Gardenia Vest — Beginner-Friendly Crochet Pattern for Floral Tie-Front Vest
Hi friends!
I’m going to be making a blog post for each one of my patterns — this one is called the Gardenia Vest! These posts will include everything you need to know about the design — this one is my first vest design which features a tie-front and flower appliqué. It’s size-inclusive from XS-5XL, and beginner-friendly with step-by-step photos. It is also in my first pattern book, Retro Crochet Style, which you can learn more about here!
Before we start, here are a few links for you:
The PDF version is available on:
For any questions about this pattern, please email me at sspstitches@gmail.com — I usually respond within 24 hours!
Get my new book, Retro Crochet Style: 15 Beginner-Friendly Patterns to Create Your Vintage-Inspired Closet, here!
If you want to be notified when I release a new pattern (with a discount code for all new paid ones), sign up here!
All of this info is in the PDF of the pattern, but for those of you who look for more info on a pattern before you buy it, this is for you! You can look at the yardage, unique stitches/crochet methods, etc. so you can make a more informed decision on whether or not to crochet this design. As always, if you have any questions, please email me at sspstitches@gmail.com — I’m more than happy to answer!
Happy crocheting <3
About
The Gardenia Vest is a vest with a tie-front and flower motifs made of surface slip stitch and flower appliqué. The XS-5XL size range ensures that this design will be perfectly fit to every body — and as with all of my patterns, there is a Customized Sizing option to fit the design even better to your measurements.
This pattern is also beginner-friendly, with step-by-step photos for every single part of the pattern and links for more advanced techniques, like whipstitch.
The Gardenia Vest pattern is also in my first book, Retro Crochet Style! It’s been a lot more popular than I thought it would be, which I am eternally grateful for.
Sizing
This pattern is written for 9 sizes which correspond to the Craft Yarn Council standard sizing for women. All my patterns are written with the sizes as numbers instead of letters (XS, L, 3XL) to encourage you to look outside of your typical standard size and go with your measurements. The sizes are written as 1 (2, 3, 4, 5) (6, 7, 8, 9).
The Gardenia Vest’s waist circumference is its widest point, which encloses the lower back and waist. Because of this, you should choose a size with up to 6” (15cm) of positive ease from your waist measurement.
The following sizing & yardage chart is straight from the pattern PDF:
Materials
Hook: 5mm or size needed to obtain gauge
Notions:
Tapestry needle
Scissors
Stitch markers
Yarn: Worsted/aran/size 4; for amount needed for each size, see sizing chart above
I've used both Wool and the Gang's Shiny Happy Cotton & acrylics like Big Twist Value/Red Heart Super Saver to make this. I recommend a similar cotton or acrylic for your own project; you can find good substitutes on yarnsub.com.
Always make a swatch before beginning to make sure you meet gauge (also important so your garment isn’t too big or too small) and are happy with the fabric created!
Gauge
4 x 4 in (10 x 10 cm) = 15.5 sts and 8 rows in double crochet
If your swatch is too small, try using a bigger hook. If it's too big, try using a smaller hook.
Pattern Notes
Skill Level: Beginner/Advanced Beginner
Sizing: This design is written in nine sizes as follows: 1 (2, 3, 4, 5) (6, 7, 8, 9). These sizes correspond to XS-5XL. Make sure to follow the numbers for your size only.
Construction: This design is worked in panels: first the back panel, then the two front panels worked individually. The sides of the front panels are sewn to the sides of the back panels, then connected at the shoulders. Then, surface slip stitch is used to create the stems, and flowers are created individually then sewn on. The edges of the garment are then cleaned up while making the ties for the front.
Abbreviations
ch: chain
dc: double crochet
dc2tog: double crochet 2 together
sc: single crochet
slst: slip stitch
st/sts: stitch/stitches
This pattern has been tested in a range of sizes to ensure everybody is satisfied with how it fits. Here are some photos from the lovely testers who provided wonderful feedback and helped perfect the pattern for you. They put a lot of time and effort into their samples, and deserve a lot of appreciation — especially because each iteration is just so gorgeous!
If you’ve made it this far, thank you so much for reading all this! I hope it’s given you all the info you need on the Gardenia Vest pattern. If you have any more questions, please feel free to contact me at sspstitches@gmail.com!
Find the pattern in these places:
You can find my pattern book, Retro Crochet Style: 15 Beginner-Friendly Patterns to Create Your Vintage-Inspired Closet, on the shelves of all major retailers — or see your purchasing options (US + international) here!
