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This free crochet pattern is for Shell Vest that is long and split open on the side and has a button on the front. This pattern is made using different-sized shell crochet stitches as well as Gloss yarn from WeCrochet and includes a full video tutorial for the stitch pattern.
I love lacy crochet patterns. I may not crochet many garment patterns, but I sure love wearing them when I do. This long vest pattern, like crochet tops, is not only easy it also looks very stylish for the summertime. It even looks great when worn over a thin long sleeve shirt in the spring or fall when the weather is not as warm.
If you have crocheted double crochet stitches before then this pattern is for you. It features only double crochet stitches in different combinations of differently sized shell stitches. This creates a beautiful look and an amazing lacy style.
To make this long knee-length crochet vest easy, it made sure it doesn’t include any increases or decreases (for shaping) and is made from 3 rectangles sewn together using the mattress stitch in 4 different areas.
The blooming shell stitch pattern is not only beautiful but simple. To make it even easier, I added a photo and video tutorial for it. Furthermore, I added a link to a video tutorial if you never used the mattress stitch before. So no matter what you have support to create this easy shell crochet vest pattern.
Table of contents
Using Shell Crochet Stitches for Long Vests
Crochet vests can be worn to be stylish or functional. This crochet vest is both. The lacy shell stitch pattern creates a gorgeous look and even features differently sized shell stitches.
Crochet shell stitches can be made using any of the same basic crochet stitch and are all crocheted into one single stitch. How many stitches are added into that one stitch depends on the pattern. In this stitch pattern, there are 3, 5 and 7-dc shell stitches included. All of them are placed on top of each other to create a blooming effect.
Combining stitches, techniques and inventing new stitches mixed in with lots of laughter and humor is what The Crochet Club is all about. No more “my work is not good enough” or “it’s not perfect”. You will experience how to be the best crocheter you always wanted to be. Be proud of every stitch of your work.
Now let’s talk about what the best yarn for this project is, shall we?
Best Yarn for Shell Long Crochet Vest Crochet Patterns
Well, that all depends on what you prefer but it’s best to use a wool or wool blended yarn. If you are allergic you can easily use another fiber yarn. I like using really soft yarn that can last a long time and will provide the perfect drape for a vest pattern. So I used the WeCrochet’s yarn “Gloss”. If you prefer subbing the yarn you can easily use any other yarn for this project. Just make sure it’s DK yarn.
Get the PDF of the Shell Long Crochet Vest
So, let me now give you the supplies you need in order to crochet this cute pattern.
This pattern is also available as an ad-free, printer-friendly pdf pattern that can be purchased at the links below for only a small fee.
If you like this garment crochet pattern, you might like these also:
How to make the
Crochet Long Vest Pattern
Materials you will need
- WeCrochet “Gloss” Yarn (1 skein/ 50g/ 123yd) in the color Robot
- S/M (9 skeins)
- L/XL (10 skeins)
- 2XL/3XL (11 skeins)
- 4XL/5XL (12 skeins)
- 5.00 mm hook
- scissors
- tapestry needle
- optional: small button (between 1 – 1.5 inches will work fine)
Gauge
16 sts x 7 rows = 3 square inches
Size
- S/M Bust: 32-38 inches
- L/XL Bust: 40-46 inches
- 2XL/3XL Bust: 48-54 inches
- 4XL/5XL Bust: 56-62 inches
* if you’re between 2 sizes, use the next size
Stitches used in the pattern
Learn all the basic crochet stitches HERE
- dc = double crochet
- Blooming Shell Stitch Pattern (with video tutorial)
- sl st = slip stitch
- ch = chain
- sk = skip
- shell = 3, 5 or 7 dc stitches in one stitch
- atc = alternative turning chain (2 sc stacked = 1 dc = ch 3)
- Mattress Stitch
Free Written Pattern for the Shell Crochet Long Vest
You’ll crochet the large back panel and then 2 front panels which each are sewn to the back panel by the shoulders and below the armhole and hips to keep the panels split on the sides.
Blooming Shell Stitch Pattern
If you need a video tutorial or pictures for this stitch pattern, please see it here.
R1: in the 10th ch from the hook, place [1 dc, ch 1, 1 dc], *ch2, sk 3 chs, 1 dc in the next ch, ch 2, sk 3 chs, [1 dc, ch 1, 1 dc], rep from * across, ch 2, sk 3 chs, 1 dc in the last ch, turn
R2: 1 atc, ch 2, * 3 dc in the ch-1 sp, ch 2**, sk 1 dc, 1 dc in the next dc, ch 2, rep from * across, ending last rep at **, skip 1 dc and 2 chs (from turning ch), 1 dc in the next ch, turn
R3: 1 atc, ch 1, * sk next dc, 5 dc in the next dc (middle stitch of 3 dc shell), ch 1, sk next dc**, 1 dc in the next dc, ch 1, rep from * across, ending last rep at **, 1 dc on top of atc, turn
R4: 1 atc, *7dc in the center stitch of the 5-dc shell, sk next 2 dc, 1 dc in the next dc, rep from * across, placing last dc on top of the atc, turn
R5: 1 atc, 1 dc in the same stitch as atc, * ch 2, 1 dc in the center stitch of the 7-dc shell, ch 2 **, sk next 3 dc, [1 dc, ch 1, 1 dc] in the next dc, rep from * across, ending last rep at **, 2 dc on top of the atc, turn
R6: 1 atc, 1 dc in the same stitch as atc, sk next dc, * ch 2, 1 dc next dc, ch 2 **, 3 dc in the ch-1 sp, sk next dc, rep from * across, ending last rep at **, 2 dc on top of the atc, turn
R7: 1 atc, 2 dc in the same stitch as atc, sk next dc, * ch 1, 1 dc in the next dc, ch 1 **, sk next dc, 5 dc in the next dc, sk next dc, rep from * across, ending last rep at **, 3 dc on top of the atc, turn
R8: 1 atc, 3 dc in the same stitch as atc, sk next 2 dc, * 1 dc in the next dc, **, 7 dc in the center of the 5-dc shell, rep from * across, ending last rep at **, 4 dc on top of the atc, turn
Crocheting Back Panel of the Shell Vest
Using the above Blooming Shell Stitch Pattern, crochet the following chain count for each size:
| Size | Chain Count | Stitch Count per Row |
| S/M | 110 | 105 |
| L/XL | 134 | 129 |
| 2XL/3XL | 158 | 153 |
| 4XL/5XL | 182 | 177 |
In order to crochet the back panel for the Shell Vest, follow the Blooming Shell Stitch Pattern and crochet for all sizes a total of 80 rows. The back panel has 10 eight-row pattern repeats.
Fasten off and weave in your ends.
Front Panel of the Shell Long Vest Pattern
Two front panels need to be crocheted for this pattern. Using the above Blooming Shell Stitch Pattern, crochet the following chain count for each size:
| Size | Chain Count | Stitch Count per Row |
| S/M | 46 | 41 |
| L/XL | 54 | 49 |
| 2XL/3XL | 62 | 57 |
| 4XL/5XL | 70 | 65 |
In order to crochet the front panels for the Shell Vest, follow the Blooming Shell Stitch Pattern and crochet for all sizes a total of 80 rows. Just like the back panel, the front panels each have 10 eight-row pattern repeats.
Sewing the front panels to the back panel
To sew the front panels to the back panel, lay all the pieces such that the flat edges (first rows) and the wavy edges (last rows) touch. The wavy edges will be the bottom and close to your knees and the flat edges are the shoulders. That means the crochet project is upside down to achieve this look.
Pin the pieces together so that the pattern lays exactly on top of each other. Specifically, check that the pattern matches by the shoulders, keeping an opening for the neck.
Using the Mattress Stitch, sew each front panel to the back panel like the seam lines shows on the image above – for both the shoulder and the side seam. Use the below table to know when to start and end the side seam. Ideally, measure out the armhole opening and add a stitch marker. Then measure the side seam length and also add a stitch marker. Sew the pieces together between the stitch markers.
| Size | Armhole Opening in inches | Side Seam Length In inches |
| S/M | 8.5 | 10.5 |
| L/XL | 9.5 | 11 |
| 2XL/3XL | 10.5 | 11.5 |
| 4XL/5XL | 11.5 | 12 |
Optionally Sew a Button for a Closure on the Chest
Optional, like me, you can add a button to one side of the front panel where your chest is. To connect, as a closure, the button to the other side, use one of the lacy openings of the pattern to push through the button. No extra loop is needed unless you prefer to add one.
Now you are done and can enjoy your new Shell Vest Crochet Pattern.
Be sure to join my Crochet Facebook Group and show off your vest. I would love to admire them and cheer you on as you’re working on creating it and after you finished it.
I’m also always here to support you through this and any other pattern and tutorial. Simply ask in my group and me and other amazing and kind crocheters will help you along.
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