Crochet Vest Pattern: Four-Square Retro Style

Second Shoulder

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Row Instructions Stitches
1 (Size Small only) With right side of top edge facing, skip first 20 unworked sts; join A with slip st in next st; ch 3, dc in next 6 sts; 2 dc in last st; dc in first row; turn. 10 dc
1 (Sizes Medium, Large, 1X, 2X, 3X only) With right side of top edge facing, skip first 22 (28, 30, 30, 30) unworked sts; join A with slip st in next st; ch 3, dc in next 6 (3, 2, 2, 2) sts; working in ends of rows, dc in next 0 (3, 4, 4, 4) row(s); 2 dc in next row; dc in next row; turn. 10 dc
Remaining Rows Work same as Rows 2–7 of first shoulder. —
Sizes Large, 1X, 2X, and 3X only: Work same as Rows 8 and 9 of first shoulder. —

Lower Section

Row Instructions Stitches
1 (right side) With right side of lower edge facing, join A with slip st in first row; ch 3; working across ends of rows and in unworked sts of Edging Round, evenly space 59 (65, 73, 79, 87, 93) dc across; turn. 60 (66, 74, 80, 88, 94) dc
2 Ch 3, dc in each st across; change to C; turn. —
3 and 4 Ch 3, dc in each st across; change to A at end of Row 4; turn. —
5 and 6 Ch 3, dc in each st across; change to C at end of Row 6; turn. —
7–10 Repeat Rows 3–6. —
11 Ch 3, dc in each st across, turn. —
Fasten off sizes Small, Medium, Large, and 1X only. —
12 (Sizes 2X and 3X only) Ch 3, dc in each st across; change to A; turn. —
13 and 14 Repeat Rows 5 and 6. —
15 Ch 3, dc in each st across. —
Fasten off. —

Back

Back Foundation

With A, ch 62 (68, 76, 82, 90, 96).

Back Rows

Row Instructions Stitches
1 (right side) Dc in 4th ch from hook and in each ch across; turn. 60 (66, 74, 80, 88, 94) dc
2 Ch 3, dc in each st across; turn. —
Repeat Repeat Row 2 until back measures 13 (12½, 13, 12½, 14, 13½)” ending on a wrong side row. —

Armhole Shaping (back)

Row Instructions Stitches
1 (right side) Slip st in first 4 (6, 7, 8, 9, 12) sts; ch 3; dc in each st across to last 4 (6, 7, 8, 9, 12) sts; leave remaining sts unworked; turn. 52 (56, 60, 64, 70, 70) dc
2–7 Ch 3, dc2tog, dc in each st across to last 2 sts, dc2tog working 2nd “leg” in top of beginning ch; turn. 40 (42, 48, 50, 50, 50) dc
Rows 8 Ch 3, dc in each st across, turn. —
Final Step Fasten off. —

First Shoulder (back)

Row Instructions Stitches
1 (right side) With right side facing, join A with slip st in first st at top edge; ch 3, 2 dc in first st; dc in next 7 sts; leave remaining sts unworked; turn. 10 dc
2–5 Ch 3, dc in each st across; turn; fasten off sizes 2X and 3X only. —
6 Repeat Row 2; fasten off sizes Small and Medium only. —
7 Ch 3, dc in each st across. —
8 (Sizes Large and 1X only) Ch 3, dc in each st across; change to A; turn. —
9 Ch 3, dc in each st across; fasten off. —

Second Shoulder (back)

Row Instructions Stitches
1 (right side) With right side of top edge facing, skip first 22 (24, 30, 32, 32, 32) unworked sts; join A with slip st in next st; ch 3; dc in next 6 sts; 2 dc in last st; dc in first row; turn. 10 dc
Remaining Rows Work remaining rows for all sizes same as first shoulder. —

Assembly and Finishing

Sew the pieces together

Sew front and back together at shoulders and side edges, ensuring a neat finish for visibility. Use the yarn needle to weave in all ends, making sure no stitches are loose.

Neck Edging

Round Instructions Stitches
1 (right side) With right side facing, join A with sc at shoulder seam; evenly space 93 (97, 127, 127, 119, 119) sc around; join with slip st in first sc. 96 (100, 128, 128, 120, 120) sc
2 Ch 1; sc in same st as join; sc in next 2 sc; *picot, skip next sc, sc in next 3 sc; repeat from * around to last st; picot, skip last st; join with slip st in first sc. 72 (75, 96, 96, 90, 90) sc and 24 (25, 32, 32, 30, 30) picots

Armhole Edging (work twice)

Round Instructions Stitches
1 (right side) With right side facing, join A with sc in the upper edge of side seam; working in ends of rows, evenly space 67 (71, 83, 83, 83, 83) sc around; join with slip st in first sc. 68 (72, 84, 84, 84, 84) sc
2 Work same as Round 2 of neck edging. 51 (54, 63, 63, 63, 63) sc and 17 (15, 21, 21, 21, 21) picots

Lower Edging

Round Instructions Stitches
1 (right side) With right side of lower section facing, join A with sc in any st near side seam; evenly space 119 (131, 147, 159, 175, 187) sc around; join with slip st in first sc. 120 (132, 148, 160, 176, 188) sc
2 Work same as Round 2 of neck edging. 90 (99, 111, 120, 132, 141) sc and 30 (33, 37, 40, 44, 47) picots

Weave in ends.

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Practical Tips

  • Practice your stitches: If you’re new to granny squares, practice making a few before starting the vest. This will help you get comfortable with the technique.
  • Secure your seams: When sewing the panels together, take your time to ensure the seams are secure and even for a polished finish.
  • Check your tension: Maintain consistent tension throughout the project to ensure uniformity in your stitches and finished panels.
  • Color placement: Experiment with color placement while crocheting the squares to see which combinations you like best before finishing the vest.

Troubleshooting

  • Uneven stitches: If your stitches are uneven, check your tension. Try to keep it consistent throughout the project, and practice if necessary.
  • Curled edges: If the edges curl up, it may be due to too tight stitches. Consider loosening your tension slightly and blocking the finished piece.
  • Mismatch in square sizes: Ensure you are using the same hook size and yarn throughout the project to maintain uniformity in stitch size and square dimensions.

Care and Maintenance

To keep your Crochet Four Square Retro Vest looking its best, follow these care instructions:

  • Gentle hand wash cold. Avoid washing with rough fabrics that might snag the stitches.
  • Lay flat to dry to maintain its shape and avoid unnecessary stretching.
  • Avoid bleach and strong detergents, as these can fade the colors.
  • Store the vest flat or hung to maintain its structure and avoid wrinkles.

Frequently Asked Questions

What skill level is needed for the Crochet Four Square Retro Vest?

The pattern is suitable for those with intermediate skills, particularly for crocheters experienced in making granny squares and basic shaping techniques.

How long should I expect to take to complete the vest?

Completion time varies based on experience and tension, but most crocheters can finish this vest in a few sessions, dedicating several hours to the entire project.

What is the finished size of the vest?

The finished size of the vest varies by size. Refer to the specific measurements provided in the materials section for accurate sizing information.

Can I use a different yarn for this pattern?

Yes, you can substitute yarn, but ensure it matches the weight of RED HEART® Soft® used in the pattern. Keep in mind that yarn weight and fiber can affect the vest’s final size and drape.

How do I care for my finished vest?

Hand wash the vest in cold water, laying it flat to dry. Avoid harsh detergents that may fade the colors. Proper care will help maintain its appearance over time.

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