Bohemian Crochet Vest Pattern - Free

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Sizes:

Gauge:
Each granny square after blocking (4 rounds) = 4.5”

Main Vest: 

6.5 3dcClusters = 6”
8 rows worked in pattern = just over 6”

Abbreviations and Glossary (US Terms):
3dcCluster – group of 3 dc (granny st)
ch(s) – chain(s)
ch1sp – space created by 1 ch
ch2sp – space created by 2 chs
dc – double crochet
rep – repeat
RS – right side
rsc - reverse single crochet
sk – skip
sl st – slip stitch                           
sp(s) – space(s)
st(s) – stitch(es)
tch – turning chain
tc3tog – 3 tc closed as one st
tc – treble crochet
WS – wrong side
yo – yarn over

BegDcCl – beginning double crochet cluster – [yo, insert hook in the designated stitch, yo and pull up a loop, yo and pull through 2 loops] 3 times in the same stitch, yo and pull through all 4 loops.

4DcCl – 4 double crochet cluster – [yo, insert hook in the designated stitch, yo and pull up a loop, yo and pull through 2 loops] 4 times in the same stitch, yo and pull through all 5 loops.

Puff – [yo, insert hook in the designated stitch, yo and pull up a loop] 3 times in the same stitch, yo and pull through all 7 loops on hook, ch 1 to close puff.

Partial Puff – [yo, insert hook in the designated stitch, yo and pull up a loop] twice in the same stitch, yo and pull through all 5 loops on hook, ch 1 to close puff.

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Granny Squares

Notes: 

• See Abbreviations section above for explanations of each stitch.
  
• Watch this sunburst granny square video tutorial for visual guidance.
  
• Sunburst granny square is worked in the round without turning. Each round is finished with a sl st to the first st of the round.
  
• Ch-3 at beginning of round always counts as 1 dc. Work these chs quite tightly so as to minimize the potential gap they can create in a round.

All Sizes: Make 12 granny squares.

Foundation: Create a magic ring (or ch 4, sl st to join).

Round 1: Ch 4 (counts as 1 dc, 1 ch1sp), [dc, ch 1] in ring 15 times, sl st to third ch from beginning of round to join. (32 sts)

Round 2: Sl st into next ch1sp, ch 3, partial puff in same ch1sp, [puff in next ch1sp] 15 times, sl st to top of first puff to join. (16 puff sts)

Round 3: Sl st into next ch1sp, ch 2, BegDcCl in same ch1sp, ch 2, [4DcCl in next ch1sp, ch 2] 15 times, sl st to top of first cluster to join. (48 sts)

Now we will turn our granny circle into an official granny square.

Round 4: Sl st into next ch2sp, ch 3, 2 dc in same ch2sp as sl st, [3 dc in next ch2sp] twice, [3 tr, ch 1, 3 tr] in next ch2sp, *[3 dc in next ch2sp] 3 times, [3 tr, ch 1, 3 tr] in next ch2sp, rep from * twice more. (4 distinct sides made)

Fasten off.

Granny square should measure 4.5” after blocking. Once first square is complete, take the time to block and measure to ensure sizing is on track. If square is measuring small, increase your hook size and remake. If square is measuring large, decrease hook size and remake.

Blocking

Block all granny squares. To block, pin corners of each square down using T-pins. Direct steam from an iron or steamer at each square. (Do not touch iron directly to yarn, instead hold 6-10” away.) Blocking may seem unnecessary, but it really improves the overall look and shape of the squares.

Joining Squares

Notes:

• Squares are joined using a join as you go method that creates zero extra ends to weave in. Hooray!
  
• In all sizes, two rows of six granny squares are joined for the vest back. See a video tutorial on this continuous joining method here.

Arrange squares in two rows of six. Make sure RS is facing up on all squares. See photo at end of pattern. Follow diagram at end of pattern that maps out the path to join all 12 squares without fastening off. 

Attach yarn in bottom corner of first square:
In Same Corner: Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), 2 dc in corner…

Along Next 3 Sides of Square: ...3 dc in between each 3dcCl to next corner…

And In Second and Third Corners: …[3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc] all in corner sp…

In Fourth Corner: ...3 dc, ch 2, (grab next granny square)...

In Second Granny Square:

In First Corner: ...3 dc, ch 2…

Along First Side of Square: …*Remove loop from hook, insert hook from the top down in next space of first granny square (between 3dcClusters), pick up working loop, pull through space; 3 dc in next space of second square, ch 2; rep from * to corner…

Second Corner: ...Remove loop from hook, insert hook from the top down in last space between 3dcClusters of first granny square, pick up working loop, pull through space, 3 dc in corner, ch 2, remove loop from hook, insert hook from the top down in adjacent corner of first granny square, pick up working loop, pull through space; 3 dc in same corner space of second granny square….

Second and Third Sides of Square and Third Corner: Work as sides/corner of square 1 were worked. 

Fourth Corner: Work as fourth corner of first square was worked. 

Repeat this joining process with 4 more squares. On sixth square, stop after second side is worked, just before 3rd corner (two sides will be unworked at this point). See diagram on at end of pattern.

Third Corner of Sixth Square: ...3 dc, ch 2, (grab next granny square)...

Joining Second Row of Grannies:

First Side of First Square: 3 dc, ch 2 in first corner, *remove loop from hook, insert hook from the top down in next space (between 3dcClusters) of adjacent granny square, pick up working loop, pull through space; 3 dc in next space on working square, ch 2; rep from * to corner…

Corner Join: ...Remove loop from hook, insert hook from the top down in last space between 3dcClusters of adjacent granny square, pick up working loop, pull through space, 3 dc in corner of working square, ch 2, remove loop from hook, insert hook from the top down in nearest corner space of Row 1, pick up working loop, pull through space, sl st into corner space of next square in Row 1, ch 2**, (grab next granny square to be joined on second row)...

Corner of Next Square: ...3 dc in corner space, ch 2, rep from * to next corner…

Continue adding squares in this manner until Row 2 contains 6 squares, ending at **... 

Finishing End of Row Corner: ...3 dc in corner of 6th square, ch 2, remove loop from hook, insert hook from the top down in nearest corner space of Row 1, pick up working loop, pull through space, 3 dc in same corner of 6th square…

Completing Joining Round:

Continue around the second row of squares as shown in diagram on at end of pattern. Place 3 dc between each 3dcCl and place [3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc] in each corner space, joining as you go in the same manner as before.

Next, work down the first half of unfinished short edge of 12-granny rectangle in the same manner. At intersection where Granny Rows 1 and 2 meet, work into corners as 3 dc in corner of first granny, ch 1, sl st in ch2sp between grannies of first and second rows, ch 1, 3 dc in corner of next granny. Continue along short edge with 3 dc between each 3dcCl to next corner. 

Place [3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc] in next corner and finish final edge with 3 dc between each 3dcCluster and work each intersection between grannies as was done for intersection of Granny Rows 1 and 2. 

Final Corner Where Joining Began: 3 dc, ch 1, sl st to 3rd chain to join. Do not fasten off. 

Vest Back

Notes:

• In Row 1, “Cluster” refers to a set of 3 dc from the previous round of joining grannies.
  
• Ch-5 counts as 1 tr and 1 ch1sp throughout. 
  
• Ch-4 counts as 1 tr throughout.
  
• See stitch chart in printable PDF for visual guidance. 
  
• Daisy Farm Crafts has a video tutorial on the basics of this stitch here. (Note that in this video she’s using double crochet and in this pattern, we’re using treble crochet.)

Using working yarn still attached from Vest Back Grannies:

Left Back:
(Left-Handed: Right Back)

With RS facing and yarn still attached from joining, Row 1 is worked along the nearest long side of the rectangle from the top (neck) to the bottom of the vest.

Row 1 (RS): Ch 4, tc in first corner sp, 3 tc in space between first two clusters, 3 tc in space between each cluster across. At each join seam between squares: (1 tc in corner, 1 tc in seam, 1 tc in next corner). At end of row, place 2 tc in corner sp; turn. (35  3tcClusters, 4 tc)

Row 2 (WS): Ch 4, tc in 2nd st, ch 2, *tc3tog over next 3tcCluster, ch 2; rep from * over each 3tcCluster to last 2 sts, tc in last 2 sts; turn.

Row 3 (RS): Ch 4, sk next tc, 3 tc in each ch2sp across to last 2 sts, sk next tc, 1 tc into top of tch; turn. (36  3tcClusters, 2 tc)

Stop here for Size S/M and M/L only; go to Left Armhole

Row 4 (WS): Ch 5, tc3tog over first 3tcCluster, *ch 2, tc3tog over next 3tcCluster; rep from * over each 3tcCluster to last st, ch 1, tc into top of tch; turn.

Row 5 (RS): Ch 4, 1 tc in first tc (base of ch-4), sk ch1sp, *3 tc in next ch2sp; rep from * to tch, end with 2 tc into 4th ch of tch; turn. (35  3tcClusters, 4 tc)

Stop here for Sizes L/1X, 1X/2X, and 2X/3X only; go to Left Armhole

Row 6 (WS): Ch 4, tc in 2nd st, ch 2, *tc3tog over next 3tcCluster, ch 2; rep from * over each 3tcCluster to last 2 sts, tc in last 2 sts; turn.

Row 7 (WS): Ch 4, sk next tc, 3 tc in each ch2sp across to last 2 sts, sk next tc, 1 tc into top of tch; turn. 

Stop here for Sizes 3X/4X ond 4X/5X only; go to Left Armhole

Left Armhole:
(Left-Handed: Right Armhole)

SIZES S/M, M/L, 3X/4X, and 4X/5X Only

Row 1 (WS): Ch 5, tc3tog over first 3tcCluster, ch 2, [tc3tog over next 3tcCluster, ch 2] 26 (24, -, -, -, 23, 23) times, ch 1, 1 tc in next st; turn, leaving remaining sts unworked. [27 (25, -, -, 24, 24) tc3tog clusters, 2 tc]

Row 2 (RS): Ch 4, 1 tc in first tc (base of ch-4), sk ch1sp, 3 tc in each ch2sp across, ending with 2 tc into 4th ch of tch; turn. [26 (24, -, -, -, 23, 23) 3tcClusters, 4 tc]

Row 3 (WS): Ch 4, 1 tc in next tc, ch 2, *tc3tog over next 3tcCluster, ch 2; rep from * to last 2 sts, 1 tc in next tc, 1 tc into top of tch; turn. [26 (24, -, -, -, 23, 23) tc3tog clusters, 4 tc]

Row 4 (RS): Ch 4, sk next tc, 3 tc in each ch2sp across to last 2 sts, sk next tc, 1 tc into top of tch; turn. [27 (25, -, -, -, 24, 24) 3tcCluster, 2 tc]

Stop here for Size S/M and skip to Last Row of Left Armhole.

Row 5 (WS): Ch 5, tc3tog over first 3tcCluster, *ch 2, tc3tog over next 3tcCluster; rep from * over each 3tcCluster to last st, ch 1, tc into top of tch; turn. 

Rep Rows 2-4 once more. 

Stop here for Size M/L; skip to Last Row of Left Armhole.

Rep Row 5, then Rows 2-4 once more

Stop here for Size 3X/4X; skip to Last Row of Left Armhole.

Rep Row 5, then Row 2, and go to Last Row of Left Armhole.

Stop here for Size 4X/5X; skip to Last Row of Left Armhole.

SIZES L/1X, 1X/2X, and 2X/3X Only

Row 1 (WS): Ch 4, 1 tc in next tc, ch 2, [tc3tog over next 3tcCluster, ch 2] 24 times, 1 tc in each of next next 2 tc; turn, leaving remaining sts unworked. (24 tc3tog clusters, 4 tc)

Row 2 (RS): Ch 4, sk next tc, 3 tc in each ch2sp across to last 2 sts, sk next tc, 1 tc into top of tch; turn. (25 3tcClusters, 2 tc)

Row 3 (WS): Ch 5, tc3tog over first 3tcCluster, ch 2, [tc3tog over next 3tcCluster, ch 2] 24 times, ch 1, tc next st; turn. (25 tc3tog clusters, 2 tc)

Row 4 (RS): Ch 4, 1 tc in first tc (base of ch-4), sk ch1sp, 3 tc in each ch2sp across, ending with 2 tc into 4th ch of tch; turn. (24 3tcCluster, 4 tc)

Row 5 (WS): Ch 4, 1 tc in next tc, ch 2, [tc3tog over next 3tcCluster, ch 2] 24 times, 1 tc in each of next next 2 tc; turn. (24 3tcCluster, 4 tc)

Rep Rows 2-4 once more. 

Stop here for Size L/1X and skip to Last Row of Left Armhole.

Rep Row 5, then rep Row 2.

Stop here for Size 1X/2X; skip to Last Row of Left Armhole.

Rep Rows 3-4 and go to Last Row of Left Armhole.

Stop here for Size 2X/3X; skip to Last Row of Left Armhole.

All Sizes -- Last Row of Left Armhole

Armhole should now contain 4 (8, 8, 10, 12, 12, 14) rows. The next row ends with an addition to begin working the front.

SIZES S/M, M/L, 1X/2X, and 3X/4X Only

Last Row of Left Armhole (WS): Ch 5, tc3tog over first 3tcCluster, ch 2, [tc3tog over next 3tcCluster, ch 2] 26 (24, -, 23, -, 23, -) times, ch 1, tc into 4th ch of tch; ch 38 (46, -, 46, -, 50, -). [27 (25, -, 24, -, 24, -) tc3tog clusters, 2 tc, 38 (46, -, 46, -, 50, -) ch]

SIZES L/1X, 2X/3X, and 4X/5X Only

Last Row of Left Armhole (WS): Ch 4, 1 tc in next tc, ch 2, tc3tog over first 3tcCluster, ch 2, [tc3tog over next 3tcCluster, ch 2] - (-, 23, -, 23, -, 23) times, ch 2, 1 tc in next tc, 1 tc into top of tch; ch - (-, 49, -, 49, -, 53). [- (-, 24, -, 24, -, 24) tc3tog clusters, 2 tc, - (-, 49, -, 49, -, 53) ch]

Left Front:
(Left-Handed: Right Front)

SIZES S/M, M/L, 1X/2X, and 3X/4X Only

Row 1 / Beginning Front Row (RS): Sk 4 ch (counts as 1 tc), tc in next ch, skip next ch, *tc in next 3 chs, skip next ch; rep from * until arm inset is reached; (remainder of row is worked into Last Armhole Row), 2 tc in first tc, 1 tr in first ch1sp, 3 tc in each ch2sp across, ending with 2 tc into 4th ch of tch; turn. (35 tc clusters, 4 tc) Working yarn should now be at bottom of vest.

Row 2 (WS): Ch 4, 1 tc in 2nd tc, ch 2, *tc3tog over next 3tcCluster, ch 2; rep from * over each 3tcCluster to last 2 sts, 1 tc in each of last 2 sts; turn.

Row 3 (RS): Ch 4, sk next tc, 3 tc in each ch2sp across to last 2 sts, sk next tc, 1 tc into top of tch; turn. 

Row 4 (WS): Ch 5, tc3tog over first 3tcCluster, *ch 2, tc3tog over next 3tcCluster; rep from * across to tch, ch 1, 1 tc into top of tch; turn.

Row 5 (RS): Ch 4, 1 tc in first tc (base of ch-4), sk ch1sp, 3 tc in each ch2sp across, ending with 2 tc into 4th ch of tch; turn. 

Row 6 (WS): Rep Row 2.

Row 7 (RS): Rep Row 3.

Stop here for Sizes S/M and M/L.

Row 8 (WS): Rep Row 4

Stop here for Sizes 1X/2X and 3X/4X.

SIZES L/1X, 2X/3X, and 4X/5X Only

Row 1/Beginning Front Row (RS): Sk 5 ch (counts as 1 missed ch and 1 tc), *tc in next 3 chs, skip next ch; rep until arm inset is reached; (remainder of row is worked into Last Armhole Row), sk first 2 tc, 3 tc in each ch2sp across to last 2 sts, sk next tc, 1 tc into top of tch; turn. (36 tc clusters, 2 tc) Working yarn should now be at bottom of vest.

Row 2 (WS): Ch 5, tc3tog over first 3tcCluster, *ch 2, tc3tog over next 3tcCluster; rep from * across to tch, ch 1, 1 tc into top of tch; turn.

Row 3 (RS): Ch 4, 1 tc in first tc (base of ch-4), sk ch1sp, 3 tc in each ch2sp across, ending with 2 tc into 4th ch of tch; turn. 

Row 4 (WS): Ch 4, 1 tc in 2nd tc, ch 2, *tc3tog over next 3tcCluster, ch 2; rep from * over each 3tcCluster to last 2 sts, tc in last 2 sts; turn.

Row 5 (RS): Ch 4, sk next tc, 3 tc in each ch2sp across to last 2 sts, sk next tc, 1 tc into top of tch; turn. 

Row 6 (WS): Rep Row 2.

Row 7 (RS): Rep Row 3.

Stop here for Size L/1X.

Row 8 (WS): Rep Row 4.

Stop here for Sizes 2X/3X.

Row 9 (RS): Rep Row 5.

Stop here for Sizes 4X/5X.

All Sizes

Counting from first round after granny squares were joined, Left Side should now contain 15 (19, 21, 24, 26, 28, 31) rows of tc stitches. Fasten off.

Right Back/ Armhole / Front
(Left-Handed: Left Back/Armhole/Front)

With WS facing, attach yarn in top corner by neck. 

Repeat Left Back/Armhole/Front. Note that the RS/WS designations of each row will be reversed. The RS of the Granny Squares dictate the RS of the vest.

Counting from first row after granny squares were joined, Right Side should now contain 15 (19, 21, 24, 26, 28, 31) rows of tc stitches. Place marker in live stitch and keep yarn attached for Finishing Border.

Joining Shoulders

With RS facing in and WS facing out, pin vest fronts to back at shoulders. Beginning from shoulder and working toward neck, sl st to join front to back. Rep on second side. Fasten off.

Finishing + Border

Steaming

Gently steam block vest if desired. Do not touch iron/steamer to yarn while blocking.

Finishing Border

Notes:

• Border is worked in reverse single crochet (crab stitch), which means you’re crocheting in the opposite direction you’re used to. Watch the end of this crochet fedora video tutorial for a visual demonstration.

With RS facing and using yarn still attached at bottom (bottom, bottom, top, top, top, bottom)of Right Front: 

Right-handed - work clockwise beginning with the bottom (bottom, bottom, Right Front, Right Front, Right Front, bottom) of vest.

Left-handed - work counterclockwise beginning with the Right Front (Right Front, Right Front, bottom, bottom bottom, Right Front) of vest.

Finishing Border: Ch 1, rsc evenly around entire vest placing 1 st in each tc and 2-3 sts in each row raw edge, sl st first st of round to join. Fasten off.

Weave in remaining ends. 

Wear your vest with pride knowing your bohemian spirit will shine evermore!

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