Easy Breezy Crochet Vest – Free Pattern

🧵 Skill Level:

Advanced Beginner – You only need to know basic stitches like chains, single crochet, half double crochet, and double crochet. The stitch pattern is repetitive and easy to memorize.

🧥 Garment Style:

• Open-front vest (no buttons)

• Sleeveless with slight armhole shaping

• Hip-length with a soft drape

• Great for layering in spring and summer

🧶 Supplies Needed:

Recommended Yarn:

• Cotton yarn for breathability (e.g., Paintbox Cotton DK, Lion Brand Coboo)

• Or use a lightweight cotton-acrylic blend for drape

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📏 Sizing & Measurements:

The vest has 2–4 inches of ease, which makes it comfy and perfect for layering.

🧶 Abbreviations (US Terms):

• ch – chain

• sc – single crochet

• hdc – half double crochet

• dc – double crochet

• sl st – slip stitch

• st(s) – stitch(es)

• RS – right side

• WS – wrong side

• rep – repeat

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🌿 Stitch Pattern Used:

Crossed Half Double Crochet:

Creates a textured, crossed-rib appearance.

How to do it:

1. Skip one stitch.

2. Hdc in the next st.

3. Go back and hdc in the skipped stitch (crossing over the first hdc).

This stitch pattern is used for the body of the vest, giving it texture without being bulky.

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🧩 Construction Method:

The vest is made up of three panels:

1. Back Panel

2. Right Front Panel

3. Left Front Panel

Once completed, the panels are sewn together at the shoulders and sides. You will then add simple edging around the front opening and armholes.

🔨 Instructions

🔹 Back Panel

Chain:

• Ch 61 (65, 69, 73) – depending on size

Foundation Row (Row 1):

• Hdc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. Turn.

• [60 (64, 68, 72) stitches]

Row 2 (Crossed HDC Row):

• Ch 2 (counts as hdc here and throughout), skip 1 st, hdc in next, hdc in skipped st across. End with hdc in last st. Turn.

Row 3 (Even HDC Row):

• Ch 2, hdc across all sts. Turn.

Repeat Rows 2 and 3 until the piece measures:

• 25” (S), 26” (M), 27” (L), 28” (XL)

Fasten off. Weave in ends.

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🔹 Right Front Panel

Chain:

• Ch 31 (33, 35, 37)

Repeat the same rows as the back panel.
Use the same stitch pattern: alternating rows of crossed hdc and plain hdc.

Continue until it matches the height of the back panel.

Fasten off.

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🔹 Left Front Panel

Repeat Right Front Panel instructions.

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✂️ Assembly Instructions:

Shoulder Seams:

• Lay the back panel flat.

• Align the front panels on top, RS facing up.

• Use a yarn needle and whip stitch across each shoulder’s top 4–5 inches.

Side Seams:

• Use a measuring tape and mark each side 7–8 inches down from the top (for armholes).

• Sew the side seams from that point down to the bottom edge of the vest using whip stitch.

🔁 Optional Edging

Front Edging:

1. Join yarn to the bottom corner of the right front.

2. Ch 1, work 1 sc evenly up the right edge, around the neck, and down the left front edge.

3. Optional: Work 1 more round for a clean, thicker edge.

Armhole Edging:

1. Join yarn at the bottom of the armhole.

2. Ch 1, sc evenly around the armhole.

3. Sl st to join. Fasten off.

You can customize the edging using shell stitches, picot trim, or crab stitch for a decorative finish.

🎨 Customization Tips:

• Add Length: Add extra rows to any panel to make the vest longer.

• Change Stitch: Try mesh stitch or V-stitch for a breezier, open-lace look.

• Add Pockets: Make small rectangles and sew them to the front panels.

• Make Sleeves: Seam slightly deeper at the shoulder and add short sleeve rounds.

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🧺 Care Instructions:

• Machine wash cold on gentle (if yarn allows)

• Lay flat to dry to preserve shape

• Light blocking can help shape the panels if needed

📝 Final Thoughts:

This vest is perfect for warm-weather layering and works up quickly due to the light yarn and easy stitch pattern. It’s beginner-friendly and open to many modifications, so feel free to play with yarn colors and edging styles.