Free Vest Knitting Patterns

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I’ve created a roundup of some beautiful free vest knitting patterns. Of course, you can always browse the massive archive of free patterns on Ravelry to find more free vest knitting patterns. Many of these patterns are by established designers, so they shouldn’t have errors and should be well written. However, I have not tested them, so always check for errata to prevent future headaches!

Trying out a designer’s free pattern is a good way to get to know how the designer writes, so if you like his or her instructions and methods, you might feel more comfortable purchasing another pattern of theirs. Also, it is really easy to buy patterns on Ravelry!

From left to right, top to bottom:

Ellis by Norah Gaughan

I love the details on this one! The Ellis vest calls for 658 – 1317 m of worsted weight yarn. The pattern includes six adult sizes, ranging from a bust of 32″ to 50″. Ellis is a feminine vest with circular peplum lace stitch detailing and a shaped, Mandarin collar. 

Sideways Garter Vest by Purl Soho

The Sideways Garter Vest has a stunning statement collar. It is knit ‘sideways’ from one vertical edge to the other, rather than from top to bottom or bottom to top. It uses 686 – 960 m of aran weight yarn. The vest pattern includes three sizes with the same length measurements. However, you have a choice of how to wear the vest: either 12 inches from hem to underarm with a 10 inch collar; or upside down with 10 inches from hem to underarm and a 12-inch collar. Think of it as two vests in one!

Buttonbox by Elizabeth McCarten

This is perhaps my favourite vest in this roundup! The buttonbox vest, published in Knitty Mag, Spring + Summer 2013, uses 513 – 1255 m of worsted weight yarn. I love the dainty shawl collar and the body stitch pattern. Because it’s also seamless, you’ll only need to pick up a sewing needle to tack down the pocket linings and weave in the ends. 

Ivy League Vest by Eunny Jang

A classic fair isle vest, the Ivy League uses 1801 – 1982 m of fingering weight yarn. The pattern includes sizes from a 28″ bust up to a 41.75″ bust, so it is not size inclusive. This bottom up, seamless vest includes corrugated ribbing and steeks for those who want to try more challenging techniques.

Fence by Maria Leigh

I adore the pretty lace detail that is reminiscent of a fence lattice. The Fence vest uses 435 – 957 m of aran weight yarn and includes eight sizes, from a bust of 32″ to 60″. You knit the vest, which has a lovely scoop neck, in two pieces, which you then seam together.

Tryst Cropped Vest by Kristen TenDyke

The Tryst Cropped Vest uses 454 – 572 m of aran weight yarn. It is available in five sizes from bust of 34″ to 46″. To construct the vest, you knit it in pieces from the bottom up before seaming. The pattern also includes a link to a tutorial on how to make a full length vest for those who don’t like cropped tops.

Peter Easy by Berroco Design Team

This basic vest uses 841 – 1346 m of aran weight yarn. The pattern includes five sizes from chest of 36″ to 52″. It has ribbing along the hem, armholes and neckline with no other embellishments. The Peter Easy vest is worked flat and seamed, and would be perfect for keeping warm at the office.

Trym Vest by Blacker Yarns Design Team

The Trym Vest uses 920 – 1380 m of yarn. It is a classic vest that has a split hem, hanging slightly longer in the back than at the front, and elegant lines of broken rib that continue up the side of the body. Knitted seamlessly from the bottom up, this pattern comes with lots of options for making it your own, including a V-neck or scoop neck version. There are three versions of the pattern, so you may choose a 3-ply, 4-ply or DK weight yarn. Also, there are eight sizes available, from a bust of 33″ to 55″.

Man Cold Vest by Amanda Kremer

Man Cold is knit from the top down in one piece. The shoulders are shaped with contiguous seams. The neck and armhole ribbing are added after the body has been completed. Even though it is called “Man Cold” this is a unisex pattern, which includes waist shaping for women. This vest is available in English and German, and the pattern includes several sizes from bust of 32″ to 48″. Perhaps the most striking feature of this vest is the cable running down the back.

If you enjoyed these free vest knitting patterns, check out our other free knitting pattern roundups:

• knit hat patterns
• stranded colourwork knitting patterns
• cardigan knitting patterns
• summer knitting patterns
• lace shawl knitting patterns

• sweater knitting patterns
• cable knitting patterns
• miscellaneous knitting patterns
• sock knitting patterns
• mitten knitting patterns

• linen knitting patterns