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Easy Breezy Lightweight Summer Vest Crochet Pattern

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If there’s one accessory we need in the summer months, it’s a crochet pattern to wear with our tanks and shorts – or an adorable romper. It’s hot outside and you want to wear as little as possible without feeling exposed. I feel you, friend. Which is why I have UPDATED one of my most popular summertime crochet patterns – the Easy Breezy Lightweight Summer Vest Crochet Pattern!

Easy Breezy Lightweight Summer Vest free Crochet Pattern

Lightweight Summer Vest Crochet Pattern

When I decided to rework this summer vest pattern I made it a bit longer and added a second size. This pattern now includes a “one size” and a “plus size” and I couldn’t love it more! I even added a VIDEO tutorial! 👐

how to crochet a summer vest free pattern

For this Easy Breezy Lightweight Summer Vest Crochet Pattern we use filet crochet. This means that we are creating a crocheted “mesh” using the double crochet stitch and chain-2s.

All double crochets will line up making uniform little “blocks”. We’ll leave the arm holes open, then add optional fringe and optional button or tie closure. The vest is not intended to provide much actual coverage at all, rather just a bit of modesty – and a lot of style!

filet crochet vest

The “one size” fits adults up to about large/XL and the “plus size” fits up to about 4XL. The vest as written (and when on gauge) is approximately 50″ tall with instructions in the pattern notes on how to shorten or lengthen as needed.

cotlin yarn

For this pattern we are using Cotlin yarn. This is a 70% Tanguis Cotton, 30% Linen blend that is perfect for summer wearables. The cotton allows the fabric to breathe and will not allow the garment to stretch overmuch.

full length summer vest free crochet pattern

Other good options would be Sugarwheel cotton or Lion Brand Comfy Cotton, or any lightweight cotton blend yarn that allows you to meet gauge. As always, buy an extra skein just in case but with how this pattern is worked we don’t need much yarn at all. I love that!

Sizes: 

“One Size” – up to ~ large/XL

“Plus Size” – up to ~ 4XL

Materials:

Cotlin Yarn (DK/Size 3, Cotton/Linen Blend – “Swan” colorway pictured)
-approx. (600, 725) yards

Crochet hook in size I/5.5mm

Gauge:

8 blocks = 6.5” wide and 6 rows = 4” tall

Gauge pattern:

Row 1: Ch-29, dc in 8th ch from hook. * Ch-2, sk 2 chs, dc in next * repeat between * * to end. (8 blocks)

Rows 2 – 6: Ch-5 (counts as dc + ch-2 here and throughout), turn, sk-first ch-sp, dc in next dc. * ch-2, dc in next dc * repeat between * * 5 more times. Ch-2, dc in 3rd ch from beg ch.

Square should measure approx. 6.5” wide x 4” tall

Pattern Notes:

Pattern written using US terms.

This pattern is worked vertically in rows, from the neck to the hem.

Each block is approximately ⅞” wide. Since we are working this vest in vertical rows, this is how tall each block will be. The height of 56 blocks as written should make the vest ~50” tall.

Each “block” is three stitches wide, consisting of two chains and a double crochet. If you need to lengthen or shorten the vest, add or remove from the beginning chain in multiples of three.

If you would like the ad-free version of this pattern, you can grab that on the Heart Hook Home blog shop, Ravlery or Etsy for an itty bitty fee. Thank you!

crochet blocks for lightweight summer vest pattern

Back:

Row 1: Ch-173 dc in 8th chain from hook. * ch-2, sk-2 chs, dc in next ch * repeat between * * to end. (56 blocks)

Rows 2 – (24, 28): Ch-5 (counts as dc + ch-2 here and throughout), turn, sk-first ch-sp, dc in next dc. * ch-2, dc in next dc * repeat between * * 53 more times. Ch-2, dc in 3rd ch from beg ch. (56 blocks)

Do not fasten off.

First side of vest front:

Row 1: Ch-5, sk first ch-2. * dc in top of next dc, ch-2 * repeat between * * (40, 36) more times, dc in top of next dc (42, 38 blocks made) ch-(41, 53), sk-remaining (14, 18) blocks, join to third ch from very top corner with sl st.

Row 2: Ch-5, turn, sk first 2 chs, dc in next ch * ch-2, sk 2 chs, dc in next ch * repeat between * * (11, 15) more times. Ch-2, * dc in top of next dc, ch-2 * repeat between * * to end. Dc in third ch from previous row’s beg ch. (56 blocks)

Rows 3 – (8, 12): Ch-5, turn, sk first ch-2. * dc in top of next dc, ch-2 * repeat between * * to end. Dc in third ch from previous row’s beg ch. (56 blocks)

Row (9, 13): Ch-5, turn, sk first ch-2, dc in top of next dc. * Ch-2, dc in top of next dc * repeat between * * 52 more times (54 fully formed blocks) ch-2, sl st to top of next dc.

Row (10, 14): Turn, sl st in next two chs. Sl st to top of first dc. Ch-2, sk next ch-2, dc in top of next dc. * ch-2, dc in top of next dc * repeat between * * to end. Ch-2, dc in third ch from previous row’s beg ch. (53 fully formed blocks)

Row (11, 15): Ch-5, turn, sk first ch-2, dc in top of next dc. * Ch-2, dc in top of next dc * repeat between * * 50 more times (52 fully formed blocks) ch-2, sl st to top of next dc.

Row (12, 16): Turn, sl st in next two chs. Sl st to top of first dc. Ch-2, sk next ch-2, dc in top of next dc. * Ch-2, dc in top of next dc * repeat between * * to end. Ch-2, dc in third ch from previous row’s beg ch. (51 fully formed blocks)

Row (13, 17): Ch-5, turn, sk first ch-2. Dc in top of next dc * Ch-2, dc in top of next dc * repeat between * * 48 more times (50 fully formed blocks) ch-2, sl st to top of next dc.

Row (14, 18): Turn, sl st in next two chs. Sl st to top of first dc. Ch-2, sk next ch-2, dc in top of next dc. * Ch-2, dc in top of next dc * repeat between * * to end. Ch-2, dc in third ch from previous row’s beg ch. (49 fully formed blocks)

Row (15, 19): Ch-5, turn, sk first ch-2. Dc in top of next dc * Ch-2, dc in top of next dc * repeat between * * 46 more times (48 fully formed blocks) ch-2, sl st to top of next dc.

Row (16, 20): Turn, sl st in next two chs. Sl st to top of first dc. Ch-2, sk next ch-2, dc in top of next dc. * Ch-2, dc in top of next dc * repeat between * * to end. Ch-2, dc in third ch from previous row’s beg ch. (47 fully formed blocks)

Row (17, 21): Ch-5, turn, sk first ch-2. Dc in top of next dc * Ch-2, dc in top of next dc * repeat between * * 44 more times (46 fully formed blocks) ch-2, sl st to top of next dc.

Row (18, 22): Turn, sl st in next two chs. Sl st to top of first dc. Ch-2, sk next ch-2, dc in top of next dc. * Ch-2, dc in top of next dc * repeat between * * to end. Ch-2, dc in third ch from previous row’s beg ch. (45 fully formed blocks)

Do not fasten off, we’ll use this yarn to crochet the edging later. Use a new ball of yarn if possible to start second “front”.

Second side of vest front:

Row 1: With the top of the vest to your right and looking at the “back”, and leaving a ~36” long tail, attach yarn to opposite top right corner with sl st. Ch-(42, 54), sk first (14, 18) blocks, * dc in next dc, ch-2 * repeat between * * to end, dc in third ch from previous row’s beg ch. (42, 54 chains and 42, 38 blocks)

Row 2: Ch-5, turn, sk first ch-2. * dc in top of next dc, ch-2 * repeat between * * to chain, dc in last dc before armhole. * Ch-2, sk 2 chs, dc in next ch * repeat between * * to end. (56 blocks)

Row 3 – (8, 12): Ch-5, turn, sk first ch-2. * dc in top of next dc, ch-2 * repeat between * * to end. Dc in third ch from previous row’s beg ch. (56 blocks).

Row (9, 13): Turn, sl st in next two chs. Sl st to top of first dc. Ch-2, sk next ch-2, dc in top of next dc. * Ch-2, dc in top of next dc * repeat between * * to end. Ch-2, dc in third ch from previous row’s beg ch. (54 fully formed blocks)

Row (10, 14): Ch-5, turn, sk first ch-2. * Ch-2, dc in top of next dc * repeat between * * 51 more times (53 fully formed blocks) ch-2, sk-2 chs, sl st to top of next dc.

Row (11, 15): Turn, sl st in next two chs. Sl st to top of first dc. Ch-2, sk next ch-2, dc in top of next dc. * Ch-2, dc in top of next dc * repeat between * * to end. Ch-2, dc in third ch from previous row’s beg ch. (52 fully formed blocks)

Row (12, 16): Ch-5, turn, sk first ch-2. * Ch-2, dc in top of next dc * repeat between * * 49 more times (51 fully formed blocks) ch-2, sk-2 chs, sl st to top of next dc.

Row (13, 17): Turn, sl st in next two chs. Sl st to top of first dc. Ch-2, sk next ch-2, dc in top of next dc. * Ch-2, dc in top of next dc * repeat between * * to end. Ch-2, dc in third ch from previous row’s beg ch. (50 fully formed blocks)

Row (14, 18): Ch-5, turn, sk first ch-2. * Ch-2, dc in top of next dc * repeat between * * 47 more times (49 fully formed blocks) ch-2, sk-2 chs, sl st to top of next dc.

Row (15, 19): Turn, sl st in next two chs. Sl st to top of first dc. Ch-2, sk next ch-2, dc in top of next dc. * Ch-2, dc in top of next dc * repeat between * * to end. Ch-2, dc in third ch from previous row’s beg ch. (48 fully formed blocks)

Row (16, 20): Ch-5, turn, sk first ch-2. * Ch-2, dc in top of next dc * repeat between * * 45 more times (47 fully formed blocks) ch-2, sk-2 chs, sl st to top of next dc.

Row (17, 21): Turn, sl st in next two chs. Sl st to top of first dc. Ch-2, sk next ch-2, dc in top of next dc. * Ch-2, dc in top of next dc * repeat between * * to end. Ch-2, dc in third ch from previous row’s beg ch. (46 fully formed blocks)

Row (18, 22): Ch-5, turn, sk first ch-2. * Ch-2, dc in top of next dc * repeat between * * 43 more times (45 fully formed blocks) ch-2, sk-2 chs, sl st to top of next dc.

Finishing:

Line up “front” to “back” and sew together block for block. Sew only the first (7, 11) rows on each front. (the ones that are “fully formed” blocks). Repeat for other shoulder. Weave in ends.

Using the tail from the first vest “front side”, ch-1, turn, 2sc around each ch-sp around the entire front opening of vest (including neck). Fasten off and weave in ends.

Optional:

Cut fringe pieces to about 7” long and attach in bundles of 2 strands every other row end  along entire bottom edge. Add a large/toggle button OR chain-50 (or as long as you want) and add as a tie closures. I did neither but you can do either (or both)!

Lightweight Summer Vest VIDEO Tutorial:

YouTube video
I hope you enjoyed crocheting this vest and that you will share a picture with me by tagging @HeartHookHome across all social media, or in the Heart Hook Home Crochet Community on Facebook.

Lightweight Summer Vest free crochet pattern

Voila! Isn’t it gorgeous? I hope you love this Easy Breezy Lightweight Summer Vest Crochet pattern as much as I do!

More free crochet patterns:

Shell Yeah! Free Tunic Crochet Pattern

Spring Vest Crochet Along Materials & Dates

Child Size Summer Vest Crochet Pattern (American Girl, Toddler, Child, Pre-Teen)

Summer Bag Free Crochet Pattern

Seattle Scarf: Free Crochet Pattern

Track Stitch Tunic: Free Crochet Pattern (XS – 5XL)

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78 Comments

  1. I'm not sure if somebody has mentioned this already. But there seems to be an error in the one size.... when going to row 2 of the first side of the vest it says to repeat 11 more times but the very next instruction says rows 3 through 8 and then you start the reduce.... so do you do 11 or do you do 8 more rows? Do you even read these anymore?
    1. Hi Desiree! You will do 8 rows before starting the decrease rows. The "repeat 11 more times" in row 2 is referring to the instructions in between the asterisks in that row.
  2. Hi Ashlea I am very new at crotchetting. Please bear with if I'm asking obvious questions. I am crotchetting the plus size vest and stuck at the back section of vest. I started with 173 ch and crotchet 28 rows up. I'm not sure where the armhole suppose to go and how many blocks I should allow for it as shown in the video.
  3. Hello, I'm working on the regular size Back about how wide should it be after the 28 Rows...I met Guage but tend to crochet tight and am worried its not wide enough.
    1. Hi Kimberly! After 28 rows it should measure approximately 18.5" across. However, if you are making the "one size", it only goes to 24 rows and would be about 16". Hope this helps!
  4. Ashlea...thanks so much for this pattern...I made a vest a really long time ago when I was a new bride and Mom...probably in the early 70's...had been wanting to do one again and then you answered my want...this perfectly fits my want...I made it and am wearing it as I write this...oh and I am a Nebraskan that lives in Colorado Springs... Thanks again for posting this pattern...I am delighted!
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  6. Hi! I have a question, I'm working on the front part of the vest, and I think I'm doing something wrong. When I finish row 2 of this part how many blocks should I have? I keep getting 51, and I'm not sure if that's the correct amount. or should I still be getting 50? What am I doing wrong? Thanks
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  9. Finished with crochet hook turned out cute sad to say it's too small so I'm gonna add rows all along front and around collar see what the does
  10. Is the vest worked top down? I'd like to make one but shorten it for my sister (she's looking for a Janis Joplin type vest). Thanks!
    1. Hi Laura! This vest is worked from the bottom up, so if you would like it shorter, simply do fewer rows in the first section. Hope this helps!
    2. Hi Ashley, thank you for this pattern! I have finished the back, but for a size xl it looks too narrow. It isn't until the end of this part of the instructions that it says "If making larger size, simply continue adding rows" If I continue adding rows, it only makes it longer, right?
      1. Hi Mikki! This pattern is worked vertically, so adding rows will increase the width. Hope this helps!
        1. So the 155 stitches in the beginning row is for the width? With only 26 rows, this only makes it 16 inches long. In counting the rows on your in the picture, it looks to be about 50 rows. I'm missing something!
          1. No, the 155 sts (50 blocks) of each row is the length of the vest...if it is too narrow across the back after completing 26 rows, then you can add rows until that back section is wide enough for you. Does this make sense?
        2. Ok, so the 155 actually goes up the length of the back rather than across it! Got it, thank you!
          1. Hi again Ashlea, it's the problem child again..lol..so I have started on the front and have done the row with the 54 ch for the arm hole. The next row it says to do 16 of the DC ch2 DC. I did 14 blocks and the next is where I stopped from the previous row for the arm hole chs. I'm confused as to what to do. I hope this makes sense. It won't let me add a picture to show you.
          2. Hi! You can send pictures to the Heart Hook Home facebook page or to support@hearthookhome.com. I may be able to better help if I can see what the problem is.
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  12. This is soooo cute! If I didn't want to buy new yarn, but stash bust, do you think this would work at all with size 4 yarn? Or would it be too bulky? Would I have to use a different needle size? Thanks for sharing!!
    1. Hi Alexandria! Yes, you can use a 4 weight yarn and I think you could probably stay with the pattern suggested hook size. The vest may work up a bit larger with the bigger yarn, so you may need (or want) to remove a few blocks from the length by shortening your starting chain. Each block is 3 sts, so if you wanted to remove 5 blocks from the length, you would subtract 15 from your starting chain. Hope this helps!
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  14. I have followed the pattern word for word, using the same hook as suggested and did not have enough mandala to finish let alone have any left over :/ I’m disappointed. I only had one mandala and was excited it would be enough :(
    1. I have a question on the finishing it says 2sc around the chain 2 spaces how do you that with a tapestry Needle? Thanks
      1. Hi Becky! You only use the tapestry needle for sewing the shoulders...after you do that, then you will use your crochet hook to sc around the front opening of the vest. I apologize if that wasn't more clear. Hope this helps!
    1. Hi Lana! I have a full tutorial here: https://www.facebook.com/HeartHookHome/videos/1844349095855209/
  15. Hi I love this pattern, but every time I try to look for mandala yarn number 3 in cotton all I can find is acrylic. Is this really in cotton? Because I can’t find it even with the link that you shared Thank you
    1. Hi Amber! Mandala is an acrylic yarn...I was indicating in parentheses that you could use any lightweight or 3 weight yarn in either cotton or acrylic as an alternative to mandala. Sorry for the confusion!
  16. Hi, Ashlea Thanks so much for this marvelous pattern. Do you have any recommendations on adding sleeves and perhaps a hood?
    1. Hi Carolyn! To add sleeves, you would attach yarn at bottom of armhole and work the *DC, ch2* stitch pattern in the round...continue the rows until desired sleeve length is reached. You might want to make the armhole a bit smaller though, so the sleeves aren't too baggy. I wouldn't add a hood to this particular pattern, however, I do have another vest pattern that does have the hood...it can be found here: https://hearthookhome.com/sweet-summertime-lightweight-hooded-vest-free-crochet-pattern/
  17. Left you a message on YouTube for the pattern, I'm very good reading pattern am bit confused about the front panels and arm holes.... please look at your message on YouTube!
  18. Love your summer vest! Any chance there is a video tutorial out there somewhere for those of us that get stuck & need a visual?
    1. Hi Colleen! I do have a video tutorial posted in the child size that can be found here: http://hearthookhome.com/child-size-summer-vest-crochet-pattern/
    1. Hi Adelle! You can absolutely try it with sock yarn. You will need to go down several hook sizes and increase your starting chain in multiples of three until you reach your desired vest length. Hope that helps!
  19. I love this pattern. Will size 3 cotton thread work or does it need to be yarn. I did not know if they are the same size since they have the same number.
    1. Hi Sandy! No, they are not the same. The cotton thread is significantly thinner. You can try it though...you will need to go down several hook sizes and increase your starting chain in multiples of three to your desired length.
  20. On row 2 of the first front of the best, after i make my 16 squares and the remaining stitches then turn I am confused. Do I just continue rows 3-8 making the 16 squares?
  21. I’ve made a few of your patterns and I LOVE them they’re so simple and come out amazing!!! Just finished this Easy Breezy Vest!!! I’m wondering how I could make it shorter in length also if possible? Thanks so much!!!!
    1. Hi Audrey! I'm so glad you are enjoying my patterns! To make the vest shorter you just need to reduce the number of starting chains. The stitch pattern is in multiples of three, so say you want the vest 5 blocks shorter, then you would subtract 15 from your starting chain. Hope that helps!
  22. I need hto make this much smaller. About sze 4 or Small. How much should I decrease by? I am not experienced at making garments. Thank you. I just love this pattern.
    1. Hi Sue! Just like you would add rows for larger sizes, you can do fewer rows to make the width smaller. Hope that helps!
  23. This is just what I have been looking for, how can I make it shorter, how many chains would I start with, thank you, your pattern is so cute.
    1. Hey! I'm glad you like it. For each less block you want, subtract 3 chain stitches from your beginning chain. Hope that helps!
  24. Would there be a chance for you to make a video making this best. I'm a Visual Person ... I follow better if I can What I need to do ... then the pattern makes sense Thanks so much LOVE HEART HOOK & HOME
    1. Hi Mona! I did create a video for this on my Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/HeartHookHome/videos/1770542899902496/
  25. It was pretty easy to follow. Thank you for all that you do!! You rock!! Made one for my sister in law for her birthday. Keep up the great work and look forward to doing the cold shoulder top!
  26. I made this vest. Pattern was so easy to follow and it worked up in no time. I did have to add more rows but it wasn't even as issue. I posted the finished picture on facebook and was asked by several people to make one for them! Thank you for posting this pattern.
  27. Thanks for the pattern! if possible, could you explain a bit more or the some pictures of how to sew everything together? I have these separate pieces and I'm a but confused on how to finish it! Thanks! :)
      1. Thanks a bunch! I'm having some issue figuring out the pattern for the vest ~_~ I am a knitter by trade and I'm trying to learn how to crochet! I've got the whole back done, I'm am now just trying to figure everything else out :)
    1. Thanks so much for the pattern! Quick question: I began making the vest and after the chain 155 for the adult size. It asks to D.C. in the 8th ch from the hook,etc. and then ch 2, skip 2 and D.C. to the end and there should be 50 blocks. My question is after that series on row 1 I ended up with 2 stitches left at the end. What do I do with the them? Should I skip one and just work a D.C. in the last stitch?
  28. I need help. I don't understand in row 1, where you sl stitch the chain 54. It says join to the third ch from very top corner. I'm not sure what top corner. Thanks.
  29. Ok so I don't have the Mandala brand (our Walmarts don't carry it) but I do have Caron cakes which is 383yds. Will this work? Also I'm kinda short so I was planning on not making it as long as yours. Should I try it and play yarn chicken and see who wins???
    1. Not the front, just make sure that you're slip stitching instead of double crocheting after you do the last chain-2. I can help if needed!
    1. You are welcome! Make sure you share a photo in the Facebook group when you're done! https://www.facebook.com/groups/HeartHookHome
  30. Not being very fashion savvy, would this vest work with a t-shirt? I don't wear tanks but like the idea of a summer vest.