Skill Level
Easy / Advanced Beginner
Construction Overview
This vest is made from two flat panels (front and back) worked bottom-up.
Panels are seamed at the shoulders and partially along the sides to create armholes.
The neckline is shaped on the front panel only.
Materials
- #6 Super Bulky Yarn
(Approximate yardage below) - 8 mm crochet hook (or size needed for gauge)
- Yarn needle
- Stitch markers
- Scissors
Yardage (Approximate)
- XS: 230 yds
- S: 260 yds
- M: 300 yds
- L: 350 yds
- XL: 390 yds
- XXL: 430 yds
Always purchase enough yarn from the same dye lot.
Gauge
8 hdc x 6–7 rows = 4” (10 cm)
Important:
Make a gauge swatch before beginning. If your swatch is too small, go up a hook size.
If too large, go down a hook size.
Abbreviations
- ch – chain
- sc – single crochet
- hdc – half double crochet
- hdc2tog – half double crochet 2 together
- st(s) – stitch(es)
- RS – right side
BACK PANEL
Ribbing
Ch 7.
Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. Turn. (6 sts)
Row 2: Ch 1, sc in BLO across. Turn.
Repeat Row 2 until ribbing measures:
- XS: 32 rows
- S: 34 rows
- M: 38 rows
- L: 42 rows
- XL: 46 rows
- XXL: 50 rows
Do not fasten off.
Body
Rotate work 90 degrees.
You will now crochet along the long edge of the ribbing.
Row 1 (RS): Ch 1. Work 1 hdc into the end of each ribbing row evenly across. Turn.
(Your stitch count should equal the number of ribbing rows.)
Row 2: Ch 1, hdc across. Turn.
Repeat Row 2 until body measures approximately 12–14 inches from ribbing (or desired length to underarm).
Optional Waist Shaping (If Desired)
To create tapering:
Decrease row:
Ch 1, hdc2tog, hdc across to last 2 sts, hdc2tog. Turn.
Work a regular row (hdc across).
Repeat decrease every 2–3 rows as desired (usually 2–4 total decrease rows).
Continue evenly until total length measures approximately 20–22 inches (or desired length).
Fasten off.
FRONT PANEL
Work ribbing exactly as for back panel.
Work body exactly as back panel until reaching neckline shaping point, approximately 2–3 inches below final back panel height.
Neckline Shaping
Divide panel in half.
Place a stitch marker at center stitch.
You will now work each side separately.
Left Shoulder
Row 1: Ch 1, hdc across to center marker. Turn.
Row 2: Ch 1, hdc2tog, hdc across. Turn.
Repeat decrease at neckline edge every row or every other row (depending on desired depth) until shoulder width matches back shoulder width (typically 3–8 sts depending on size).
Work straight (no decreases) until front panel height matches back panel height.
Fasten off.
Right Shoulder
Join yarn at opposite side of neckline.
Row 1: Ch 1, hdc across. Turn.
Row 2: Ch 1, hdc across to last 2 sts, hdc2tog. Turn.
Repeat neckline decrease symmetrically to match left side.
Work straight until height matches back panel.
Fasten off.
Assembly
Shoulder Seams
With RS facing each other, seam shoulders using whip stitch or mattress stitch.
Side Seams
Starting from bottom ribbing, seam upward 7–8 inches (or desired armhole depth).
Repeat on opposite side.
Try vest on before fully securing seams to adjust armhole size if needed.
Neckline Edging
Join yarn at shoulder seam.
Round 1: Ch 1, sc evenly around neckline.
Round 2: Sc evenly around.
Fasten off and weave in ends.
Optional: Add 1–2 rounds of sc around armholes for a cleaner finish.
Fit Notes
- This vest is designed to be slightly relaxed.
- If between sizes, size up for layering.
- For a boxier fit, skip waist decreases.
- For a deeper V neckline, increase decrease frequency.
- For a higher neckline, reduce decrease rows.
Care Instructions
- Hand wash in cool water
- Do not wring
- Lay flat to dry
- Store folded (do not hang)
