Cottage Vest

I’m so pleased to have finally arrived at yet another pattern debut! This design has a bit of a backwards history, since it originally started as a draft for a more complicated pattern (much like my Priestess Coat) – but turned out to have such a different silhouette and structure from the final version, I eventually had to go back and re-engineer it for release as a separate design.

Little did I know this piece would really catch people’s eye when I wore it in some photos for other crochet patterns, and demand was high enough that I set myself to the task of writing it sometime last year – back in August I think? Well, I needed to pin down juuuuuuust the right fit, and write out six total sizes, then get them tested by an awesome group of pattern testers – so here we finally are!

The Cottage Vest is available for purchase as a downloadable, printable PDF in my Ravelry Store , Ko-fi Shop, and Etsy Shop. Read on for more details about this original crochet pattern or follow the links to get the pattern directly 🙂 As always, thank you all so much for your continued support of my art!

Cottage Vest Crochet Pattern

This figure flattering circular vest packs all the charm of the simple life into an easily-constructed and quick crochet project you won’t be able to stop layering over sweet sundresses, plain tees, strappy summer halters or even your favorite overalls 😉 Featuring button-front panels that cradle the bust and a whimsical pointed back, this design is great for any #4 weight yarn and includes lots of instructions for getting the perfect fit!

I drew inspiration everywhere from Turkish vests to dirndls to hobbits to get just the right silhouette on this versatile layering piece which includes instructions for six total sizes XS – 2XL, detailed stitch instructions, and notes on how to modify the front portion and front panel placement for customizing fit – and of course lots of tutorial photos! The Cottage Vest is right at home whether you’re dressing up for Ren fairs, for dancing or just for puttering around the Shire.

Materials Needed:
5.50 mm hook (or size needed to obtain gauge)Lion Brand Pound of Love (#4 weight yarn, 454 g / 1020 yd, 100% Acrylic) – 1 skein
OR
XS-SM: 250 yds
MD-LG: 350-375 yds
XL-2XL: 400-450 yds
(yardage approximated)

4-5 buttons, 1.5 – 2” diameter
Stitch markers
Tapestry needle
Scissors

Finished Measurements (Bust, Length from Collar to Center back point).
XS: 26”, 18”
SM: 28”, 19”
MD: 32”, 21”
LG: 36”,  22”
XL: 40”, 23”
2XL: 44”, 24”

***Note on Sizing: Measurements given are approximate for finished garment laying flat –  this does not take into account the stretch of the piece. The Cottage Vest is designed for an “undersized” fit that supports the bust and therefore the measurements for each size’s overall width is made smaller than standard to serve that purpose. However, the pattern easily accommodates how to add more rows to expand the width if necessary; this is written into the instructions for the rounds after the armholes and for the  Front Panels.

Language: English
Pattern is written in US crochet terminology.

I think I must have made about 20 of these things getting the pattern ratios right! The really nice thing about them is that they look great with cheapie acrylic worsted weight yarn, so you don’t have to rush out and get a special yarn or worry much about matching a substitute yarn – what you need is likely already in your stash 🙂

But for now, I’m off to dig in the dirt a little and enjoy this lovely spring weather 😉

-MF