Boho Striped Crochet Vest Pattern: DIY Green & Gold Side-Tie Waistcoat Tutorial

There is something endlessly satisfying about wearing a piece of clothing you made with your own hands. When that piece happens to be a breezy, festival-ready boho vest that pairs with literally everything in your wardrobe, the satisfaction doubles. This tutorial walks you through a complete striped crochet vest pattern featuring earthy green and warm gold tones, finished with charming side ties that give it that effortless waistcoat silhouette. Whether you are picking up a crochet hook for the first time or you have a basket full of WIPs on your nightstand, this pattern is approachable, customizable, and genuinely fun to make.

Let’s dive in.

Why You Will Love This Boho Striped Crochet Vest

Before we get into the stitches, let’s talk about why this design works so well. The side-tie waistcoat style is one of those rare silhouettes that flatters a wide range of body types. The open sides mean you can adjust the fit at the waist, giving you a cinched look without the pattern needing to be sized to the centimeter. The stripe construction keeps the project visually engaging — you are never working the same color for too long — and it breaks the pattern into manageable sections that feel like small wins.

Green and gold is a color combination rooted in nature. Think of moss on a forest floor, wheat fields in late summer, or the flash of a golden beetle on a leaf. These two colors together feel simultaneously earthy and luxurious, which is exactly the energy a boho vest should carry. That said, this pattern works just as beautifully in cream and rust, navy and mustard, or any pairing that calls to you from your yarn stash.

Materials You Will Need

Getting your materials together before you start is one of those small habits that makes the whole process smoother. Here is everything you need for this project.

Yarn: Approximately 400 yards of DK weight or light worsted yarn in your main color (green) and 200 yards in your contrast color (gold). Natural fibers like cotton or a cotton-linen blend work beautifully for this vest because they drape well and keep you cool during warmer months. A bamboo blend is another excellent choice. Avoid anything too fluffy or textured, since you want the stripe definition to stay crisp.

Hook: A 4.0 mm (US size G-6) crochet hook works well for DK weight yarn. If you are working with light worsted, size up to a 4.5 mm or 5.0 mm hook to maintain a fluid drape rather than a stiff fabric. Always swatch before committing.

Notions: A yarn needle for weaving in ends, scissors, stitch markers, a measuring tape, and blocking pins if you plan to wet block your finished piece. Blocking is genuinely worth it for plant-fiber yarns — it evens out your tension and gives the vest that polished, intentional look.

Gauge: 14 stitches and 16 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in half double crochet. Take the time to make a gauge swatch. It is not the most thrilling part of any project, but a small difference in gauge across a large garment adds up to a big difference in fit.

Sizing and Measurements

This pattern is written for a finished bust measurement of 36 inches, with notes throughout for adjusting to other sizes. The vest has approximately 4 inches of positive ease, meaning it is designed to be worn loosely. The side ties allow for an additional 2 to 4 inches of waist adjustment when tied.

To size up or down, simply add or subtract stitches in multiples of two at the foundation chain stage. Each additional stitch adds approximately 0.3 inches to the width of your panel. The vest is worked in two identical rectangular panels — a front and a back — that are seamed at the shoulders and partially along the sides, with ties added at the open side sections.

For a longer vest that hits at the hip rather than the waist, simply work additional rows at the bottom of each panel before finishing. For a cropped version, work fewer rows. This is one of the most adaptable vest constructions you will find, which is part of why it makes such a great beginner-friendly garment project.

Understanding the Stripe Pattern

The stripe sequence in this vest is intentionally asymmetrical, which gives it that relaxed, handmade, boho quality rather than a rigid, commercial look. You are not working even two-row stripes; instead, the sequence creates stripes of varying widths that feel organic and interesting.

The sequence is as follows: four rows in green, two rows in gold, six rows in green, two rows in gold, two rows in green, four rows in gold, then repeat from the beginning. This creates a rhythm that keeps your eye moving across the fabric without feeling chaotic. When both panels are finished and joined, the stripes align perfectly at the shoulders, creating a satisfying visual continuity around the body.

When changing colors, always make the switch on the last yarn over of the stitch before the new stripe begins. This means pulling up your new color on the final pull-through of the last stitch in your current row. This technique prevents any muddy color bleeding at the stripe boundary and keeps your lines clean.

Carry the unused color loosely along the side edge of your work when the stripe gap is only two rows. When you have a longer gap — such as the six-row green section — cut the gold yarn and rejoin it to reduce bulk. Weave in as you go if that is your preference, or save all the ends for one weaving session at the end. Either approach is fine.

The Crochet Vest Pattern, Step by Step

Abbreviations

ch = chain, sl st = slip stitch, hdc = half double crochet, hdc2tog = half double crochet two together (decrease), st = stitch, sp = space, RS = right side, WS = wrong side, rep = repeat, sk = skip, yo = yarn over

Front Panel

With your green yarn and your chosen hook, chain 64. This gives you a working width of approximately 18 inches at gauge, which combined with the back panel creates a 36-inch finished bust with seaming. Adjust your foundation chain as needed for your size.

Row 1 (WS): Hdc in the 3rd chain from the hook and in each chain across. You will have 62 hdc. Chain 2, turn.

Row 2 (RS): Hdc in each stitch across. Chain 2, turn.

Continue working in hdc, following the stripe sequence described above. The chain-2 at the beginning of each row does not count as a stitch in this pattern. This is a deliberate choice — counting the turning chain as a stitch creates a slight lean in the fabric that becomes visible in striped work, so we avoid it here by always working the first hdc into the first stitch at the base of the turning chain.

Work the stripe sequence for a total of 52 rows, or until your panel measures approximately 13 inches from the foundation edge. This length creates a vest that hits just at or slightly below the natural waist for most people. Add rows here if you want a longer fit.

Fasten off and weave in ends. Set the front panel aside.

Back Panel

The back panel is worked identically to the front panel. Make one back panel following all the same instructions, including the stripe sequence and total row count. Having both panels match exactly ensures the stripes align perfectly when you join them at the shoulders.

Joining the Shoulder Seams

Lay your front and back panels on a flat surface with right sides facing each other. The shoulder seam joins approximately the top 6 inches from each corner of the panels, leaving the center open as the neckline.

Using your yarn needle and green yarn, use a whip stitch or mattress stitch to join the first 21 stitches on the left shoulder and the last 21 stitches on the right shoulder. The remaining 20 stitches in the center form the neckline opening.

If you prefer to join with a crochet seam, hold the panels together with right sides facing and work a slip stitch seam through both layers. This creates a slightly firmer, more defined shoulder line, which suits a more structured boho look.

Side Seams and Tie Openings

This is where the waistcoat magic happens. You are not seaming the sides entirely — instead, you create three distinct sections on each side.

Turn your vest so the side edges are accessible. On each side, you will seam the bottom 3 inches (approximately 12 rows), leave the middle 7 inches (approximately 28 rows) open for the tie section, and seam the top 3 inches (approximately 12 rows) at the underarm.

Seam these sections using whip stitch or slip stitch seam, matching stripes as closely as possible across the seam. The open tie section should land roughly at your natural waist when the vest is worn, but you can shift it up or down by adjusting how many rows you seam at the bottom versus the top. Try the vest on before seaming to find the placement that works for your body.

Crocheting the Side Ties

The ties are the detail that elevates this vest from a simple rectangle construction to something that feels genuinely designed. You will make four ties in total — two on each side, one at the front edge and one at the back edge of each open side section.

With your gold yarn, join to the corner of the open side section on the front panel. Chain 60 (or longer if you prefer a more dramatic tie). Work a slip stitch back along the chain to create a firm, neat cord. Fasten off and weave in the end securely, since these ties will take some gentle pulling when worn.

Repeat for the back panel on the same side, and then make two more ties for the opposite side.

When worn, the front tie and back tie on each side are tied together in a simple bow or knot at your waist, drawing the panels together and creating that waist-defining silhouette. The gold ties against the green and gold striped body look beautiful — like an intentional design detail, which of course it is.

Neckline and Armhole Edging

A clean edging transforms a handmade piece into a polished one. Work a single round of single crochet around the neckline opening, the armhole openings, and along the bottom hem of the vest if you wish. Use green yarn for a seamless look, or gold yarn for a pop of contrast that ties the whole design together.

For the neckline specifically, work the single crochet evenly around, and when you reach the corners at the front of the neckline (where the vest opens at the center front), work a slip stitch rather than a regular stitch to prevent flaring at these points.

If you want a more decorative edge, a simple shell stitch border is a beautiful addition and very much in keeping with the boho aesthetic. To work a shell stitch border, work in multiples of six stitches: skip two stitches, work five double crochets into the next stitch, skip two stitches, slip stitch into the next stitch. Repeat around, adjusting stitch counts at corners as needed.

Tips for Getting the Best Results

Taking a little extra care at a few key points makes a significant difference in how your finished vest looks and wears.

Blocking is essential for plant-fiber yarns. Once you have finished your vest, soak it in cool water for about 20 minutes, gently press out the water without wringing, lay it flat on a blocking mat, and pin it to your target measurements. Let it dry completely before moving it. You will notice the stitches even out beautifully and the drape improves dramatically.

Tension consistency matters more in striped work than in single-color work because uneven tension is highlighted by horizontal lines. If you notice your stripes wobbling slightly, try to maintain a steady, relaxed grip on your yarn. Working at a table rather than on your lap can also help.

If you find that your color changes at the end of rows look sloppy, try the “jogless stripe” technique: at the beginning of the first row of a new color, slip stitch into the first stitch instead of working a turning chain, then proceed normally. This subtly shifts the alignment of the stripe and hides the jog.

Weaving in ends in striped colorwork requires a bit of attention. Weave each end in along the matching color yarn rather than crossing into a different color, which can show through on the right side of the work.

Styling Your Boho Striped Crochet Vest

Once your vest is blocked and finished, the fun really begins. This piece is extraordinarily versatile in a wardrobe context.

For a true festival look, wear it over a flowy white or cream peasant blouse with wide-leg linen trousers and strappy sandals. Tie the side ties loosely in a bow for a relaxed fit, or pull them a little tighter for a more defined waist. Stack gold bangles on your wrist to pick up the gold in the stripe detail.

For a casual everyday look, throw it over a fitted white t-shirt with high-waisted jeans and sneakers. The green tones work especially well against denim. A crossbody bag in tan or cognac leather completes the look effortlessly.

In cooler weather, layer it over a lightweight turtleneck or a long-sleeved shirt. The open sides and side ties mean it layers smoothly without bunching, and the vest adds just enough warmth to take you through early autumn without overheating.

Gifting and Customizing This Pattern

This vest makes a genuinely wonderful handmade gift. The stripe sequence is easy to swap for the recipient’s favorite colors, and because the construction is all about proportions rather than fitted shaping, it is easy to size for someone else without needing their exact measurements.

For a gift version, consider using a particularly luxurious yarn — a silk-cotton blend or a high-quality Peruvian cotton — to elevate the finished object. These yarns still work at the same gauge range but feel noticeably more special, which comes through even in the finished piece.

You can also add small embellishments to personalize the vest: a small crochet flower worked in gold yarn and sewn at the neckline, a few wooden beads threaded onto the ties before they are attached, or a row of picot edging along the hem instead of single crochet. Each of these small decisions makes the vest feel one of a kind, which is the heart of handmade fashion.

Final Thoughts

Making your own clothing is a slow, meditative, deeply satisfying practice. This boho striped crochet vest sits in the sweet spot between accessible and beautiful — it does not demand a huge technical skill set, but the finished result looks considered, stylish, and completely wearable. The green and gold stripe palette gives it warmth and depth, the side-tie construction gives it versatility, and the open, flowing silhouette gives it that breezy, free-spirited energy that makes boho style so enduringly appealing.

Take your time with it. Enjoy the process of watching the stripes build up row by row, the small pleasure of switching to the gold yarn and seeing the pattern shift, the satisfying weight of a nearly-finished panel in your lap. Then put it on, tie the sides, and wear something you made yourself out into the world. There is genuinely nothing quite like it.

Happy hooking.