This crochet pattern guides you through creating a beautifully structured bolero vest that's as functional as it is stylish. Perfect for layering over dresses, tops, or even casual tees, this vest features a reversible textured stitch, flattering shaping, and delicate shell-stitch edging.
Crochet Bolero Vest
With clear measurements and adaptable sizing, it's designed for every skill level—from confident beginners to experienced crocheters. Add personal flair with optional beads or buttons, and enjoy a garment that combines comfort, fashion, and handmade charm in one timeless piece.
Measurements and Materials
- Height: 59 cm
- Width: 45 cm (customizable)
- Crochet hooks: 5.5 mm (for chain) and 4.5 mm (for rest)
- Yarn: Lidia Crochet Tricot Classic (100% acrylic) – 3.5 skeins
- Measuring tape
- Wool needle
- Sewing needle (for optional beads)
- Beads or small button for closure (optional)
Construction – Main Pieces
- The vest is made from 3 pieces: 1 back and 2 front panels
- Measure your widest part (bust, hips, or stomach)
- Divide by 2 to get the width for the back piece
- For each front panel, divide back chain count by 2 and add 4 stitches
- Use 5.5 mm hook to chain a multiple of 2 stitches
Example: 60 chains = 45 cm
Row 1: Single Crochet Foundation
- Chain 1
- Skip chain 1
- Work 1 single crochet (sc) in each stitch across
Main Stitch Pattern (Reversible Texture)
- Chain 1, turn
- Row Start: sc in first stitch, dc in next
- Alternate sc and dc across
- Always place sc over dc and dc over sc in following rows
- Continue until the piece reaches just below the armpit
Back Piece Shaping
- Work 51 rows straight (approx. 37.5 cm)
- Begin armhole shaping:
- Row 1: Chain 1, 3 unfinished sc together (first 3 sts), continue pattern, 3 unfinished sc together at end
- Row 2: Work pattern normally
- Repeat these 2 rows again
- After 4 shaping rows, continue pattern with no decreases
- Work until mid-shoulder (23 rows post-decrease, approx. 21 cm)
- Fasten off, leave long tail
Front Panels (Make 2)
- Each panel = half the back chains + 4
- Example: 60 back chains → 34 front panel chains
- Work 51 rows straight
- Begin armhole and neckline shaping
- Mark back side (armhole)
- Armhole Decrease (Marked Side):
- Row 1: Decrease
- Row 2: No decrease
- Row 3: Decrease
- Row 4: No decrease
Neckline Decrease (Unmarked Side)
- Row 1: Decrease
- Row 2-3: No decrease
- Row 4: Decrease
- Row 5-6: No decrease
- Row 7: Decrease
- Do not decrease in last 4 rows
- Total shaping rows = 23
- Fasten off, leave tail
Assembly
Shoulder Seams
- Align front panels over the back
- Count stitches for shoulder seams (e.g., 16 each)
- Use wool needle to sew, stitch to stitch
- Knot and weave in ends
Side Seams
- Fold bolero with right sides facing
- Match edges and place markers at armpits
- Sew side seams up to marker
- Knot and weave in ends
Edging (Shell Stitch)
- Attach yarn to front panel bottom
- Pattern:
- 2 sc in first stitch
- Skip space, sl st
- 3 sc in next space
- Repeat (3 sc, skip, sl st) around edges
- Curve and neckline: adjust spacing for flat finish
- Back neckline: 3 sc, skip 1, sl st in next
- End with 2 sc in final stitch, sl st to starting stitch
- Fasten off, weave in end
Sleeve Edging
- Use same shell stitch method around each armhole
- Match shell count on both sides
- Finish with 2 sc in last, sl st to first sl st
- Fasten off and weave in ends
Closure (Optional Cord with Beads)
- Use 4 mm hook
- Chain approx. 70 for each cord
- Attach to neckline using sl st through two stitches
- Fasten off, weave in tail
- Use sewing needle to thread beads onto tail
- Tie knot under beads, trim excess
- Repeat for second side
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