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Crochet vests are simple wearables that can sometimes be worn alone, or as a layering piece. They’re one of the easiest crochet projects that you can wear as they take less time to make and often use less shaping than sweaters. They’re fun additions to any wardrobe whether it’s your own or a loved one’s.
These nearly 50 free crochet vest patterns cover all seasons and styles, with project for adults and kids, so you’re sure to find something you want to stitch up.
Crochet Vest Construction Methods
There are a few different ways that crochet vests can be constructed. First, they can either be worked flat in panels or in the round in one piece. Depending on the pattern, a vest worked flat may include two or three pieces, the back panel and either one or two pieces for the front panels.
Regardless of whether it’s worked flat or in the round, you can also work from the top down or from the bottom up. Some crochet vest patterns even have you work from side to side, leaving holes for the arms as you go.
The great thing about crochet vests is that they are often made with rectangles, or otherwise have minimal shaping. Our Crochet Anything with Rectangles workshop covers even more things you can make with this simple shape, from blankets to hats to sweaters.
How to Measure Yourself for a Crochet Vest
A crochet vest is usually slightly oversized as it is often worn over other clothing. It’s important to make sure you’re measuring correctly in order to avoid an ill-fitting vest.
If you already have a crocheted vest that fits the way you want, you can also measure that garment and make sure the measurements of the vest you want to crochet are similar to those.
Following are some of the parts of your body you might need to measure to make sure your vest fits the way you want it to:
- Chest/Bust: Measure around the fullest part of the bust with the measuring tape parallel to the floor.
- Armhole depth: Measure from the outside edge of the shoulder down to the armpit, or lower depending on how wide you want the arm holes to be.
- Body length: Measure from the top of the shoulder to the desired length you want for your crochet vest.
- Natural waist: Measure around your body at the narrowest part of your body.
- Back waist length: Measure from the base of the neck to the natural waist.
- Cross back: Measure from shoulder to shoulder.
- Hip: Measure around the widest point of the lower hip. If your vest isn’t that long, measure around the widest part of the body your vest will cover.
Materials You’ll Need to Crochet a Vest
As with most crochet projects, you won’t need a lot of materials to crochet a vest, but here are some things you will need.
Yarn and Crochet Hook
The yarn weight you choose will depend on the pattern you select. Crochet vests can be made with lightweight yarn as a layering piece for summer or with bulky wool to keep you warm in winter.
Likewise the fiber you choose can be influenced by the pattern you pick or how you intend to use the vest. If it will be worn without a shirt underneath, make sure the yarn is soft. You might also look for yarn that is machine washable if you don’t want to have to hand wash your vest.
The pattern you choose will indicate what size crochet hook the designer used, but because a vest needs to fit, you’ll need to check your gauge before you start stitching. Make sure you are getting the same number of stitches per inch as the pattern calls for, and change your hook size as needed to get the right number so your vest will fit.
Other Notions and Tools
When making a crochet vest, there are some other tools you will want to keep handy, such as:
Now that you know the basics of crocheting vests, these free vest crochet patterns are sure to inspire you to make one for yourself or someone you know.
Easy Crochet Vest Patterns
A vest is a great first garment project because it doesn’t take as much time to stitch as a sweater. These beginner level free vest crochet patterns are great for those dipping their toes into crocheting garments, or for those who just want a quick and easy project to stitch!
Grandpa Sweater Vest Pattern
Designer: Crochet with Carrie
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice
This easy crochet vest pattern was designed with beginners in mind. The ribbing is made with single crochet, while the body of the vest is half double crochet. It includes a video tutorial if you need extra help!
Simple Waterfall Vest Pattern
Designer: Moogly Blog
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Wool-Ease
Elevate your autumn wardrobe with this relaxed yet stylish vest! It’s worked in one piece from side to side using extended double crochet stitches. Other than making holes for your arms this is just one big rectangle!
Cowl Sweater Vest Pattern
Designer: Hooked on Homemade Happiness
Yarn weight: (5) Bulky
Suggested yarn: Loops & Threads Charisma
Lemon peel stitch adds a lot of texture to your knit vest but isn’t that difficult to do – if you know how to single and double crochet and to make post stitches you can make this garment. It doesn’t have any shaping, but the stripes and cowl neck elevate the style.
Fall Vest Pattern
Designer: Crochet with Carrie
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Touch of Alpaca
This button up vest is constructed in five pieces – the back, two fronts, and two pockets – using single crochet and double crochet. It’s a perfect piece for layering over long-sleeved T-shirts in the fall or sweaters in the winter.
Turtleneck Sweater Vest Pattern
Designer: Crochet With Carrie
Yarn weight: (5) Bulky
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks Brava Bulky
This chunky turtleneck crochet vest pattern uses moss stitch, a super easy textured stitch using single crochet and chain stitches. The neck is stitched separately as a tube and sewn on when you sew the pieces of the vest together.
Easy Crochet Sweater Vest Pattern
Designer: KnitCroAddict
Yarn weight: (6) Super Bulky
Suggested yarn: Wool-Ease Thick & Quick
The super bulky yarn used for this crochet vest makes it work up so quickly. It uses single crochet and half double crochet, so it’s perfect for beginners.
Drapey Crochet Vest Pattern
Designer: Yarnspirations
Yarn weight: (1) Super fine
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks Hawthorne Tonal Hand Painted
Vests don’t have to just be for fall and winter! This pretty open front vest is made with shell stitches, giving it a nice openwork look and feel that’s perfect to wear in the warmer months.
Striped Crochet Vest Pattern
Designer: Yarnspirations
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Red Heart Super Saver Stripes
This crochet vest pattern adds a modern touch to an all-time classic. The textured pattern is made with clusters of double crochet stitches, and using self-striping yarn makes this project even easier than it looks.
Cozy No Seam Vest Pattern
Designer: Yarnspirations
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Red Heart Soft
This pretty shell stitch vest has no seams because it’s worked from side to side. It’s a great piece to throw over a tunic or a sundress and stitches up fast.
Janis Vest Pattern
Designer: Yarnspirations
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Caron Simply Soft Party
This pretty vest works up super fast because the mesh pattern is made with chain stitches anchored with single crochet. Make it in a sparkly yarn for your next party, or with any yarn for a fun layer to wear every day.
Red Heart Flirtation Vest Pattern
Designer: Yarnspirations
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Red Heart Super Saver
Add a boho touch to your outfits with this pretty vest. It’s worked in treble crochet and V stitches, and the little chain ties to close up the front add the perfect touch.
Intermediate to Advanced Crochet Vest Patterns
Looking for projects with a little more detail? These crochet vest patterns are perfect for those with a little more crochet experience, or who want a project that challenges them to learn something new.
Rugged Landscapes Gilet Pattern
Designer: Crochet With Carrie
Yarn weight: (6) Super Bulky
Suggested yarn: Sirdar Alpine
Step into the chilly autumn season in style with this fuzzy collared vest. The only difficult thing about this project is you can’t really see your stitches, so you’ll have to crochet by feel, but it’s worth the effort to have this cozy piece in your wardrobe.
Cabled Sweater Vest Pattern
Designer: Amanda Saladin, via Freepatterns.com
Yarn weight: (3) DK
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton DK
A gorgeous center cable elevates this simple sweater vest into a stylish layering piece perfect for the cooler months. The pattern is for intermediate stitchers and comes in sizes from small to XXL.
Long Crochet Vest Pattern
Designer: Make and Do Crew
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Heartland
Looking for the perfect long crochet vest pattern? This stunning vest has subtle pine tree cut-out details along the bottom made from half double crochets and chains. This pattern makes an amazing layering piece!
Leaf Lace Vest Pattern
Designer: Margret Wilson, via Freepatterns.com
Yarn weight: (1) Super fine
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks Hawthorne Tonal Hand Painted
This beautiful vest pairs beautifully with a light sweater and is perfect for chilly morning walks. The lacy pattern would be sweet over a dress in the summer as well. This vest uses five buttons to close below the V neckline.
Caron Chessboard Crochet Vest Pattern
Designer: Yarnspirations
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Caron Simply Soft
The eye-catching black and white checkerboard pattern makes this vest a true statement piece! Work it in black and white for the Wednesday Addams vibe, or make it in any colors you like. The long length on this one makes it super cozy.
Fabwoolous Ribbed Crochet Vest Pattern
Designer: Yarnspirations
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Bernat Fabwoolous
This fabulous ribbed crochet vest is the perfect addition to any trendy crocheter’s closet! The shaping at the armholes gives this a good fit, and the high-low hem makes it easy to wear.
Crochet Trinity Vest Pattern
Designer: Yarnspirations
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Patons Classic Wool Worsted
This gorgeous v-neck vest makes for the perfect layering piece for any weather! The trinity stitch used gives this top its beautiful texture while the half double crochet ribbing gives it a classic knitwear look.
Seashell Crochet Vest Pattern
Designer: Yarnspirations
Yarn weight: (2) Sport
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand LB Collection Bamboo Linen
The lacy seashell details on this vest make it the perfect vest for summer. The open front makes it easy to wear, and the shell stitches are pretty easy to stitch as well.
Daisy Mesh Vest Pattern
Designer: Yarnspirations
Yarn weight: (3) DK
Suggested yarn: Patons Grace
This delicate-looking mesh vest is the missing piece to your favorite summer outfits! Take a second look and you’ll see the cute flower motifs worked into the mesh that add a little boho sweetness.
Grey Splendor Vest Pattern
Designer: Kim Guzman, via Yarnspirations
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Red Heart Hygge
Add a pop of color to an otherwise simple vest with this fun design. One row of every four-row repeat is worked in a contrasting color and involves chains and skipped stitches, giving the vest an almost lacy look.
Crochet Loop-Cable Vest Pattern
Designer: Yarnspirations
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Red Heart Soft
Steal the show with this vibrant loop-cable vest! The center cable in front and the unique edging on the bottom hem makes this eye-catching garment a must-have in any wardrobe.
Red Heart Bamboo Vest Pattern
Designer: Yarnspirations
Yarn weight: (3) DK
Suggested yarn: LB Collection Cotton Bamboo
This vest is worked in single crochet in pieces: the fronts are almost like a scarf, and the back is stitched separately along with side panels that attach those two pieces together. The little shawl collar and crocheted belt and a sophisticated flair.
Granny Square Crochet Vest Patterns
Granny squares are a perennial favorite among crocheters, and they’re having a style moment, too. These free crochet patterns for granny square vests are a fun way to use your yarn stash and make a great project you’ll want to wear all year.
Granny Square Vest Pattern
Designer: Premier Yarns
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Premier Yarns Basix
Make these granny squares in a coordinated palette of colors, or use it as a stash busting project. Either way it’s easy to stitch up and full of granny style.
Retro Granny Motif Vest Pattern
Designer: Yarnspirations
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Red Heart Super Saver O’Go
This retro-style piece could not be easier to crochet! It’s made up of two vibrantly colored granny square panels with shoulders and sides added afterward.
Single Square Granny Vest Pattern
Designer: Yarnspirations
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Red Heart Soft
The granny square panel is the focal point of this retro-inspired vest, while double crochet stitches are used for the rest of the top. This pattern is actually based on one the yarn company released in the 1970s!
Four Square Retro Vest Pattern
Designer: Yarnspirations
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Red Heart Soft
Turn four granny squares into a panel that makes the front of this fun vest. It’s a vibrant and stylish garment that’s easy to crochet even for a beginner!
Daisy Granny Square Vest Pattern
Designer: JoAnn
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Red Heart Super Saver O’Go
The daisy granny square is one of the motif’s more popular variations, and it’s perfect for garments for spring. This vest features alternating plain and colored granny squares to create a visually stunning final product.
‘70s-Inspired Granny Square Crochet Vest Pattern
Designer: Urbaki
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Basic Stitch
The gold color used to pull the granny squares together on this fun vest is perfect for that ‘70s vibe, but you can use whatever colors you like. Using stash is ideal for this one; it’s what your granny would have done!
Crochet Fringed Vest Pattern
Designer: JoAnn
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Basic Stitch
Combine basic granny squares with bold, openwork quadruple treble stitches, and a generous fringe to make this spectacular throwback vest. It’s rated for intermediate stitchers and comes in two sizes, but you can make it bigger by adding more squares.
Calgary Vest Pattern
Designer: Joann
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Premier Yarns Rodeo
The Calgary Vest is a stunning layering piece that you can wear with a light top or a summer dress. The pinwheel granny squares and the generous fringe add visual interest to this boho-style vest.
The Agnes Sweater Vest Pattern
Designer: Bethany Lynne Makes
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks Wool of the Andes
Need a project to work while traveling? This vest is made up of 25 granny squares, so it’s easy to take with you and stitch up wherever you are. Use a coordinated palette or whatever scraps you have on hand for this boxy vest.
Stylish Crochet Sweater Vest Patterns
Add even more flair to your crochet vest wardrobe with these elevated designs using colorwork, cables, and more fun techniques.
Strawberry Fields Sweater Vest Pattern
Designer: Hay Hay Crochet
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Basic Stitch
This vest is a cottage core lover’s dream! The neat row of strawberries and the sage green-trimmed collar give this vest a pretty, country look.
Crochet Check Me Out Vest Pattern
Designer: Yarnspirations
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Caron Simply Soft Tweed
This fun checkered vest is the perfect statement piece for any outfit. You can even make a coordinating skirt if you want the full ensemble.
Color Block Party Crochet Vest Pattern
Designer: Yarnspirations
Yarn weight: (5) Bulky
Suggested yarn: Caron Colorama O’Go
The fun colors of this stunning crochet vest is sure to make it stand out in any crowd. The pattern uses color changing yarn separated into individual colors so you’re sure to get solid blocks of the same size.
Easy Crochet Cowled Sweater Vest Pattern
Designer: Mama in a Stitch
Yarn weight: (5) Bulky
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Wool-ease
This cowled sweater vest adds a touch of elegance to your cool weather outfits. The panels are worked straight with no shaping in easy moss/granite stitch, with the cowl added in rounds once the front and back are seamed together.
Alice Cabled Vest Crochet Pattern
Designer: Coco Crochet Lee
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Basic Stitch
This gorgeous crochet vest features an intricate cabled design that adds interest to any outfit. It’s shown somewhat cropped by you can make it longer for a perfect fall accessory if you like.
Corner-to-Corner Vest Pattern
Designer: The Snugglery
Yarn weight: (3) DK
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton DK
Experiment with using the corner-to-corner technique on this stunning vest. It can be a little tricky to figure out at first, but this video tutorial makes it easy to make this fun vest.
Crochet Checkerboard Sweater Vest Pattern
Designer: Hay Hay Crochet
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Skein Tones
Here’s another take on the checkerboard vest, this one inspired by a colorful cookie! It uses mostly half double crochet stitches and you can make it in whatever two colors you like.
Crochet Vest Patterns For Kids and Babies
Adults aren’t the only ones who like crochet vests. In fact, your kiddo might prefer a vest to a sweater because it keeps their body warm without restricting their movements. Check out these cute vest patterns for kids.
Easy V-Neck Vest Pattern
Designer: Yarnspirations
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Red Heart Soft
A tried-and-true classic, this easy v-neck vest pattern is a must-have for any kid’s wardrobe. It’s so easy to make, mostly in single crochet, that you’ll want to make them in every color. The pattern is sized for kids 6 months to 24 months.
Colorblock Ruffle Front Vest Pattern
Designer: Tamara Kelly, via Yarnspirations
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Bernat Pop!
This colorful little number is a fun addition to your baby’s wardrobe. The multicolored yarn does all the work here, but you can also do your own color blocking by changing colors whenever you want.
Baby’s Gone a Hunting Vest Pattern
Designer: Yarnspirations
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Red Heart Super Saver
This cute camo print vest is perfect for the baby of a family that hunts. It’s cozy, comfortable, and even comes with a pattern for a matching hat.
Elfin Hat and Vest Set Pattern
Designer: Yarnspirations
Yarn weight: (2) Sport
Suggested yarn: Patons Beehive Baby Sport
This super cute baby vest pattern also comes with a matching elfin hat! This adorable set is sized for kids 6 months to 24 months and uses double crochet and dc in the front and back posts.
Classic Baby Vest Pattern
Designer: Yarnspirations
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Red Heart Baby Hugs
Sweet and simple, the Classic Baby Vest is a must-have for little ones. The button closure at the top is super sweet, but you can also leave it open if you like.
Sweetie Pie Baby Vest Pattern
Designer: Yarnspirations
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Red Heart Super Saver
This adorable vest will keep your baby warm and looking as sweet as pie! You can even make it longer and turn it into a dress if you like.
Flutter Bye Baby Vest Pattern
Designer: Yarnspirations
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Bernat Bundle Up
The flutter cap sleeves on this open front baby vest add that extra touch of adorable you’ll want for your little ones! This is an easy to stitch pattern that’s great for layering on any time of year.
Baby Candy Stripe Vest Pattern
Designer: Yarnspirations
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Red Heart Super Saver
The original colors for this textured tie-front vest make it look like a candy cane, but of course you can make it in different colors for wearing all year round. This one is sized for kids from 6 months to 24 months.
Denim Skirt and Vest Pattern
Designer: Yarnspirations
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lily Sugar ‘n Cream
This sweet vest and skirt pattern has a bit of a country look to it, and is super comfy worked in cotton yarn. The website even has a matching doll you can knit with the same outfit if you like.
Warm Happy Crochet Vest Pattern
Designer: Yarnspirations
Yarn weight: (6) Super bulky
Suggested yarn: Red Heart Baby Clouds
This adorable little vest is sure to keep the babies in your life warm and happy. It’s super soft and fuzzy and the skill rating is easy, but take it slow when you start working with that fuzzy yarn.
Need to Brush up on the Crochet Basics?
Sometimes when we look at a bunch of new patterns, we realize how much we don’t know about crochet yet. Maybe you feel like you need a refresher on the basics of crochet, or maybe the abbreviations like sc, ch, and fpdc still confuse you.
If you’re wondering how to hold your yarn or how to combine different stitches into one project, our Crochet Fundamentals class is the place to learn the basics and beyond so that you can stitch up any of the sweaters listed here with ease and confidence.
