This guide details the construction and stitch architecture of the Windin’ Crochet Vest, an intermediate-level, chunky crochet garment designed by Creations By Courtney.
Inspired by the rhythmic “windin’” movement found in Caribbean dance, the vest features a textured, diagonal post-stitch pattern that visually elongates the body while maintaining a relaxed, modern silhouette.
I. Project Overview & Technical Specifications
The Windin’ Vest is an oversized layering piece designed with approximately 6 inches (15 cm) of positive ease. The garment is worked bottom-up in one continuous piece, then divided at the armholes for separate Fronts and Back. The construction is nearly seamless, with the only required seams at the shoulders.
Finished Fit
- Oversized body with subtle cap sleeves
- Reversible fabric due to modified post stitches
- Open front with optional braided belt
Materials Required
Yarn
- WeCrochet Wool of the Andes Bulky (100% Peruvian Highland Wool; 137 yds / 100 g)
- Weight: #5 Bulky
- Colorway: Marsala (or preferred color)
Yardage by Size (approximate):
759 (843, 928, 1056, 1195) (1260, 1426, 1497, 1568) yards
XS (S, M, L, XL) (2XL, 3XL, 4XL, 5XL)
Hook
- US L / 8.00 mm crochet hook
Rounded or inline tips are recommended to reduce yarn splitting with bulky wool.
Notions
- Stitch markers (M)
- Yarn needle
- Measuring tape
- Scissors
Sizing Chart
| Size | Finished Bust | Finished Length |
|---|---|---|
| XS | 36” (91 cm) | 27” (69 cm) |
| S | 40” (102 cm) | 27” (69 cm) |
| M | 44” (112 cm) | 27” (69 cm) |
| L | 48” (122 cm) | 27” (69 cm) |
| XL | 52” (132 cm) | 27” (69 cm) |
| 2XL | 56” (142 cm) | 29” (74 cm) |
| 3XL | 60” (152 cm) | 29” (74 cm) |
| 4XL | 64” (163 cm) | 29” (74 cm) |
| 5XL | 68” (173 cm) | 29” (74 cm) |
Gauge
Approximately 10 sts in pattern × 7 rows = 4” × 4”
(10 cm × 10 cm)
Gauge is measured over the textured stitch pattern after blocking.
II. Special Stitches & Techniques
Mastery of the following stitches is essential for achieving the intended fabric texture and reversible finish.
CSDC — Chainless Starting Double Crochet
Pull up a loop to the height of a double crochet, YO, insert hook into the first stitch, YO and pull up a loop, [YO, pull through 2 loops] twice.
FPetr — Front Post Extended Treble (Modified)
This stitch eliminates gaps typically visible on the wrong side, allowing the fabric to be worn reversibly.
Instructions:
YO twice, insert hook front-to-back-to-front around indicated stitch, YO and pull up a loop (4 loops on hook).
YO, pull through 1 loop, then [YO, pull through 2 loops] twice (2 loops remain).
Working into the stitch directly behind the post: YO, insert hook into stitch, YO and pull up a loop, YO and pull through 3 loops (hdc made), YO and pull through remaining 2 loops.
Fsc — Foundation Single Crochet
Provides elasticity and eliminates the need for a starting chain.
Inv Dec — Invisible Decrease
Insert hook into the front loop only of the next two stitches, YO and pull up a loop, YO and pull through both loops.
III. Pattern Instructions
1. Body (Worked Flat)
Note: Due to the diagonal placement of the FPetr stitches, the side edges will appear slightly slanted. This is intentional and corrects visually once worn.
Row 1 (RS): 83 (91, 103, 111, 119) (131, 139, 151, 159) Fsc, turn.
Row 2: CSDC in first st, dc in each st across, turn.
Row 3:
CSDC in first st, dc in next 2 sts,
FPetr around 3rd st two rows below, dc in next 3 sts, skip next 3 sts two rows below;
repeat from * to end, turn.
Row 4: Repeat Row 2, turn.
Row 5:
CSDC in first st, dc in next 3 sts, FPetr around post two rows below,
dc in next 3 sts, FPetr around next post two rows below;
repeat from * until 2 sts remain, dc in last 2 sts, turn.
Row 6: Repeat Row 2, turn.
Row 7:
CSDC in first st, FPetr around first stitch two rows below,
dc in next 3 sts, FPetr around next post two rows below;
repeat from * until 1 st remains, dc in last st, turn.
Row 8: Repeat Row 2, turn.
Row 9:
CSDC in first st, dc in next st, FPetr around next post two rows below,
dc in next 3 sts, FPetr around next post two rows below;
repeat from * to end, turn.
Length Adjustment
- XS–S: Repeat Rows 2–9 three times total (33 rows).
- M–5XL: Continue repeating Rows 2–9 as directed in the original size table, ending on an odd-numbered texture row to preserve stitch alignment.
2. Divide for Armholes
Place stitch markers to define armhole openings.
| Size | Marker Placement | Skipped Sts |
|---|---|---|
| XS | 15th & 23rd sts from each end | 7 |
| S | 19th & 25th sts | 5 |
| M | 23rd & 30th sts | 6 |
Refer to original size chart for L–5XL marker counts.
3. Fronts & Back
Each section is worked independently, maintaining the established stitch pattern (alternating plain DC rows and FPetr texture rows).
- Back: Yarn is attached at the second marker. The Back width is intentionally narrower to create a soft cap sleeve effect.
- Fronts: Worked from the outer edges inward, following size-specific stitch counts based on bust measurements.
4. Seaming & Edging
Shoulders
With right sides facing, fold Fronts over the Back. Mark the center 9 stitches of the Back neck.
- XS: Sc through both layers for the next 15 sts to marker (17 sc total).
- Larger Sizes: Join shoulders using Inv Dec 2tog as specified per size to maintain stitch continuity.
Armhole Edging
Attach yarn at the underarm and work single crochet evenly around each arm opening.
Main Edging & Collar
- Round 1: Single crochet evenly around entire vest perimeter.
- Rounds 2–3: Work leaning cluster stitch — (2 dc, ch 3, sl st in same stitch).
- Collar: Continue the leaning cluster stitch along the neck and front edges only, forming a soft collar that may be worn folded down or standing.
5. Braided Belt
- Create three chains, each at least 12 inches (30 cm) longer than waist circumference.
- Knot all three strands together at one end.
- Braid evenly and knot the opposite end.
IV. Care & Customization
- Care: Hand wash only and lay flat to dry. Wool of the Andes is untreated and will felt if agitated.
- Reversibility: The vest may be worn inside out for a cleaner, minimalist look.
- Styling: Pairs well with denim, boots, and layered autumn outfits.
