Beginner Crochet Vest Pattern: Easy V-Stitch Lace Cardigan Boho Summer Top

If you’ve been looking for a crochet project that feels a little fancy without actually being that hard, this is it. This beginner crochet vest pattern creates a breezy, beautiful V-stitch lace cardigan that looks like something you’d find hanging in a boho boutique for three times what it costs to make yourself. Whether you’re pairing it over a swimsuit on the beach, layering it over a sundress for a festival, or throwing it on with jeans and a tank top, this lightweight summer top delivers maximum style with minimal fuss.

This pattern uses the V-stitch — one of the most beginner-friendly crochet stitches there is — repeated in a way that creates an elegant lace effect. If you know how to chain, make a single crochet, and make a double crochet, you have everything you need to make this vest. That’s it. No special techniques, no confusing construction, no sewing pieces together for hours. Just clean, rhythmic stitching that works up quickly and looks absolutely stunning when finished.

Below you’ll find everything: materials, sizing, stitch guide, the full written pattern, finishing instructions, and tips for customizing it to suit your style. A PDF download is available so you can print this pattern and take it with you wherever you like to crochet.

Why You’ll Love This Pattern

There’s a reason lace cardigans never go out of style. They add texture and dimension to an outfit without adding bulk or weight. During summer, that matters. A solid crochet vest can feel heavy and warm, but a lace vest made with open V-stitches allows airflow while still giving you that layered, put-together look.

This particular design is worked top-down, which means you start at the shoulders and work your way down toward the hem. Top-down construction is beloved by crocheters because it lets you try the piece on as you go, adjusting the length without having to rip back large sections. It also means there’s very little finishing work at the end — no sewing side seams, no picking up stitches awkwardly. You just crochet, bind off, weave in your ends, and wear it.

The V-stitch lace pattern creates a chevron-like visual rhythm across the fabric. It has a natural drape that makes the finished cardigan hang beautifully against the body. The armholes are open, giving it that classic sleeveless vest silhouette, but you can absolutely add sleeves later if you prefer a cardigan look.

Materials You’ll Need

Before you start, gather the following supplies. Everything listed here is widely available at craft stores and online.

Yarn: Choose a lightweight yarn in DK weight or light worsted (size 3 or size 4). For the most breathable summer result, look for yarns made with cotton, linen, bamboo, or a cotton-acrylic blend. Avoid anything described as “warm” or “cozy” — you want cool and drapey. You’ll need approximately 400–800 yards depending on your size (see sizing notes below).

Some yarn suggestions that work beautifully for this pattern include Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton, WeCrochet CotLin, Paintbox Cotton DK, and Drops Safran. All of these have excellent stitch definition, which helps the V-stitch lace really pop.

Hook: Use a 5.0 mm (H/8) crochet hook for DK weight yarn, or a 5.5 mm (I/9) for light worsted. Always check your gauge swatch before starting.

Notions: A yarn needle for weaving in ends, scissors, stitch markers (helpful but optional), and a measuring tape.

Sizing and Measurements

This pattern is written for sizes XS through 3XL. Read through the sizing section carefully and measure your actual body before choosing a size — crochet sizing can vary depending on yarn and hook choice.

The finished measurements listed below refer to the bust circumference of the completed garment. This vest is designed with approximately 4–6 inches of positive ease, meaning it will be 4–6 inches larger than your actual bust measurement to create a relaxed, flowy fit.

XS fits a 28–32 inch bust and requires approximately 400 yards of yarn. The finished garment measures roughly 34 inches around.

Small fits a 32–36 inch bust and requires approximately 480 yards. Finished garment measures roughly 38 inches.

Medium fits a 36–40 inch bust and requires approximately 560 yards. Finished garment measures roughly 42 inches.

Large fits a 40–44 inch bust and requires approximately 640 yards. Finished garment measures roughly 46 inches.

XL fits a 44–48 inch bust and requires approximately 700 yards. Finished garment measures roughly 50 inches.

2XL fits a 48–52 inch bust and requires approximately 750 yards. Finished garment measures roughly 54 inches.

3XL fits a 52–56 inch bust and requires approximately 800 yards. Finished garment measures roughly 58 inches.

The finished length of the vest from shoulder to hem is approximately 22–24 inches, depending on the size. The pattern notes where you can add extra rows to lengthen the vest if desired.

Gauge

Gauge is the number of stitches and rows that fit into a 4×4 inch square. Getting gauge right is what ensures your finished garment will actually fit, so please don’t skip making a gauge swatch.

For this pattern: 3 V-stitches and 5 rows = 4 inches, blocked.

To make a gauge swatch, chain 20 and work the V-stitch pattern for at least 10 rows. Block your swatch by wetting it, gently squeezing out the water, laying it flat, and letting it dry completely. Then measure it. If your swatch is larger than the gauge, go down a hook size. If it’s smaller, go up a hook size.

Stitch Glossary

Here’s a quick reference for every stitch used in this pattern.

Chain (ch): The foundation of crochet. Make a slip knot, yarn over, pull through the loop.

Slip stitch (sl st): Insert hook into stitch, yarn over, pull through both loops on the hook in one movement.

Single crochet (sc): Insert hook into stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop (2 loops on hook), yarn over, pull through both loops.

Double crochet (dc): Yarn over, insert hook into stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop (3 loops on hook), yarn over, pull through 2 loops, yarn over, pull through remaining 2 loops.

V-stitch (V-st): Work (dc, ch 1, dc) all into the same stitch or space. This creates the “V” shape that forms the lace pattern.

Chain-1 space (ch-1 sp): The small gap created by a chain-1 between two double crochets. This is where you’ll insert your hook on the following rows.

Pattern Notes

Read through all the notes before beginning.

The pattern is worked flat, back and forth in rows, meaning you’ll turn your work at the end of each row. When turning, the turning chain of 3 counts as the first double crochet of the row.

The vest is constructed in two panels (a front and a back) that are joined at the shoulders, leaving openings for the armholes. Alternatively, if you feel confident, you can work the body in the round and then divide for the armholes — instructions for both methods are included.

All stitch counts in parentheses represent the number of V-stitches in each row, not total chain or double crochet counts.

When the pattern says “work into the ch-1 sp,” it means you insert your hook under the chain-1 space of the V-stitch from the row below, not into the chain itself.

The Pattern

Foundation and Back Panel

Begin by chaining a multiple of 3, plus 2. The number of chains you start with determines your width.

For XS: ch 53. For S: ch 62. For M: ch 71. For L: ch 80. For XL: ch 89. For 2XL: ch 98. For 3XL: ch 107.

Row 1 (RS): Starting in the 4th chain from the hook, work 1 dc. Skip 1 ch, work a V-stitch into the next ch. Repeat (skip 1, V-stitch into next ch) across until 2 chains remain. Skip 1, work 2 dc into the final chain. Turn.

Row 2: Ch 3 (counts as dc). Work a V-stitch into the ch-1 space of each V-stitch across the row. End with 1 dc into the top of the turning chain from the previous row. Turn.

Repeat Row 2 until the back panel measures 14 inches from the foundation chain, or until you’ve reached your desired length to the underarm.

At this point, fasten off and set the back panel aside.

Front Panels

The vest front is split into two separate panels to create the open V-neckline. Each front panel is worked separately, then joined to the back at the shoulders.

Right Front Panel

Chain the following:

XS: ch 26. S: ch 29. M: ch 32. L: ch 35. XL: ch 38. 2XL: ch 41. 3XL: ch 44.

Work Row 1 the same as the back panel. Then work Row 2 (the V-stitch repeat row) until the right front measures the same length as the back panel to the underarm. Fasten off.

Left Front Panel

Repeat the instructions for the right front panel. The two panels are mirror images of each other in the finished vest.

Joining the Shoulders

Lay the back panel on a flat surface with the right side facing up. Place the right front panel on top of it, lining up the outer edge of the front panel with the outer edge of the back panel. The shoulder join happens across the first several V-stitches at the top of each panel.

For XS and S: Join the first 3 V-stitches at the shoulder. For M and L: Join the first 4 V-stitches. For XL through 3XL: Join the first 5 V-stitches.

Join by slip-stitching through both layers together, or by using the preferred flat join method: place the panels together with wrong sides facing, insert your hook through the corresponding stitches on both panels at once, and sl st across. This creates a neat, visible seam on the right side that adds a nice design detail.

Repeat for the left shoulder.

After joining the shoulders, you’ll have a large open space in the middle at the top — that’s your neckline — and open spaces on the sides — those are your armholes.

Side Seams

Line up the side edges of the front and back panels. Leave the top 7–8 inches open on each side for the armhole. Join the remaining lower edges using the same slip stitch or flat join method. This creates your side seams and completes the basic vest structure.

Finishing the Edges

Armhole Border

With right side facing, attach yarn at the bottom of one armhole opening. Work a round of single crochet evenly around the entire armhole opening. Join with a slip stitch. Fasten off and weave in ends. Repeat for the second armhole.

If you’d like a slightly more polished look, add a second round of reverse single crochet (also called crab stitch) after the first round of single crochet. Work from left to right instead of the usual right to left — this creates a twisted, cord-like edge that lies flat and gives the armhole a finished, professional appearance.

Neckline and Front Border

For the front opening and neckline, attach yarn at the bottom right corner of the vest. Work single crochet up the right front edge, across the back of the neckline, and down the left front edge. Turn the corner and work across the bottom hem if desired.

If you want to add a clasp or button closure, work two or three evenly spaced buttonhole rows (chain 2, skip 2 sc) along the right front edge on the second pass, and attach corresponding buttons on the left front edge.

An optional addition that looks gorgeous on this vest: work a simple shell border along the bottom hem. After completing the sc border row, work 5 dc into every third stitch along the bottom for a scalloped shell effect. This takes less than 30 minutes and dramatically elevates the finished look.

Blocking Your Vest

Blocking is the process of wetting or steaming your finished project and shaping it to the correct dimensions. It’s an optional but highly recommended step, especially with lace patterns. Blocking opens up the V-stitch lace motif, smooths out any uneven tension, and helps the garment hang beautifully.

To wet block: Submerge the vest in cool water, gently squeeze out the water (don’t wring), roll it in a towel to remove excess moisture, then lay it flat on a blocking board or clean towel. Pin it gently to the correct dimensions using rust-proof pins. Let it dry completely — usually 24 hours.

To steam block (better for acrylic blends): Lay the vest flat and hover a steam iron several inches above the fabric. Let the steam penetrate the fibers. Don’t press down with the iron. Pin if needed and let cool and dry completely before moving.

Customization Ideas

One of the best things about this pattern is how easily it adapts to your personal taste and the occasion you’re making it for.

Change the length. Work extra rows on all panels before joining the shoulders to make a longer duster-style vest. Or stop earlier for a cropped bolero that hits right at the waist. Both versions are stunning over a maxi dress.

Add fringe. Cut lengths of yarn twice as long as your desired fringe. Fold each piece in half, insert the folded loop through the bottom edge of the vest, pull the cut ends through the loop, and pull tight. Repeat across the bottom hem for a full boho fringe effect.

Try a gradient or variegated yarn. Self-striping or gradient yarns make this pattern even more eye-catching because the V-stitch lace creates a geometric canvas for the color transitions to play across. Planet Penny, Scheepjes Whirl, or any hand-dyed gradient yarn would be stunning here.

Make it longer in the back. Work a few extra rows on the back panel only before joining the shoulders to create a high-low hemline. This is a flattering detail that gives the vest a slightly more dramatic, editorial look.

Add sleeves. Pick up stitches around the armhole opening and work downward in V-stitch rounds to add a flowing, bell-shaped sleeve. For a light summer sleeve, work only 4–6 inches. For a full sleeve, work to desired length.

Tips for Beginner Crocheters

If this is one of your first garment projects, here are some things that will save you time and frustration.

Read the entire pattern before you start. It sounds obvious, but it makes a real difference. When you understand where the pattern is heading, you’ll catch potential mistakes before they happen.

Use stitch markers. Place them at the beginning and end of each row so you don’t accidentally add or lose stitches. In lace patterns especially, one extra or missing stitch can throw off the whole visual rhythm.

Count your V-stitches at the end of each row. They should stay consistent throughout. If you’re adding or losing stitches, you may be accidentally working into the turning chain instead of the last actual stitch, or vice versa.

Don’t rush. The V-stitch is wonderfully rhythmic and meditative once you get into the flow. Put on a podcast or a playlist and enjoy the process. This vest typically takes 10–15 hours from start to finish, which is fast for a garment.

Swatch, block your swatch, and then swatch again if you need to adjust. Ten minutes spent swatching will save you hours of frogging a finished vest that doesn’t fit.

PDF Download

A print-friendly version of this beginner crochet vest pattern is available as a PDF download. The PDF includes the full written pattern, all sizing information, the stitch glossary, a visual chart of the V-stitch repeat, and a notes section for you to jot down your own customizations and yarn information.

To download the PDF, scroll to the download button below the post or use the link in the resource library if you’re already a subscriber. The PDF is formatted for both letter and A4 paper sizes and is printer-friendly with a clean white background.

Final Thoughts

This easy V-stitch lace cardigan vest