Stitch glossary and abbreviations

ch – chain
sc – single crochet

hdc – half double crochet

dc – double crochet

sl st – slip stitch

Suggested yarn amount per size:
XS and S – 4 skeins
M and L – 5 skeins
XL and XXL – 6 skeins

Size: S (Small)

Front Panel
You will need a chain corresponding to the height of the vest.

Row 1

Chain until you reach the desired height (example: 71 ch).
Work into the 3rd ch from the hook and crochet across in dc.
At the end of the row, count your stitches.
The total number of dc must be a multiple of 3 + 1.
If necessary, undo extra chains until you reach the correct stitch count.
Example: 70 dc.

Row 2: Dc across.

Row 3: Dc across.

Row 4: Turn your work. In the first stitch work: 1 sc and 3 ch.
Skip 2 stitches, in the 3rd stitch work: (dc, ch 2, dc) - shell.
Skip 2 stitches, in the 3rd stitch work: (dc, ch 2, dc).
Repeat to the end of the row.
Finish with 1 ch and 1 dc in the last stitch.

Row 5: Turn your work. Work 1 sc and 3 ch.
Inside each shell work: (dc, ch 2, dc).
Repeat across.
Finish with 1 ch and 1 dc.

Row 6: Turn your work.
Work 1 sc and 2 ch, then continue as follows:
1 dc in the first space,
2 dc inside each shell,
1 dc over the dc from the previous row.
Repeat across.

At the end of the row, you should have the same number of dc as in previous solid rows (example: 70 dc). Work 2 more rows in dc. If at the end of the row you do not have the correct number of stitches, adjust by adding 1 extra dc in one of the spaces or omitting 1 dc as needed to match the original stitch count. This row must end with the same number of dc as the foundation row.

Pattern Repeat
Repeat:
2 rows of shells
3 rows of dc

Continue until you reach the required width (half of the bust measurement).
Make a second identical panel for the other side of the front.

Back Panel
Work the same number of dc as the first row of the front panel.
Continue working in dc only until reaching the required width.

Shoulders
Using a tapestry needle, join the front panels to the back panel at the shoulders, working from the right side of the piece.

Front
Join the two front panels at the center, leaving an opening for the neckline approximately 22 cm (about 8.5 inches) deep.
Work 1 round of sc around the neckline for finishing.

Belt
At 32 cm (approx. 12.5 inches) from the shoulder, work the belt on each side of the piece as follows:

Row 1 – 8 sc
Rows 2–9 – 8 hdc
Next 3 rows – 7 hdc
Next 5 rows – 6 hdc
Next 6 rows – 5 hdc
Next 7 rows – 4 hdc

Finishing
Work 1 round of sc around the entire vest.
Weave in all ends using a tapestry needle and apply a small amount of liquid silicone glue for extra security.

Designer: Joana Gouveia, @FiosCruzados