Want a fun layering piece for summer? This easy Summer Pop Vest Crochet Pattern can be dressed up or down, great for all kinds of summer fun!
Learn how to crochet a long vest for summer! The Summer Pop Vest is a great layering piece for the warmer months. This simple 8 row repeat has plenty of texture and is easy to make!
The pretty open stitches on a diagonal are accented by popcorn stitches for added texture. Simply make three rectangles with no increases or decreases and join them together.
I also made a full video tutorial that walks you through all the steps. In the video I’ll show you how to make the M/L size.
The vest is made from three rectangles: the two front panels are exactly the same and the back panel is the same pattern but with more repeats…easy! I love the popcorn stitches combined with the diagonals, it’s so eye-catching.
Another reason I love this vest is it’s versatility — go from the beach to a wedding with the same stunning layering piece.
I designed the pattern to covers women’s sizes XS to 2X. The casual, unfitted nature of this vest makes it a relaxed project that anyone can wear. It looks great from the back and hangs loosely at the sides. There are no front closures or worry about getting a great fit. Just an easy layering piece to wear with your favorite outfit.
I had such great testers for this pattern! They did beautiful work and the vest looks amazing on them! I was really happy with how they turned out. For help with sizing, Katiusca made size XS/S and Sally made 1X/2X. In the main photos, I’m wearing size M/L.
Summer Pop Vest Free Crochet Pattern
General Instructions: This breezy vest makes a great layering piece for warmer months. The pretty open stitches on a diagonal are accented by popcorn stitches for added texture. Easy construction and a simple eight row repeat makes a good introduction to lace crochet for beginners with some crochet experience.
Supplies: Size H/8 (5.0mm) and optional I/9 (5.5mm) crochet hook (or size needed to obtain gauge), yarn needle, ruler.
Yarn: Any #4/Medium (cotton blend recommended); Caron Cotton Cakes in silver cloud (60% cotton, 40% acrylic) shown; 850 (927, 1188) yards.
Gauge: 4” = 13 sts and 7 rows with H/8 (5.0mm) hook in pattern, blocked
To check gauge, crochet first 7 rows of front panel and measure a 4”x4” square. If there are too many sts, use a smaller hook. If not enough sts, use a larger hook.
Finished Measurements:
Cross back: 14 (16, 19) inches, blocked
Length: 43 (43, 48) inches, blocked
Sizing: To find your size, have a friend help you measure from shoulder to shoulder across your back. Choose the size with the cross back measurement closest to this number. Suggested sizing: XS/S (M/L, 1X/2X).
Abbreviations
and Special Stitches
ch: chain
dc: double crochet
rep: repeat
sp(s): space(s)
st(s): stitch(es)
Popcorn (pop): 4 dc in next st, drop loop from hook, insert hook from front to back in first dc of group, pull dropped loop through st (counts as 1 st).
Pattern Note: Ch 3 at the beginning of a row counts as 1 stitch.
Front Panel (make 2)
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Get the PDF download and yarn on LoveCrafts.
Ch 23 (23, 31) loosely with smaller hook or use larger hook. Continue remainder of pattern with smaller hook.
Row 1: Dc in 4th ch from hook, ch 1, sk 1 ch, *3 dc, pop, 3 dc, ch 1, sk 1; rep from * until 2 chs remain, 2 dc. 21 (21, 29) sts
Row 2: Ch 4, sk 2 dc, dc in ch 1 sp, 6 dc, *ch 1, sk 1, dc in next ch 1 sp, 6 dc; rep from * until 4 sts remain, ch 1, sk 1, dc in ch 1 sp, 1 dc, dc in top of ch 3.
Row 3: Ch 3, sk 1 dc, 2 dc, dc in ch 1 sp, ch 1, sk 1, *3 dc, pop, 2 dc, dc in ch 1 sp, ch 1, sk 1; rep from * until 6 dc remain, 3 dc, pop, 2 dc, dc in ch 4 sp, dc in 3rd ch of ch 4. (see photos A and B)
Row 4: Ch 4, sk 2 dc, *dc, ch 1, sk 1; rep from * across (working in ch 1 sps as you come to them), dc in top of ch 3.
Row 5:(For this row, work in ch 1 sps as you come to them.) Ch 3, sk 1 dc, dc in ch 1 sp, pop, *3 dc, ch 1, sk 1, 3 dc, pop; rep from * across, dc in ch 4 sp, dc in 3rd ch of ch 4.
Row 6: Ch 3, sk 1 dc, 4 dc, *ch 1, sk 1, dc in ch 1 sp, 6 dc; rep from * across, placing last dc in top of ch 3.
Row
7:
Ch 3, sk 1 dc, *3 dc, pop, 2 dc, dc in ch 1 sp, ch 1, sk 1; rep from * until 4
sts remain, 3 dc, dc in top of ch 3.
Row 8: Ch
4, sk 2 dc, *dc, ch 1, sk 1; rep from * across (working in ch 1 sps as you come
to them), placing last dc in top of ch 3.
Row 9: (For this row, work in ch 1 sps as you come to them.) Ch 3, sk 1
dc, dc in ch 1 sp, ch 1, sk 1, *3 dc, pop, 3 dc, ch 1, sk 1; rep from * across,
dc in ch 4 sp, dc in 3rd ch of ch 4.
Rep rows 2-9 7 (7, 8) more times. Rep rows 2-8 once more. 72 (72, 80) rows total. Tie off, weave in loose ends.
Back Panel
Ch 47 (55, 63) loosely with smaller hook or use larger hook. Continue remainder of pattern with smaller hook.
Row 1: Dc in 4th ch from hook, ch 1, sk 1 ch, *3 dc, pop, 3 dc, ch 1, sk 1; rep from * until 2 chs remain, 2 dc. 45 (53, 61) sts
Follow directions same as for front panel (beginning with row 2).
Blocking
Blocking is a great way to give your vest a more refined appearance, great for gift giving! Spray each panel with water until it is slightly damp. Lay flat on a blocking board or other soft surface and gently spread panel to finished measurements. Pin in place and leave to dry overnight. Blocking boards and T pins work great for this but if you don’t have those, you can use several layers of towels and regular sewing pins (make sure they can get wet without rusting).
Assembly
1. To join shoulder seams, lay back panel and one front panel flat with top edges touching and outer edge lined up. Slip stitch, matching stitches evenly to join. Repeat with other front panel on opposite side. (See photo C)
2. To create side seams, fold garment in half so outer edges line up evenly. Measure 9 (10, 12) inches from top edge and mark where to begin joining. (See photo D) Use yarn needle and ladder stitch to join side seam. Repeat with other front panel on opposite side.
I hope you enjoyed this pattern! Tag me on Instagram with #tealandfinch and #summerpopvest so I can see your lovely work! I’d love it if you join along with me @tealandfinch.
Get the PDF download on Etsy.
Get the PDF download on Ravelry.
Get the PDF download and yarn on LoveCrafts.
Want another great summer crochet project using Caron Cotton Cakes? Check out my Summer Top Crochet Pattern!
I want to make sleeves how do i do that?
Hi Laura! That’s a really fun idea! I haven’t worked that out but the basically you would make your 3 panels, then sew the shoulder seams together. Make two rectangles for the sleeves. Attach the sleeves to your panels. Then sew the side seam of your sleeve and side seam of your vest all in one step. I hope that helps!