happy sewing! 😊

In this post, you have learned how to sew lace bolero shrug using free PDF patterns.

Free Sleeve and Bodice Sewing Pattern