Chain Loop Vest
designed by Kim Guzman © May 2015
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Technique: Regular Crochet
To fit chest sizes
44-46” (1X), 48-50” (2X), 52-54” (3X). If you prefer a smaller size, try using a smaller hook throughout. The garment is structured so well that it will adjust to smaller sizes very easily.
Finished garment chest sizes
50” (1X), 54” (2X), 58” (3X). These are approximate flat measurements. Once being worn, the weight of the vest will lengthen it by about 1-3” which causes the finished chest measurement to change slightly.
Ease
Ease in this garment is approximately 4-8” more than body measurement to ensure a comfortable fit over another garment.
Materials
Approx. 925, 1015, 1120 yards DK weight yarn | Naturally Caron’s Country used in sample (75% microdenier acrylic/25% merino wool, 3 oz/85g, 185 yds/170m: 5, 6, 7 skeins
Recommended Hook sizes: 5mm [US H-8] and 4mm [US G-6]
4 split-ring plastic stitch markers (or small contrasting pieces of yarn)
Needle (for weaving ends)
One 1” or 1.5” decorative button
Gauge
Working in stitch pattern, across a foundation chain of 30 for 25 rows equals approximately 6” x 6”.
Special Stitches
Single Crochet 2 Together (sc2tog): insert hook in next sc, yo, draw up a lp, insert hook in next sc, yo, draw up a lp, yo, draw through 3 lps on hook.
Skill Level
Intermediate. You should have some experience with working garments previously.
Notes
I have designed this garment specifically to flatter a woman’s figure. The vest is worked in one piece, making it a very quick project. And, the stitch pattern is a lesser known combination of only single crochet and chains, making it very easy to learn.
The vest is designed as an A-line garment for a flattering fit, flowing over the hips. Easy internal waist and bust shaping is added in just the right places so that it flows with your body. The diagonal shaping at the hem adds drama and draws the eye down and gives the illusion of length, drawing attention away from the hips.
The vest offers a wonderful opportunity to use that nice antique or newly-purchased specialty button.
The schematic shows measurements without the short row shaping. With short row shaping, garment will measure about 7-8″ more lengthwise in the front only.
Row 1: With larger hook, ch 282 (306, 322) (multiple of 4, plus 2), sc in second ch from hook, *ch 3, sk 3 ch, sc in next ch, rep from * to end, turn. 70 (76, 80) ch-3 sps.
Row 2: Ch 1, sc in first sc, *ch 3, sc in next sc, rep from * to end, turn. 70 (76, 80) ch-3 sps.
Begin Short Row Shaping
Row 1: Ch 1, sc in first sc, [ch 3, sc in next sc] 14 (14, 15) times, ch 3, sl st in next sc, turn, leaving rem sts unworked. 15 (15, 16) ch-3 sps.
Row 2: Ch 4, sc in next sc, *ch 3, sc in next sc, rep from * to end, turn. 15 (15, 16) ch-3 sps.
Row 3: Ch 1, sc in first sc, [ch 3, sc in next sc] across to sl st made two rows below, ch 3, sc in sl st, *ch 3, sc in next sc, rep from * to end, turn. 70 (76, 80) ch-3 sps.
Rows 4-6: Rep rows 1-3 of Short Row Shaping.
Row 7: Ch 1, sc in first sc, [ch 3, sc in next sc] 13 (13, 14) times, ch 3, sl st in next sc, turn, leaving rem sts unworked. 14 (14, 15) ch-3 sps.
Row 8: Ch 4, sc in next sc, *ch 3, sc in next sc, rep from * to end, turn. 14 (14, 15) ch-3 sps.
Row 9: Ch 1, sc in first sc, [ch 3, sc in next sc] across to sl st made two rows below, ch 3, sc in sl st, *ch 3, sc in next sc, rep from * to end, turn. 70 (76, 80) ch-3 sps.
Rows 10-12: Rep rows 7-9 of Short Row Shaping.
Row 13: Ch 1, sc in first sc, [ch 3, sc in next sc] 12 (12, 13), ch 3, sl st in next sc, turn, leaving rem sts unworked. 13 (13, 14) ch-3 sps.
Row 14: Ch 4, sc in next sc, *ch 3, sc in next sc, rep from * to end, turn. 13 (13, 14) ch-3 sps.
Row 15: Ch 1, sc in first sc, [ch 3, sc in next sc] across to sl st made two rows below, ch 3, sc in sl st, *ch 3, sc in next sc, rep from * to end, turn. 70 (76, 80) ch-3 sps.
Rows 16-18: Rep rows 13-15 of Short Row Shaping.
Row 19: Ch 1, sc in first sc, [ch 3, sc in next sc] 11 (11, 12), ch 3, sl st in next sc, turn, leaving rem sts unworked. 12 (12, 13) ch-3 sps.
Row 20: Ch 4, sc in next sc, *ch 3, sc in next sc, rep from * to end, turn. 12 (12, 13) ch-3 sps.
Row 21: Ch 1, sc in first sc, [ch 3, sc in next sc] across to sl st made two rows below, ch 3, sc in sl st, *ch 3, sc in next sc, rep from * to end, turn. 70 (76, 80) ch-3 sps.
Rows 22-24: Rep rows 19-21 of Short Row Shaping.
Row 25: Ch 1, sc in first sc, [ch 3, sc in next sc] 10 (10, 11), ch 3, sl st in next sc, turn, leaving rem sts unworked. 11 (11, 12) ch-3 sps.
Row 26: Ch 4, sc in next sc, *ch 3, sc in next sc, rep from * to end, turn. 11 (11, 12) ch-3 sps.
Row 27: Ch 1, sc in first sc, [ch 3, sc in next sc] across to sl st made two rows below, ch 3, sc in sl st, *ch 3, sc in next sc, rep from * to end, turn. 70 (76, 80) ch-3 sps.
Rows 28-30: Rep rows 25-27 of Short Row Shaping.
Row 31: Ch 1, sc in first sc, [ch 3, sc in next sc] 9 (9, 10), ch 3, sl st in next sc, turn, leaving rem sts unworked. 10 (10, 11) ch-3 sps.
Row 32: Ch 4, sc in next sc, *ch 3, sc in next sc, rep from * to end, turn. 10 (10, 11) ch-3 sps.
Row 33: Ch 1, sc in first sc, [ch 3, sc in next sc] across to sl st made two rows below, ch 3, sc in sl st, *ch 3, sc in next sc, rep from * to end, turn. 70 (76, 80) ch-3 sps.
Rows 34-36: Rep rows 31-33 of Short Row Shaping.
Row 37: Ch 1, sc in first sc, [ch 3, sc in next sc] 8 (8, 9), ch 3, sl st in next sc, turn, leaving rem sts unworked. 9 (9, 10) ch-3 sps.
Row 38: Ch 4, sc in next sc, *ch 3, sc in next sc, rep from * to end, turn. 9 (9, 10) ch-3 sps.
Row 39: Ch 1, sc in first sc, [ch 3, sc in next sc] across to sl st made two rows below, ch 3, sc in sl st, *ch 3, sc in next sc, rep from * to end, turn. 70 (76, 80) ch-3 sps.
Rows 40-42: Rep rows 37-39 of Short Row Shaping.
Row 43: Ch 1, sc in first sc, [ch 3, sc in next sc] 7 (7, 8), ch 3, sl st in next sc, turn, leaving rem sts unworked. 8 (8, 9) ch-3 sps.
Row 44: Ch 4, sc in next sc, *ch 3, sc in next sc, rep from * to end, turn. 8 (8, 9) ch-3 sps.
Row 45: Ch 1, sc in first sc, [ch 3, sc in next sc] across to sl st made two rows below, ch 3, sc in sl st, *ch 3, sc in next sc, rep from * to end, turn. 70 (76, 80) ch-3 sps.
Rows 46-48: Rep rows 43-45 of Short Row Shaping.
Row 49: Ch 1, sc in first sc, [ch 3, sc in next sc] 6 (6, 7), ch 3, sl st in next sc, turn, leaving rem sts unworked. 7 (7, 8) ch-3 sps.
Row 50: Ch 4, sc in next sc, *ch 3, sc in next sc, rep from * to end, turn. 7 (7, 8) ch-3 sps.
Row 51: Ch 1, sc in first sc, [ch 3, sc in next sc] across to sl st made two rows below, ch 3, sc in sl st, *ch 3, sc in next sc, rep from * to end, turn. 70 (76, 80) ch-3 sps.
Rows 52-54: Rep rows 49-51 of Short Row Shaping.
Row 55: Ch 1, sc in first sc, [ch 3, sc in next sc] 5 (5, 6), ch 3, sl st in next sc, turn, leaving rem sts unworked. 6 (6, 7) ch-3 sps.
Row 56: Ch 4, sc in next sc, *ch 3, sc in next sc, rep from * to end, turn. 6 (6, 7) ch-3 sps.
Row 57: Ch 1, sc in first sc, [ch 3, sc in next sc] across to sl st made two rows below, ch 3, sc in sl st, *ch 3, sc in next sc, rep from * to end, turn. 70 (76, 80) ch-3 sps.
Rows 58-60: Rep rows 55-57 of Short Row Shaping.
Row 61: Ch 1, sc in first sc, [ch 3, sc in next sc] 4 (4, 5), ch 3, sl st in next sc, turn, leaving rem sts unworked. 5 (5, 6) ch-3 sps.
Row 62: Ch 4, sc in next sc, *ch 3, sc in next sc, rep from * to end, turn. 5 (5, 6) ch-3 sps.
Row 63: Ch 1, sc in first sc, [ch 3, sc in next sc] across to sl st made two rows below, ch 3, sc in sl st, *ch 3, sc in next sc, rep from * to end, turn. 70 (76, 80) ch-3 sps.
Rows 64-66: Rep rows 61-63 of Short Row Shaping.
Row 67: Ch 1, sc in first sc, [ch 3, sc in next sc] 3 (3, 4), ch 3, sl st in next sc, turn, leaving rem sts unworked. 4 (4, 5) ch-3 sps.
Row 68: Ch 4, sc in next sc, *ch 3, sc in next sc, rep from * to end, turn. 4 (4, 5) ch-3 sps.
Row 69: Ch 1, sc in first sc, [ch 3, sc in next sc] across to sl st made two rows below, ch 3, sc in sl st, *ch 3, sc in next sc, rep from * to end, turn. 70 (76, 80) ch-3 sps.
Rows 70-72: Rep rows 67-69 of Short Row Shaping.
Row 73: Ch 1, sc in first sc, [ch 3, sc in next sc] 2 (2, 3), ch 3, sl st in next sc, turn, leaving rem sts unworked. 3 (3, 4) ch-3 sps.
Row 74: Ch 4, sc in next sc, *ch 3, sc in next sc, rep from * to end, turn. 3 (3, 4) ch-3 sps.
Row 75: Ch 1, sc in first sc, [ch 3, sc in next sc] across to sl st made two rows below, ch 3, sc in sl st, *ch 3, sc in next sc, rep from * to end, turn. 70 (76, 80) ch-3 sps.
Rows 76-78: Rep rows 73-75 of Short Row Shaping.
***FOR LAST SIZE ONLY***
Row 79: Ch 1, sc in first sc, ch 3, sc in next sc, ch 3, sl st in next sc, turn, leaving rem sts unworked. 3 ch-3 sps.
Row 80: Ch 4, sc in next sc, *ch 3, sc in next sc, rep from * to end, turn. 3 ch-3 sps.
Row 81: Ch 1, sc in first sc, [ch 3, sc in next sc] across to sl st made two rows below, ch 3, sc in sl st, *ch 3, sc in next sc, rep from * to end, turn. 80 ch-3 sps.
Rows 82-84: Rep rows 79-81 of Short Row Shaping.
***CONTINUE FOR ALL SIZES***
Waist Shaping Set Up (Read all before continuing)
To create the interior shaping, repeat the following steps for each instance of a stitch marker. Move the stitch marker up as work progresses. A complete decrease spans four rows. All other stitch repeats will remain the same. Repeat these steps only at the stitch marker positions.
Decrease Shaping 1: At stitch marker positions, ch 2 instead of ch 3.
Decrease Shaping 2: Ch 1, instead of ch 3.
Decrease Shaping 3: Sc in each of 2 sc, with no chain between.
Decrease Shaping 4: Sc2tog (see Special Stitches above) across the 2 sc.
This will complete one pass of interior decreasing and will have reduced your ch-3 sp count by one for each instance of the shaping. The shaping will form a point in your fabric, much like a dart to form the shaping in a sewn garment.
Place stitch markers in ch-3 sp as follows (count across the row):
1X: 5, 29, 42, 66
2X: 5, 30, 47, 72
3X: 5, 32, 49, 76
Begin Interior Waist Shaping
Rows 1-4: Ch 1, sc in first sc, *ch 3, sc in next sc, rep from * to end, turn, EXCEPT at stitch marker positions, work Decrease Shaping (above). At end of row 4, 66 (72, 76) ch-3 sps.
Rows 5-10: Work previous row with NO Decrease Shaping. 66 (72, 76) ch-3 sps.
Place stitch markers in ch-3 sp as follows (count across the row):
1X: 4, 28, 39, 63
2X: 4, 29, 44, 69
3X: 4, 31, 46, 73
Rows 11-14: Ch 1, sc in first sc, *ch 3, sc in next sc, rep from * to end, turn, EXCEPT at stitch marker positions, work Decrease Shaping (above). At end of row 14, 62 (68, 72) ch-3 sps.
Rows 15-20: Work previous row with NO Decrease Shaping. 66 (72, 76) ch-3 sps.
Place stitch markers in ch-3 sp as follows (count across the row):
1X: 3, 60
2X: 3, 66
3X: 3, 70
Rows 21-24: Ch 1, sc in first sc, *ch 3, sc in next sc, rep from * to end, turn, EXCEPT at stitch marker positions, work Decrease Shaping (above). At end of row 24, 60 (66, 70) ch-3 sps.
Split for Armholes
First Front
Using stitch markers, mark the first and 10th (10th, 11th) ch-3 sps.
Rows 1-4: Work in established stitch pattern across only 10 (10, 11) ch-3 sps, EXCEPT work Decrease Shaping at the stitch marker positions. At end of row 4, 8 (8, 9) ch-3 sps.
Using stitch markers, mark the last ch-3 sp. For size 3X, ALSO mark the first ch-3 sp.
Rows 5-8: Work in established stitch pattern across only 8 (8, 9) ch-3 sps, EXCEPT work Decrease Shaping at the stitch marker position(s). At end of row 8, 7 (7, 7) ch-3 sps.
Using stitch markers, mark the first and last ch-3 sp.
Rows 9-12: Work in established stitch pattern across only 7 (7, 7) ch-3 sps, EXCEPT work Decrease Shaping at the stitch marker positions. At end of row 12, 5 (5, 5) ch-3 sps.
Using stitch markers, mark the last ch-3 sp.
Rows 13-16: Work in established stitch pattern across only 5 (5, 5) ch-3 sps, EXCEPT work Decrease Shaping at the stitch marker position. At end of row 16, 3 (3, 3) ch-3 sps.
Using stitch markers, mark the first ch-3 sp.
Rows 17-20: Work in established stitch pattern across only 3 (3, 3) ch-3 sps, EXCEPT work Decrease Shaping at the stitch marker position. At end of row 20, 2 (2, 2) ch-3 sps. Fasten off.
Back
Returning to row 24 before Armhole Split, sk next 10 (12, 12) ch-3 sps. With stitch marker, mark the next ch-3 sp. Count across ch-3 sps and mark the 20th (22nd, 24th) ch-3 sp with second stitch marker.
Rows 1-4: Work in established stitch pattern from first to second stitch marker, EXCEPT work Decrease Shaping at the stitch marker positions. At end of row 4, 18 (20, 22) ch-3 sps.
Using stitch markers, mark the first and last ch-3 sp.
Rows 5-8: Work in established stitch pattern from first to second stitch marker, EXCEPT work Decrease Shaping at the stitch marker positions. At end of row 8, 16 (18, 20) ch-3 sps.
Using stitch markers, mark the first and last ch-3 sp.
Rows 9-12: Work in established stitch pattern from first to second stitch marker, EXCEPT work Decrease Shaping at the stitch marker positions. At end of row 12, 14 (16, 18) ch-3 sps.
Rows 13-16: Work in established stitch pattern across 14 (16, 18) ch-3 sps with no Decrease Shaping.
Using stitch markers, mark the third ch-3 sp of row.
Rows 17-20: (Shoulder) Work in established stitch pattern across 3 (3, 3) ch-3 sps only, EXCEPT work Decrease Shaping at the stitch marker position. At end of row 20, 2 (2, 2) ch-3 sps. Fasten off.
Using stitch markers, mark the third ch-3 sp from opposite side of back.
Opposite Shoulder: Work in established stitch pattern across 3 (3, 3) ch-3 sps only (on opposite side, leaving neck open), EXCEPT work Decrease Shaping at the stitch marker position. At end of row 20, 2 (2, 22) ch-3 sps. Fasten off.
Second Front
Returning to row 24 before Armhole Split, sk next 10 (12, 12) ch-3 sps. With stitch marker, mark the next ch-3 sp and the last ch-3 sp.
Rows 1-4: Work in established stitch pattern across only 10 (10, 11) ch-3 sps, EXCEPT work Decrease Shaping at the stitch marker positions. At end of row 4, 8 (8, 9) ch-3 sps.
Using stitch markers, mark the first ch-3 sp. For size 3X, ALSO mark the last ch-3 sp.
Rows 5-8: Work in established stitch pattern across only 8 (8, 9) ch-3 sps, EXCEPT work Decrease Shaping at the stitch marker position(s). At end of row 8, 7 (7, 7) ch-3 sps.
Using stitch markers, mark the first and last ch-3 sp.
Rows 9-12: Work in established stitch pattern across only 7 (7, 7) ch-3 sps, EXCEPT work Decrease Shaping at the stitch marker positions. At end of row 12, 5 (5, 5) ch-3 sps.
Using stitch markers, mark the first ch-3 sp.
Rows 13-16: Work in established stitch pattern across only 5 (5, 5) ch-3 sps, EXCEPT work Decrease Shaping at the stitch marker position. At end of row 16, 3 (3, 3) ch-3 sps.
Using stitch markers, mark the last ch-3 sp.
Rows 17-20: Work in established stitch pattern across only 3 (3, 3) ch-3 sps, EXCEPT work Decrease Shaping at the stitch marker position. At end of row 20, 2 (2, 2) ch-3 sps. Fasten off.
Seaming
With yarn needle, seam shoulders.
Armhole Trim
With smaller hook, join yarn with sl st to bottom of armhole, ch 1, sc evenly around armhole, sl st to first sc. *Ch 1, sc in each sc around, sl st to first sc, rep from * once more, fasten off. Rep for opposite armhole.
Neckline and Lower Hem Trim
With garment hanging, measure down 10 (10.5, 10.5)” from shoulder join on both fronts and place markers.
Rnd 1: With smaller hook, join yarn to any corner of lower hem with sl st, ch 1, sc evenly around entire garment, sl st to first sc.
Rnd 2: Ch 1, sc in each sc around, except at marked position on Right Front, work (sc, ch 8, sc) in same sc, sl to to first sc after completion of round, fasten off.
Finishing
Sew button to marked position on Left Front, weave in all ends carefully.