✦ Quick answer: The Indigo Canyon Bolero Vest is a free, easy crochet pattern made from just two identical rectangles. You work each panel in rows with chain, single crochet, double crochet and a simple X stitch, then fold and seam the panels to leave a V neck opening and armholes. It is oversized on purpose and the fabric stretches, so it slips right over a blouse, sweater or tee. It uses about 1.5 skeins of a weight 4 yarn with a 5 mm (H-8) hook.
Jump straight to the Indigo Canyon Bolero Vest Instructions ↓
When I designed this Crochet Bolero Vest I knew I was on to something super exciting!
Making a crochet top using just two rectangles?
This is amazing and the possibilities are endless!
I do not like fitted clothes, so for me this is a great piece I can wear on top of any blouse, sweater or tee.
Are you with me?
There are 2 ways to get this pattern:
Option 1: You can purchase the individual pattern as an easy-to-read, print-friendly PDF from Ravelry
Option 2: Scroll down to get the written instructions for this pattern for free
Why You Will Love This Crochet Bolero Vest
- It is just two rectangles, so there is no shaping to keep track of.
- The fit is oversized and relaxed, and the fabric stretches, so it layers over almost anything you already own.
- It is an easy pattern. If you can chain, single crochet and double crochet, you can make it.
- You can change the width by adding rows, so it is easy to make your own.
If you like easy layering pieces, you may also love my Easy Crochet Mesh Shrug and my Crochet Ruana
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Before you get started, check out my Favorite Crochet Tools (affiliate)
Large eye yarn needles for seaming: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=large+eye+yarn+needles&tag=sandrastitche-20
5 mm crochet hooks: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=5mm+crochet+hook&tag=sandrastitche-20
Stitch markers, handy for marking the V neck opening: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=crochet+stitch+markers&tag=sandrastitche-20
A gauge ruler, so you always get the right size: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=crochet+gauge+ruler&tag=sandrastitche-20
Pattern Designed By: Sandra Stitches This pattern is copyright protected; it is unlawful to distribute this pattern in any form (free, sale or trade).
▶️ Add this pattern to your Ravelry favorites here
Indigo Canyon Bolero Vest Instructions
Materials and Tools You’ll Need
Alize Burcum Batik, 100% acrylic, 100 gr, 210 mt, 230 yards (1.5 skeins)
Find substitutions here.
You can work this pattern with any yarn weight and hook size, it will change the measurements.
Or any weight #4 yarn
Hook: US Size H-8 (5 mm)
Yarn Needle, Scissors, Measuring Tape, Stitch Marker
Gauge
12 st X 6 rows (4” X 4”)
Always make a swatch to measure your tension and try a few hook sizes so you feel secure. If you need help, take a look at this workshop.
Sizes
Can be modified as you wish. This fabric stretches, so the finished size will depend on how much it relaxes and how you wear it.
This is supposed to be an oversized top or vest. The measurements for women’s tops are in this chart. Try to measure yourself and think a few stitches more or less.
I used a weight #4 yarn that is on the thinner side. My tension is loose, so for me this size was perfect.
Stitch Key
- Ch = Chain
- Sc = Single Crochet
- St = Stitch
- Dc = Double crochet
Specialty Stitches
X stitch = skip 1 st, dc 1 in next st, dc 1 in skipped st
BloSc = Back Loop Only Single Crochet stitch (Insert hook into the next st, but only in the back loop. YO, pull back through that st (2 loops on hook), YO, pull through all 2 loops on hook.)
Sandra’s tip: This fabric stretches, so measure the vest while it is relaxed and do not pull it to check the size. My tension is loose, so this was just right for me. If yours is tighter, swatch first and try a bigger hook before you start.
Notes
- The pattern is worked in rows
- Ch1 at the beginning of the row does not count as a stitch
- This pattern uses pattern repeats.
- This pattern is worked in two rectangle panels seamed to form the top
- You can decide on the width of the top by adding rows
- This pattern uses multiples of even # +1
Instructions
Panel, make 2 identical
Chain 121
Row 1: Sc1 in 2nd st from hook, sc 1 in next 6 st, dc 1 in next 106 st, sc 1 in last 7 st, turn (120)
Row 2: Ch 1, BloSc in 1st st from hook, BloSc in next 6 st, dc1 in next st, [skip 1 st, dc 1 in next st, dc 1 in skipped st] repeat from to to a total of 52 X st , dc 1 in next st, BloSc in last 7 st, turn (120)
Row 3: Ch 1, BloSc in 1st st from hook, BloSc in next 6 st, dc1 in next 106 st, BloSc in last 7 st, turn (120)
Rows 4 to 15: Repeat rows 2+3 (120)
Row 16: Ch 1, BloSc in 1st st from hook, BloSc in next 6 st, sc 1 in next 106 st, BloSc in last 7 st, turn (120)
Row 17: Ch 1, BloSc in 1st st from hook, BloSc in next 6 st, dc1 in next 106 st, BloSc in last 7 st, turn (120)
Row 18: Ch 1, BloSc in 1st st from hook, BloSc in next and across to end of row (120)
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Construction
Fold two panels in half and lay them as in the image, with the right side facing you.
Measure from bottom up 10” and count how many stitches (it depends on your size). Mark using a stitch marker. This will give you the V neck opening. Sew on both sides.
Now measure from the shoulders down 8”-9” for the armholes. Sew on both sides.
Finishing
Secure yarn, weave in ends, and cut yarn
Optional: You can add buttons or beads for a more textured piece
Frequently Asked Questions
Measure yourself against the size chart above and think a few stitches more or less. The stitch pattern stretches, so the fit is forgiving. Swatch first, because your tension decides the final size.
Add rows to make the top wider. The starting chain uses an even number plus 1, so keep that rule if you change it, and adjust the stitch counts in the rows to match.
After folding the two panels in half, measure 10 inches up from the bottom and mark that spot with a stitch marker for the V neck opening. Then measure 8 to 9 inches down from the shoulders for the armholes. Sew both sides at each spot.
Yes. It is an easy pattern made from rectangles, using chain, single crochet, double crochet, the X stitch and back loop only single crochet, plus basic seaming.
Any weight #4 yarn works. The sample used 1.5 skeins of 230 yards each. Other yarn weights and hook sizes will change the measurements, so swatch first
Yes. Pin the sides, hold the vest up against you or try it on, and then sew.
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Hi my crochet friend!
Crochet has followed me from Argentina to Israel and through every crossroads since. Now I design calm, achievable crochet, made to feel possible.
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One thought on “Free Crochet Bolero Vest Pattern: Indigo Canyon”
Love this vest.