New on the Blog | Boho Crochet Vest in One Sunny Afternoon

There is something almost magical about sitting down with a hook and a skein of yarn on a slow afternoon and watching something wearable take shape stitch by stitch. That is exactly how this boho crochet vest came to life — not as a carefully planned project with weeks of swatching and ripping back, but as an afternoon of happy crocheting that ended with a finished piece I actually wanted to wear the next morning. If you have been looking for a project that feels creative, moves quickly, and gives you that satisfying “I made this” feeling before the sun goes down, you are in the right place.

In this post I am going to walk you through everything: the inspiration behind the design, the yarn and hook I used, the stitch pattern, sizing notes, and of course a full step-by-step tutorial so you can make your own. Whether you are a confident beginner who knows your basic stitches or an experienced crocheter looking for a quick and beautiful make, this vest is for you.

The Inspiration Behind the Vest

I have been deeply in love with the boho aesthetic for as long as I can remember. There is something so freeing about the flowing layers, the earthy textures, the sense that fashion should feel like an extension of your own creative soul rather than a set of rules. Crochet fits perfectly into that world because every piece you make is inherently one-of-a-kind. The slight variations in tension, the yarn you chose on a whim, the way you might add an extra repeat here or skip one there — these small decisions make every finished object uniquely yours.

This particular vest was inspired by the kind of piece you might find hanging in a little artisan shop at a summer market — slightly oversized, open and airy, with a texture that draws you in and makes people ask “did you make that?” The answer, after this tutorial, will be a very proud yes.

I also wanted to design something that did not require a mountain of yarn or a week of your life. Quick projects are not lesser projects. They are gifts you give yourself, proof that creativity does not always need to be complicated to be meaningful.

What You Will Need

Before we dive into the pattern, let me give you a clear list of supplies so you can gather everything before you begin. Nothing is more frustrating than stopping mid-row to run to the craft store.

Yarn: You will need approximately 400–600 yards of worsted weight yarn, depending on your size. I used a natural cotton-blend yarn in a warm oatmeal tone, which gave the finished vest that perfect earthy boho look. Cotton or cotton-blend yarns are ideal for this project because they are breathable, hold their shape well, and have a beautiful drape. You could also use a light linen blend for an even airier result, or a plant-dyed hand-spun yarn if you want to lean fully into the artisan aesthetic.

Hook: I used a 5.5mm crochet hook, which worked beautifully with the worsted weight yarn. If your tension tends to run tight, go up to a 6mm. If it runs loose, try a 5mm. Always trust your gauge over the pattern recommendation.

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

Gauge: Approximately 14 stitches and 8 rows in double crochet equals 4 inches by 4 inches. Take a few minutes to check your gauge — it makes a real difference in how the vest fits, especially across the shoulders.

Sizing Notes

This vest is designed to be worn with plenty of ease, which is part of what makes it look so effortlessly boho. It is not a fitted piece — it is meant to drape and flow, layered over a flowy top or a simple tank.

The pattern is written for sizes Small/Medium (chest 32–38 inches) and Large/X-Large (chest 40–46 inches). The adjustments are simple and I will note them throughout the pattern. Because of the relaxed fit and the stretchy nature of crochet fabric, this vest works for a wide range of body types.

If you want to make it longer or shorter, that is easy to do as well — I will tell you exactly where those adjustments happen.

The Stitch Pattern

The main body of this vest uses a combination of double crochet and a simple lace mesh that gives it that open, boho texture without requiring any complex stitch work. I call it the “sunshine mesh” in my head because it reminds me of light filtering through a woven screen.

Here is the basic stitch repeat:

Row 1: Ch 3 (counts as first dc), dc in the next stitch, ch 1, skip 1 stitch, dc in next 2 stitches, repeat from to across, turn.

Row 2: Ch 3, dc in next dc, ch 1, skip the ch-1 space, dc in next 2 dc, repeat across, turn.

That is it. Two rows that alternate to create a beautiful open fabric. Once you get into the rhythm of it, your hands will practically move on their own while your mind wanders to somewhere peaceful — which is honestly one of my favorite things about repetitive crochet.

The Full Pattern

Abbreviations

ch — chain
dc — double crochet
sc — single crochet
sl st — slip stitch
sp — space
st(s) — stitch(es)
rep — repeat
t-ch — turning chain
RS — right side
WS — wrong side

Back Panel

Chain 65 (Small/Medium) or chain 77 (Large/X-Large).

Foundation Row (RS): Dc in the 4th chain from the hook and in each chain across. You will have 63 (75) dc. Turn.

Row 1: Ch 3 (counts as first dc here and throughout), dc in next dc, ch 1, skip 1 dc, dc in next 2 dc, rep from to across to last stitch, dc in top of t-ch. Turn.

Row 2: Ch 3, dc in next dc, ch 1, skip ch-1 sp, dc in next 2 dc, rep from to across, dc in top of t-ch. Turn.

Repeat Row 2 until the piece measures 12 inches (13 inches for Large/X-Large) from the foundation row. This is your body length before the armhole shaping.

Armhole Shaping:

Sl st across the first 8 (10) stitches, ch 3, continue in established pattern across until 8 (10) stitches remain. Leave those last stitches unworked. Turn. You now have the center section of the back.

Continue in pattern for 8 (9) more inches. Fasten off.

Front Panels (Make Two)

The front of this vest is split into two separate panels that create a natural open center — no button band, no zipper, just a clean edge that falls beautifully when worn.

Chain 33 (39) for each front panel.

Foundation Row (RS): Dc in the 4th chain from the hook and in each chain across. You will have 31 (37) dc. Turn.

Work in the established pattern (same as the back) until the piece matches the back in length to the armhole shaping point, approximately 12 (13) inches.

Armhole Shaping:

For the Right Front Panel: At the beginning of the next RS row, sl st across 8 (10) stitches, then continue in pattern to the end. Turn and continue straight for 5 (6) inches.

Neck Shaping:

At the neck edge (center front edge), decrease by working the first 2 dc together, then continuing in pattern. Decrease at the neck edge every other row, 4 (5) times total. Continue straight on remaining stitches until the shoulder matches the back in height. Fasten off.

For the Left Front Panel, reverse the shaping: work the armhole shaping at the end of the row (leave the last 8 or 10 stitches unworked), and work the neck shaping at the beginning of RS rows.

Joining the Panels

Lay your three panels flat and take a moment to appreciate the work you have done. Now it is time to bring them together.

With RS facing, align the back and each front panel at the shoulder seams. Using your yarn needle and a length of yarn, whip stitch or mattress stitch the shoulder seams together. The shoulder seams should each be approximately 3.5 (4) inches wide — the rest of the top edge remains open as the neckline.

Next, join the side seams. Line up the back and front panels along the sides and seam from the hem upward, leaving the armhole sections open. If you want a longer side slit for ease of movement and that boho flutter effect, you can seam only the lower 6–8 inches and leave the rest open. This is entirely up to your personal style and how you envision wearing the vest.

Finishing the Edges

This is where the vest really comes together aesthetically. A clean, simple edge makes a huge difference.

Armhole Edges: Join yarn at the base of the armhole and work one round of single crochet evenly around the armhole opening. Slip stitch to join. Fasten off. If you want a little more structure or a decorative detail, you can work a second round of reverse single crochet (also known as crab stitch), which creates a lovely twisted cord-like border.

Neckline and Front Edges: Join yarn at the lower right front corner and work single crochet up the right front edge, around the neckline, and down the left front edge. Keep your tension even — if the edge is pulling, add more stitches; if it is ruffling, work fewer. Fasten off and weave in your ends.

Hem Edge: Work one round of single crochet along the bottom hem for a tidy finish. You can leave this off entirely if you prefer a raw, relaxed look — the mesh fabric does not unravel and the foundation chain creates a naturally neat edge on its own.

Optional Fringe

Here is where the boho magic really happens, and I could not write this post without at least mentioning fringe. Cut lengths of yarn approximately 10–12 inches long, fold each length in half, and use your hook to pull the folded loop through the bottom edge of the vest, then pull the ends through the loop and tug gently to secure. Add fringe across the entire hem, or just at the corners, or leave it off completely — you are the designer here.

Alternatively, you could add a few long strands of fringe along the front center edges for a dramatic waterfall effect. I have seen versions of this vest where the fringe along the front edges reaches nearly to the hem, and it is breathtaking.

Tips for Success

Crochet is wonderfully forgiving, and this pattern especially so, but here are a few things I have learned along the way that will make your experience smoother.

Block your pieces before seaming. Even a light steam block or a wet block laid flat will open up the lace pattern beautifully and make your panels easier to join evenly. Cotton and linen yarns especially benefit from blocking and the result is worth the extra time.

Count your stitches at the end of every few rows. Because the pattern involves skipping stitches, it is easy to accidentally gain or lose a stitch without noticing right away. Catching this early saves a lot of heartache later.

Do not be afraid of imperfection. A handmade boho vest with a slightly wavy edge or a tension variation at row twelve is not a flawed piece — it is a handcrafted piece, and those are two very different things. Wear it proudly.

Take breaks if you need them. Crocheting for hours at a stretch can strain your hands and wrists. Stretch regularly, adjust your grip if something feels tight, and remember that the afternoon this vest takes to make is supposed to be enjoyable.

Styling Your Boho Crochet Vest

Once your vest is finished and you have woven in every last end, it is time to think about how to wear it. The styling possibilities are honestly endless and this is one of my favorite parts.

Layer it over a flowy maxi dress in a warm earthy print for a festival-ready look. Pair it with high-waisted wide-leg linen trousers and a simple white crop top for a sophisticated daytime outfit. Throw it over a bikini top and cut-off shorts for a beach day. Style it with a slip dress and ankle boots for an evening out. In cooler months, layer it over a fitted long-sleeve shirt and let the texture do all the talking.

Because the vest is open at the front, it works beautifully as a layering piece in almost any season. The breathable fabric means it will not overheat you in summer, and in transitional weather, it adds just enough coverage to take the edge off a breeze.

Accessorize with wooden or clay beaded jewelry, braided leather belts, woven bags, and suede sandals for a full boho look. Or keep everything else simple and let the vest itself be the statement.

A Few Words About the Joy of Making

I want to close this post with something I think about often when I am sitting with my hook and yarn. We live in a world where we can buy almost anything instantly, shipped to our door within days. And yet so many of us are drawn back, again and again, to the slow and deliberate act of making things by hand. I think it is because making something yourself — especially something you will wear — is an act of self-expression that no shopping cart can replicate.

When you wear this vest, you will know exactly how it was made. You will remember the afternoon you made it, what music was playing, what light was coming through your window. That is embedded in the fabric in a way that cannot be manufactured.

So if you make this vest, I hope you love wearing it. I hope someone asks you where you got it and I hope you smile and say you made it yourself. And I hope it feels like exactly what it is: a little piece of an afternoon you gave yourself, stitched into something beautiful.

If you make this vest, I would absolutely love to see it. Tag me on Instagram or drop a photo in the comments — seeing your finished makes genuinely makes my day. If you have questions about the pattern, ask them below and I will do my best to help. Happy crocheting, and here is to many more sunny afternoons and beautiful handmade things.