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Pattern for: Modern crochet vest pattern: the Harris Vest
Yarn used: 80% acrylic, 20% Merino wool worsted weight (soft yet sturdy)
Difficulty level: Easy – using basic stitches and an easy construction
Stitches used: slip stitches and half double crochet stitches are used for this pattern
Hannah’s Notes: If you’ve ever wanted to crochet a truly modern and easy sweater vest then this modern crochet vest pattern is the one for you! Even if you’re new to crochet this is the perfect beginner crochet pattern to make.
Table of Contents
In this post you’ll find everything you need to know how to crochet a summer vest top, including materials, stitches, a detailed video tutorial and free written pattern for blog subscribers.
If you’d prefer to crochet a sweater with sleeves, check out the Harris sweater pattern – coming to the blog in late 2025.
Plus, you can go matchy-matchy with your little ones, with the child Harris sweater pattern – coming to the blog in late 2025.
I love nothing more than creating simple, crochet clothing for myself and I know that so many others love it too! This is such a great example of using just a couple of stitches to create a stunning fabric with simple shaping that elevates the look.
Another garment I did this on is the Sydney Cardigan – this knit look crochet cardigan pattern is a perfect next step.
Yarn
To make this easy crochet vest pattern, I used Heatherly Worsted, 80% acrylic, 20% Merino wool (199m/218yds/100g)
With a blend of acrylic and Merino wool, Heatherly is the perfect choice for sturdy projects that require next-to-skin softness! Cheerful colors mixed with white provide a wide range of pastel heathers to choose from, and soft shades mixed with black create soothing, dark heathers.
Worsted weight Heatherly is perfect for home goods, baby blankets, children’s clothes, toys, and so much more!
It’s a category 4, medium weight yarn which is what gives this top it’s shape and drape. Check out our handy yarn weight chart and guide to find out more about yarn weights and categories.
I used Teddy Bear for my simple crochet vest.
Yarn Substitutes
You can use any yarn that you like bearing in mind that you need to make sure you meet the gauge. Some other great options are:
- WeCrochet Swish Worsted, 100% Superwash Merino Wool (101m/110yds/50g)
- Paintbox Yarns 100% Wool Worsted Superwash, 100% wool (200m/219yds/100g)
- WeCrochet Brava Worsted, 100% premium acrylic (199m/218yds/100g)
Things you’ll love about this crochet vest pattern
Learning to Crochet Garments
If you’re new to crochet garments and worried about all the sizing, seaming, gauge and other things that might seem really daunting, please don’t worry. I used to feel exactly the same! If you can make a blanket, then you can make this garment. I promise!
I’ve written all about my experience with learning to both make and design garments and you can learn about crochet garment making and make sure you explore all of these fabulous easy crochet cardigan patterns too. There are so many options out there for every skill level and style!
We also have an article all about how to make perfect crochet garments which is a great read packed full of experience and tips!
If you’re ready to dive and get all of the garment making info in one place then you will LOVE our Crochet Garments with Confidence Course! You get lifetime access to world class crochet garment designers teaching you everything they know!
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Getting Started: Materials Needed for your Modern Crochet Vest Pattern
Sizing
Sizes: XS (S, M, L, XL) (2XL, 3XL, 4XL, 5XL)
To fit chest sizes: 30 (34, 38, 42, 46) (50, 54, 58, 62) inches.
With finished garment circumference: 34 (37, 43, 47, 50) (53, 57.5, 63, 66) inches.
How much yarn do I need to crochet the summer vest top?
This sweater is designed with a good amount of positive ease for adult sizes. It gives an oversized, relaxed fit but feel free to size down if you prefer a more classic fit.
There are numerous options for adding length to the sweater body, cuff and sleeves to make it perfect for you but make sure to order plenty of yarn if you are making adjustments to the pattern.
The following yarn amounts are estimated as a total as the pattern is written assuming a single colour is used. Any changes and customisations will adjust the amount of yarn required so make sure to order plenty.
You will require approximately 1200 (1290, 1460, 1640, 1730) (1825, 2040, 2210, 2300) metres, 1315 (1410, 1600, 1795, 1895) (1995, 2230, 2420, 2515) yards of yarn to crochet the vest.
This is 7 (8, 8, 9, 10) (10, 11, 12, 13) balls of the recommended yarn.
If you’re anything like me you’ll love layering vests all year round! I love to wear this one with a plain long sleeve tee for the cooler months and into Winter too (you can see this pictured above).
Other Materials
Along with your yarn, you will need the following:
- A 5mm(H) crochet hook or hook needed to meet gauge
- Scissors
- Tapestry needle
- Stitch markers
Don’t forget to join HanJan Crochet to receive regular discount codes (and more free patterns!) and Pin this crochet vest pattern for summer to your crochet Pinterest board!
Step by Step Video Tutorial
Come along as I make this sleeveless crochet vest pattern and see just how easy it is in our step-by-step video tutorial.
Crochet Terms You’ll Need to Know
Glossary and Abbreviations
beg – beginning
blo – back loop only
ch(s) – chain(s)
ch-sp(s) – chain space(s)
flo – front loop only
rep – repeat
RS – right side
sp – space
ss/sl st – slip stitch
st(s) – stitch(es)
WS – wrong side
Yoh – yarn over hook
Stitches
The pattern is written in standard US terms and uses the following crochet stitches:
hdc – half double crochet (UK htr – half treble crochet)
Special Stitches
Slip Stitch (ss)
Insert the hook into the next stitch, yarn over, and pull through the stitch and the active loop on the hook.
Half Double Crochet (hdc)
This stitch is the equivalent to a UK half treble crochet (htr).
- Yarn over, and insert the hook into the next stitch.
- Yarn over and pull up a loop.
- Yarn over again, and pull the yarn through all three loops on the hook.
To work the back loop only, turn your work so that the top is facing you to see the front and back loops. Work into the back loop by inserting the hook into the loop furthest from you.
Making Your Knit-look Crochet Vest Perfect For You
Although the garment comes in so many sizes, there are still some things you can easily do to adjust it to fit you perfectly. I suggest choosing the garment chest size that you’d feel most comfortable wearing and then checking ‘customisation’ below for details of how you can adjust various parts.
If you choose to add stitches or rows then it would be a good idea to order another ball of yarn to make sure you have enough.
WIDTH
I suggest selecting the garment chest size from the chart above that will be most comfortable for you and then adjusting the other aspects from there.
LENGTH
If you’d like your sweater longer/shorter then just work more/less stitches for the Back and Front. I’d add the stitches in the main body of the panel and not the rib or armhole shaping.
ARMHOLE DEPTH
If you would like your armhole bigger/smaller then work more/less slip stitch shaping as you like. You’ll need to decide this before you begin though as the shaping happens at the very start of the panel.
You can add some extra detail by only seaming part of the sides and leaving a ‘split seam’ at the bottom if you like too.
Before you jump into crocheting your sleeveless pullover, take a moment to read through the pattern notes—it’s a game-changer!
These handy insights will not only simplify your pattern-reading journey but also ensure a smoother crochet experience. You’ll find helpful tips on deciphering the sizing, customisation and more.
Trust me, a quick peek at these notes will set you up for crochet success!
- A ch1 at the beginning of a row does not count as st.
- Turn at the end of every row.
- Read through the entire pattern before beginning.
- Before you start, go through the pattern and highlight/mark the stitch and row counts that correspond to the size you are making (this will make your life much easier!).
- Make sure that you are familiar with all of the stitches in the abbreviations list before you begin.
- Instructions are given for the smallest size, with larger sizes in brackets ( ). E.g. XS (S, M, L, XL) (2XL, 3XL, 4XL, 5XL).
- If an instruction does not apply to a particular size then a – is used instead of a number. E.g. – (-, 4, 4, 5) (5, 5, 6, 6) means that the XS and S sizes do not apply to this instruction.
- Stitch counts are given in [ ] at the end of each Row or Round. If no stitch count is given, then the count is the same as the previous Row or Round.
- If an instruction states to work in the blo of a chain then this needs to be into the back bump of the chain.
Free Crochet Sleeveless Vest Pattern
There are a few options for you to access and enjoy this crochet pattern:
- View the free pattern on the blog – all blog subscribers will be able to view the patterns supported by ads by logging into their Grow account.
- Purchase the individual pattern on Etsy or Ravelry as a beautifully formatted PDF with extra stitch charts, schematic and colour information page and more!
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Copyright Notice
The Harris Sweater and Vest Crochet Pattern and its contents are fully owned and copyrighted by HanJan Crochet Ltd., and all rights are reserved.
This pattern is protected by copyright and other intellectual property laws and may not be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written consent of the author (Hannah Cross of HanJan Crochet Ltd).
Unauthorised distribution or reproduction of this pattern or elements of the instructions is strictly prohibited. The free to view crochet pattern is intended for personal viewing only. By accessing this pattern, you acknowledge and agree to comply with these copyright terms and conditions.
Pattern Support
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Crochet Pattern Free for Blog Subscribers to View
US Terminology
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SEAMING AND FINISHING
Before seaming, block all pieces to measurements. Either use a crochet slip stitch seam or sew with a whip stitch seam to join your pieces. You can decide which is the right and wrong side of the fabric.
Neck and shoulders –
With the RS facing each other and WS facing you, join the shoulder seams and sides of the neckline together with your chosen seaming method.
Join underarms –
With the RS facing each other and WS facing you, fold the sweater in half so that the side seams line up. Seam each side from the bottom of the sweater up to the underarm to join.
Fasten off and weave in all ends to finish.
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More Crochet Top Patterns You Might Enjoy
If you’ve enjoyed making this crochet vest top pattern for summer, then why not try a few more? Here’s a few other of my designs you might like:
- Simple Crochet Top Pattern – With a delicate drape and glorious texture
- Simple Filet Crochet T-shirt Pattern – this top oozes effortless style and delicate patterns
- Quick and Easy Crochet Top Pattern – a mesh style tee constructed from 2 matching panels
Congratulations on crocheting your very own summer crochet vest! 🌟 Now that you’ve crafted this fun project, why stop here? Dive into my other crochet top patterns each waiting to be transformed into your next crochet masterpiece.
Don’t forget to share your creations with me on social media—I love seeing your unique twists and colourful creations! Join our community of crochet enthusiasts, where we share tips, tricks, and plenty of crafting inspiration. So, grab your hooks, explore more patterns, and let’s continue this crochet adventure together! Happy stitching! 🧶✨
