This pattern is written for standard sizes Small, Medium, and Large. Armholes are comfortably roomy, which reduces abrasion of a delicate yarn.

The Work@Home vest takes advantage of seamless top-down construction:

• Try it on as you go
• Stashbuster: use yarn on hand and stop when you run out
• Makes a pricier yarn go further
• seamless; very few ends to weave in.

Whether made of wool, cotton, or acrylic, it’s comfortable, casual, and striking with jeans and a t-shirt or dressy blouse. I think the speedy V-stitch pattern looks fresh upside down, and it’s lacy but warm.

The cotton version (less than 1 cone) doubles as a pretty but practical apron!

Skill Level: Intermediate. This pattern features less common stitches, mixed construction, and simple shaping. Includes a stitch diagram, and step-by-step photo tutorial for a special foundation stitch. I’ve kept pattern abbreviations to a minimum.

After using this pattern you will know (if you didn’t already):

• How to begin with a pretty neckline raglan-style in the round
• The fun and convenience of crocheting a vest seamlessly from the top down
• My favorite way to create A-line fabric with V-stitch
• The unique value of twisted stitches
• A designer use for that third lower loop of tall crochet stitches

Finished Bust & Hip for Size Small: 39” to fit a standard size Small (32”-34” actual bust, 34”-36” actual hip) {99 cm to fit a standard size Small (81 cm-86 cm actual bust, 86 cm-91 cm actual hip)}. Pink and 2-color Vests pictured are size Small.

Finished Bust & Hip for Size Medium: 42” to fit a standard size Medium (36”-38” actual bust, 38”-40” actual hip) {107 cm to fit a standard size Medium (91 cm-96 cm actual bust, 96 cm-102 cm actual hip)} Off-white Vest is a Medium.

Finished Bust & Hip for Size Large: 46.5” to fit a standard size Large (40”-42” actual bust, 42”-44” actual hip) {118 cm to fit a standard size Large (101 cm-107 cm actual bust, 107 cm-112 cm actual hip)}

Finished Length: Pattern includes guidance for choosing the length of your vest. It’s easy because vest is crocheted from the neckline down. This means you can try it on as you go and stop when you’re done. Lengths shown:
Off-white cotton version measured hung, 23.5” {60 cm}; flat: 22” {56 cm}
Pink bamboo version measured hung, 19.25” {49 cm}; flat: 18” {46 cm}
Wool “Aelfthryth” version measured hung, 15.5” {40 cm}; flat: 14” {36 cm}

Yarn: Choose one that lists a needle or hook range of H/8/5 mm--I/9/5.5 mm, even though you’ll be using a K/10.5/6.5 mm. A yarn with interesting texture or color changes gives a new look to the familiar V-stitch pattern. Unmercerized cotton is not known for having a fashion drape, but it works nicely for this design with a looser gauge.

International English equivalents to American measurements, yarn weights, and stitch terms are provided in brackets {}.