Simple pattern for crochet vest: The Carson
A simple and easy ribbed pattern for a crochet vest for children. Meet the Carson!
Crochet vests can be very versatile and I always love a good layering of clothes. You know the drill… you wear more layers to keep you warm when you go outside and you can remove any of them at any time.
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That’s why I love a good crochet vest for my kids, too. I can dress them for warmth on the cold days and we can remove clothes when they start to play so they won’t overheat.
It also instantly ends the argument “But mom, I am hot!”. They feel safe and heard when I tell them they can remove a layer when they start playing and before they feel sweaty.
Every time we can avoid a screaming argument, it’s a win for both of us!
So, I am here today to introduce to you the Carson vest! It shares the name and it’s in the same family as my Carson tea towel, from the Rustic Tea Towels Collection.
It’s a nice, easy, ribbed, sleeveless sweater pattern sized for children from 6-12 months until 14-15 years of age. That’s nine sizes for babies until teenagers.
The Carson vest could definitely be geared to boys due to its simple appearance and general looks, but it’s not. It can easily be worn by girls and boys, too, making it versatile and easy to hand down to other family members.
I believe I can call this design minimalistic due to its looks, plus the fact that it’s almost seamless.
This fine crochet waistcoat is made in one single piece, with vertical ribbing, from one side to the other.
You’ll only have to sew one side seam, which you can do with your crochet hook and the narrow shoulder seams.
That’s a blessing for me and my friends who love no sew crochet patterns!
I believe the stitch I used looks so good on a garment, and if you know me, I love to create knit-look crochet patterns and I adore a good crochet ribbing.
And this is how the simple and timeless design for the Carson crochet vest was born.
Best yarn for a crochet vest
This sleeveless crochet top was made with a worsted weight yarn #4. I used the La Mia Natural Wool, which I already had on hand from an older project that didn’t turn out just right.
It’s one of my favorite yarns as it’s 100% wool without being too harsh as some other wool yarns do. I know, depending on the place you live in on this planet, it’s not always easy to find the same yarn I use.
And you don’t have to.
That’s why I am suggesting a few other yarn brands below, that may be more easily accessible to you.
Yarn substitutes
Brava worsted: A nice and durable acrylic.
Brava tweed: The same yarn as above in a tweed version. I bet the Carson vest for boys would look awesome in this tweed yarn.
Simply wool worsted: This is perfect for those of you who want a 100% wool yarn, similar to the one I used.
Wool-Ease: A blend of wool and acrylic yarn, perfect for almost any project.
Color theory: A nice acrylic yarn alternative.
More cardigan crochet patterns for children you may like:
In order of appearance: The Forest Fairy cardigan, Little Shepherd vest, and the Little Dot cardigan.
Materials
Worsted weight yarn #4
US I/5.50 mm crochet hook
Scissors
Yarn needle
Children’s Sizes: 6-12 mo (1-2 y, 2-3 y, 4-5 y, 6-7 y) [8-9 y, 10-11 y, 12-13 y, 14-15 y]
To fit chest sizes:
6-12 mo: 45.5 cm (18″)
1-2 y: 48 cm (19″)
2 y: 53 cm (21″)
4 y: 58.5 cm (23″)
6 y: 63.5 cm (25″)
8 y: 67 cm (26.5″)
10 y: 71 cm (28″)
12 y: 76 cm (30″)
14 y: 80 cm (31.5″)
With finished garment chest sizes:
6-12 mo: 55 cm (21.75″)
1-2 y: 58 cm (22.75″)
2 y: 64 cm (25.25″)
4 y: 70 cm (27.5″)
6 y: 75 cm (29.5″)
8 y: 78 cm (30.75″)
10 y: 82 cm (32.25″)
12 y: 87 cm (34.25″)
14 y: 92 cm (36.25″)
Yardage
Sizes: 6-12 mo (1-2 y, 2-3 y, 4-5 y, 6-7 y) [8-9 y, 10-11 y, 12-13 y, 14-15 y] will require approximately 280 (305, 375, 460, 545) [600, 670, 755, 820] meters, 305 (335, 410, 505, 595) [655, 730, 825, 895] yards of yarn to crochet the cardigan.
Gauge: 15 sts x 14 rows in pattern
Full written swatch instructions are available in the premium PDF.
Notes
– All my patterns are written in Standard US terms.
– The Carson vest is worked in one piece from side to side and then is seamed at the side and the shoulders. It is separated into sections. The schematic with the full dimensions for every size is available on the premium PDF.
– A photo tutorial for an invisible side seam is also included in the premium PDF.
– The vest contains about 10 cm (4″) positive ease to each size.
Abbreviations
R: row
ch(s): chain(s)
hdc: half double crochet
st(s): stitch(es)
sl st: slip stitch
blo: back loop only
sc: single crochet
tlo: third loop only
inc: increase
dec: decrease
bpsc: back post single crochet
How to get the pattern for the Carson sleeveless crochet top
- View the free pattern on the blog. Just scroll down and you will find the free version supported by ads. All blog subscribers will be able to view the pattern by logging into their Grow account. Instructions are provided below.
- Purchase the individual pattern on Etsy or Ravelry as a beautifully formatted PDF, with a sizing schematic and a photo tutorial for an invisible seam, for your convenience to crochet from anywhere offline!
- You can sign up for my exclusive Wooly Stitches Club where you can get the entire Malloo pattern library for one small yearly fee. Enjoy crocheting from the comfort of your couch and never have to worry about paying full price for every premium PDF pattern. Click the image below to be pleasantly surprised.
Free crochet vest pattern – Carson
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Congratulations! You have finished the Carson vest.
Pin now, make later…;-)
I love seeing your finished crochet projects. Make sure to tag me on Instagram @malloo.knitwear.
