This simple toddler crochet vest is quick to work up for your favorite little tot! The vest works from the bottom up and in the round for the body.
Then the front is worked in 2 small parts and then the back and sewn together at the seams.
I tested the pattern out with an I hook (3T size) and J hook (4T) size. Check the gauge and try changing your hook size if you need a different size.
If you are looking for a vest with some more texture, check out “The Robert” crochet toddler vest, my other version of this pattern.
Enjoy the free pattern below:
Materials:
- Medium worsted weight yarn (4), about 4 oz. (1 skein), small amount of contrasting yarn
- Size I hook (size 3T), J hook (size 4T)
- Darning needle
Abbreviations:
ch- chain
sc- single crochet
hdc- half double crochet
st(s)- stitch(es)
sl st- slip stitch
Gauge:
6 sts of “body” pattern measures 2 inches
Bottom of vest:
Ch 9
Row 1: Hdc in second ch from the hook and each st after (8).
Row 2: Ch 2, hdc in blo in each st across (8).
Repeat row 2 until band measures 20″. With ends together sl st through both loops up the side and ch 1. Flip inside out so the outer seam edge is on the inside. This will now be the right side.
Body of vest:
Evenly sc 67 around (they will be tightly close).
***Continue to work in the round, use stitch marker to keep track of rows***
Rows 1-18: Hdc in each st around (67).
Now you will be working the front part of the vest. Flip vest over and find the middle stitch of the vest and pull up a loop and continue:
Row 1: Ch 2, hdc in next 14 sts across (14).
Row 2: Ch 2, hdc2tog, hdc next 10 sts, hdc2tog (12).
Row 3: Ch 2, hdc in each sts across (12).
Row 4: Ch 2, hdc2tog, hdc next 8 sts, hdc2tog (10).
Row 5: Ch 2, hdc in each st across (10).
Row 6: Ch 2, hdc2tog, hdc next 6 sts, hdc2tog (8).
Row 7: Ch 2, hdc in each st across (8).
Row 8: Ch 2, hdc2tog, hdc next 4 sts, hdc2tog (6).
Row 9: Ch 2, hdc in each st across (6).
- From the middle stitch count 15 sts over to the right and pull up a loop. Repeat rows 1-9 and fasten off.
Back of vest:
- Turn over and line vest up on the right side where the front right body meets the back and pick up a loop and ch 2. Hdc that stitch and next 29 sts.
Row 1: Ch 2, hdc2tog, hdc next 25 sts, hdc2tog (27).
Row 2: Ch 2, hdc in each st across (27).
Row 3: Ch 2, hdc2tog, hdc next 23 sts, hdc2tog (25).
Row 4: Ch 2, hdc in each st across (25).
Row 5: Ch 2, hdc2tog, hdc next 21 sts, hdc2tog (23).
Row 6: Ch 2, hdc in each st across (23).
Row 7: Ch 2, hdc2tog, hdc next 19 sts, hdc2tog (21).
Row 8: Ch 2, hdc in each st across (21).
Row 9: Ch 2, hdc in next 5 sts (5).
Row 10: Ch 2, hdc in next 5 sts (5) and fasten off.
Count 5 sts over on the other side and pull up a loop. Repeat rows 8-10 and fasten off.
With wrong sides facing out, sc through both loops across the tops of the shoulders and fasten off.
Edging:
With right side out, pick up a loop and sc evenly around the V of the vest, sl st to join, ch 1 with contrasting color and sc around again, sl st to join and fasten off.
With red yarn, sc evenly around both armholes, sl st into first st and fasten off (You may also repeat a round of white then another round of red yarn if desired).
Work over loose ends and weave in the rest.
Thank you for this free pattern, my first game garment it was easy to follow.
Will this pattern fit a 4 year old boy.
Yes, use a size J hook for a 4T size.
Thank you.
What does finding the middle stitch mean? Also is it directly crocheted onto the base round or is it attached afterward?