Americana Easy Crochet Vest Pattern for Toddlers

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This sweet and easy crochet vest pattern takes easy comforting stitching, and the bold red, white and blue colors of the American flag to create a fun and festive top for summer.

As you can see, it’s the perfect top for layering, even for outdoor summer adventures! Sadly that little red gooey fish is all we caught that expedition. (Quick aside- does anyone else’s kids watch Mickey Mouse Clubhouse? It was nonstop last summer!)

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I really love the look of craftsy Americana things, especially around the summer months! You can bet my daughter and I will be sporting matching vests for the Fourth of July this year!

Materials

I/9 5.5 mm Crochet Hook

Hobby Lobby I Love This Cotton 100% cotton yarn, 1 skein red, 1 skein white, 2 skeins blue

Scissors

Yarn Needle

Abbreviations

Ch- chain

Dc – double crochet

Sk – skip

Gauge / Finished Size

8 stitches and 4 rows in dc filet in 2”

Finished Size: Each panel measures approx. 14”x 10” to fit a size 4T

Notes

This pattern modifies easily to custom measurements. You’ll want to measure from armpit to armpit across the back for width, and from shoulder to waist and add about 5” for length.

Suggested Sizes

To change the size of the vest, here are some different guidelines.

The length of your initial chain determines the width of your vest, and should match the “cross back” measurement from shoulder to shoulder, with maybe a quarter inch margin for seams.

To size it, make your initial chain this long PLUS a quarter inch. (Note, if you chain tightly, you may like to go up a hook size.) Measure the length again after the first row- worst case scenario, you have to redo this row once-but all three panels are the same!

Typical Child Cross Back Measurements

• 2T: 9.25″
• 4T: 9.75″
• 6: 10.25″
• 8: 10.75″
• 10: 11.25″
• 12: 12″
• 14: 12.25″
• 16: 13″

The height is determined by the number of rows worked. This silhouette drops about 5-6″ below the waist, and you’ll want to keep an even number of rows. To size it, work the neck waist measurement PLUS 5-6″.

Typical Neck Waist Measurements

• 2T: 8.5″
• 4T: 9.5″
• 6: 10.5″
• 8: 12.5″
• 10: 14″
• 12: 15″
• 14: 15.5″
• 16: 16″

Toddler Americana Vest Pattern, Size 4T

Front Panel (Make 2)

Using Blue, Ch 37.

Row 1: Ch 2, dc in 3rd ch from hook, *ch 1, sk 1 ch, dc,* repeat * to *across. [37 (19 dc, 18 ch sp)]

Row 2: Ch 2, turn, dc in first dc, *ch 1, sk 1ch, dc in next dc,* repeat * to * across. [37]

Rows 3-26: repeat row 2. [37]

Fasten off, leaving a  24” tail for sewing your side seam.

Back Panel (Make 1)

Using Red, Ch 37.

Row 1: Ch 2, dc in 3rd ch from hook, *ch 1, sk 1 ch, dc,* repeat * to *across. [37 (19 dc, 18 ch sp)]

Row 2: Ch 2, turn, dc in first dc, *ch 1, sk 1ch, dc in next dc,* repeat * to * across. [37]

Switch to White.

Note: You may carry your colors up the rows if desired, as we are working in pairs of two rows per stripe. They’ll be tucked away on the inside of your vest anyways.)

Row 3-4: Repeat Row 2. [37]

Switch to Red.

Rows 5-6: Repeat Row 2. [37]

Rows 7-26: Continue in this fashion, ending after red rows.

(If you stick to this size, you’ll have 7 red stripes, and 6 white, just like our Grand Old Flag!)

Fasten off, and weave in your ends.

Assembly

Place one blue front panel on top of the striped back panel. Using your longer tail, sew together eight stripes.

Place the other blue front panel together with the striped back panel. Using the long tail, sew together eight stripes on the opposite side. You may have to flip your second blue panel to get the tail on the right side- that’s okay! This patterns is fully reversible.

Cut two lengths of thread and sew together the  top three rows and three stitches, to create a small shoulder seam.

Repeat on the other side.

And you’re done! Enjoy wearing your vest around for all sorts of summer adventures! I think if you added FRINGE it would be perfect for a summer festival!

Please feel free to leave a blog comment if you want advice on sizing up- if I get a few requests I will put together a fully sized adult version!

Thank you so much for supporting Salty Pearl Crochet! Please let me know if you have any questions or would like additional information about the pattern. I love seeing your creations on Ravelry or Instagram (#SaltyPearlCrochet), and I am always happy to offer pattern support for all of my crochet patterns as written.

You are more than welcome to sell any finished items made from this pattern. Please use your own photos and credit Katie Clary as the designer. Links back to my blog post are greatly appreciated! Please feel free to share this pattern by directing others to this blog post or the Ravelry listing, NOT by distributing the pattern or photos as your own.

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