Crochet Your New Favourite Vest: Easy Granny Spike Stitch Pattern

Next up for this season is the release of my crochet vest pattern, Faith. Featuring a flattering V-neckline, the vest is worked in two simple rectangles that are seamed together to create a stylish and comfortable garment.

I’ve designed my tank top using the granny spike stitch which is worked lengthwise with the stitches forming the length and the rows determining the width.  This adds fabulous texture and visual interest.

Perfect for layering over a long-sleeve t-shirt or a blouse, you can also wear it without layering, making it a great choice for year-round wear!

Available to view for free here on the blog or you can upgrade to a PDF in my Etsy and Ravelry stores.

The pattern for this crochet sweater vest is inspired by character Faith Mitchell from the Will Trent series.  I just love how unique and different her vests are in the show and wanted to design my own eye-catching top! 

I’m really pleased with the overall effect and I hope you’re as excited to start crocheting the top as much as I was designing it 🙂 Let me know how you get on in my Facebook community.

You can choose a cropped, boxy version for a trendy, relaxed look, or add a ribbed hem for a standard-length fit that’s both classic and cozy. You’ll use a combination of a main colour and a contrast colour to make the stitch pattern pop.

Written in US crochet terms, my crochet vest pattern provides step-by-step written instructions for sizes S through 5X.

Why you’ll Love to Crochet this Vest

Level

Easy (pattern includes colour changing, minimal shaping for the hem)

Supplies and Materials

• DK; total yarn (see table for separate colour amounts); 988, (1086, 1293, 1400, 1542, 1662, 1803, 1923)
• 4mm / G-6 Crochet Hook (I only ever use my Clover Amour hooks)
• Tape Measure
• Stitch Markers
• Scissors
• Yarn Needle

Yarn Choices

I used DK yarn from my stash for this project.  I knew I wanted the main colour to be dominant and the contrast a neutral and during my rummage I found exactly what I wanted.  The two branded yarns are both DK but do differ in tension and fibre composition.  I crocheted my swatch and I was very happy with the result.

My main colour (MC) is Scheepjes Scrumptious in Grapefruit Card Turd, and the contrasting colour is King Cole Paradise Beaches in White Lady.

Use any DK yarn for this vest and don’t forget, if your gauge is different from mine, you can use my stitch gauge converter to adjust your personal stitch count.

Gauge

19 stitches and 13 rows = 10cm X 10cm / 4in X 4in

Glossary

If you need help working the stitches, visit my crochet stitch library for instructions.

Stitches

• Single Crochet (sc)
• Single Crochet Back Loop Only (scblo)
• Single Crochet 2 Together (sc2tog)
• Double Crochet (dc)
• Long Double Crochet (LDC) – see instructions for the granny spike stitch below
• Slip Stitch (sl st)

How to work the granny spike stitch

The granny stripe stitch is worked in a two-row repeat.

This stitch is similar to the granny stitch but the middle stitch of the 3 double crochets is worked into the row below.  In this pattern, the middle stitch is called a Long Double Crochet (LDC).

See image below for the foundation row and rows 2 and 3 .

For my UK crocheters, the table below is a conversion of basic crochet stitches from US to UK.

Abbreviations

These common abbreviations are used:

• Chain/s (ch/s)
• Skip (sk)
• Stitch/es (st/s)
• Repeat (rep)
• Space/s (sp/s)
• Chain Space (ch-sp)
• Each (ea)
• Right Side (RS)
• Right Hand Side (RHS)
• Main Colour (MC)
• Contrast Colour (CC)

Measurements

Sample is in size medium.

Yarn amounts in the table below are approximate.

Sizes follow the guidance from the Craft Yarn Council.

How the Crochet Vest Pattern is Worked

The body of the vest is worked lengthways (the number of stitches is the length of the body and the rows are the width) in two alternating colours.  My Alice granny stitch cardigan is worked this way so if you’ve worked that pattern, you’ll be able to visualise the orientation.

The main colour is worked in 4 rows of granny spike stitch alternating with the contrasting colour in 2 rows.  6 rows of single crochet in the contrast colour are worked at the V edge and 3 rows of main colour.  4 rows of single crochet in the contrasting colour are worked before the ribbed hem.

Construction

The Faith tank top is constructed by working two rectangles which are folded and seamed together.  This is the same construction as my Whispering Rose top. The front seam is lower than the back to allow for the V-neck.   See image below.  Stitch markers are also used to mark the side seams.  The side seams are sewn from the hem to the stitch markers.

For a cropped boxy top, a row of single crochet is worked around the hem to enclose the floating yarn.

For a full-length vest, rows of alternating single crochet rows and decrease rows are worked. The decrease is made by single crochet 2 together. Rows are worked in the contrasting colour before joining the main colour to work the ribbed hem.  The hem is worked in single crochet back loop only.

Vest Pattern Notes

• My pattern is written in US crochet terms (with a table of basic stitch conversions to UK terms).
• Sizes are written thus; S, (M, L, XL, 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X).
• Multiples of 4 plus 3.
• Chain 3 at the end of a row counts as a double crochet.
• Chain 4 at the end of a row counts as a double crochet, chain 1.
• Repeated stitches are shown *, for example; *[ch1, sk next ch, dc in next 3 sts].  You will chain 1, skip the next chain, double crochet in the next 3 stitches and repeat this across the row
• The main colour (MC) granny stripe stitch is worked in rows of four and the contrasting colour (CC) rows of 2.  Remember to change colour to complete the sequence.
• Colour changes take place at the end of a row by working the new colour at the last pull through of the last stitch.
• To avoid sewing in multiple ends from colour changes, yarn is floated up the side and later enclosed within the hem.  Make sure the floating yarn isn’t pulled too tightly.  If it is, the fabric will ruffle.  After each colour change, check the tension before starting a new row.
• To end the granny spike sequence in preparation for single crochet rows, this pattern works a Long Double Crochet in the chain-space (no double crochet before or after this stitch in the chain space) and double crochet in the double crochet stitches from the previous row.
• When joining both rectangles, make sure the rows of single crochet are at the centre
• Weave in ends as you go
• Read the pattern through before starting to crochet

Faith Vest Top Instructions (US Crochet Terms)

With a 4mm / G-6 hook and MC

Make 2 rectangles

Ch 167, (167, 175, 175, 179, 179, 183, 183)

Row 1 (foundation): dc in 4^th ch from hook and in next 2 chs, * [ch1, sk next ch, dc in next 3 sts], * rep across to last 5 chs, ch1, sk next ch, dc in last 4 chs, ch4, turn

Row 2: sk next 3 dc, *working in ch1-sp, [dc, LDC in sk ch from foundation row, dc, ch1], * rep across to last 4 sts, sk next 3 dc, dc in last st, ch3, turn

Row 3: *working in ch1-sp [dc, LDC in centre dc from prev row, dc, ch1], * rep across to last ch-sp, [dc, LDC, dc] in ch-sp, dc in 3^rd ch of turning ch, ch4, turn

Row 4: sk next 3 dc, *working in ch1-sp, [dc, LDC in centre dc from prev row, dc, ch1], * rep across to last 4 sts, sk next 3 sts, dc in top of turning ch, ch3, turn

Rows 3 and 4 form the granny spike stitch

NOTE: colour sequence, 4 rows MC, 2 rows CC – change colour to CC at the end of row 4, change colour at the end of row 6 and rep this pattern

Row 5 – 29, (32, 35, 39, 42, 45, 48, 52) rep rows 3 and 4

Preparation row below for sc rows:

Row 30, (33, 36, 40, 43, 46, 48, 52): *LDC in ea ch-sp, dc in ea dc, * rep across, ch1, turn

sc rows – V edge:

Next row: working in CC, sc in ea st across, ch1, turn

Rep above row 5 more times changing to MC for last pull through

(total 6 rows)

Next row: working in MC, sc in ea st across, ch1, turn

Rep above row 2 more times

(total 3 rows)

Fasten off

Assembly

Choose which side is RS

With RS facing inwards, fold rectangles in half

With the fold at the top and rows of sc in centre, place rectangles side by side

Back Seam

Measure 3cm from the top of the fold at the back and place a st marker on either side

Sew back seam from hem to st marker

Front (V-Neck) Seam

Measure 22cm from the top of the fold on the front and place a st marker on either side

Sew front seam from hem to st marker

*To adjust depth of V to your preference, measure less for a higher up V-Neck or more for a deeper V-Neck

Armholes and Side Seam

Measure 18, (19, 20, 22, 23, 24, 25, 27) cm from the fold at the top on the edge for armhole depth, place a st marker

Sew side seam from hem to st marker

*To adjust armhole size to fit your body shape, measure less for a smaller armhole or more for a larger armhole

Cropped Boxy Top Only

For a cropped boxy top, in the colour of your choice, pick up sts evenly around hem working in sc.  Fasten off

Standard Length with Ribbed Hem Only

Hem

Preparation for ribbed hem

Working on RS, rejoin CC on RHS at back side seam

Picking up sts evenly around hem

Round 1: *[sc in next 5 sts, sc2tog], * rep around, join with sl st, ch1, turn

Round 2: sc in ea st around, join with sl st, ch1, turn

Round 3: rep round 1

Round 4: rep round 2

Round 5: rep round 1

Round 6: rep round 2

Change to MC

Round 7: rep round 2

Do not fasten off

Ribbed Hem

Ch16

Row 1: sc in 2^nd ch from hook, sc in ea ch to hem edge, sl st in next 2 sts on hem edge, turn

Row 2: scblo to last st, sc in last st, ch1, turn

Row 3: sc in 1^st st, scblo in ea st to hem edge, sl st in next 2 sts on hem edge, turn

Rep rows 2 and 3 around hem

Join seam by sl st through one loop on both sides.

Fasten off

Congratulations, your crochet vest is ready to be blocked and worn.

Copyright Notice

The pattern and photographs of this design are the property of Sharon Goodwin at Jera’s Jamboree.  This pattern and design are subject to copyright and are for personal, non-commercial use only.  You may not share, resell, alter or redistribute this pattern in part or in whole. You may, however, sell any finished items you make.  If you would like to include this pattern in a roundup, you may take one photo and link back to this pattern.

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