Crochet the Sunset Cascade Sweater Vest: Easy Pattern, Classic Style

Meet your new go-to layer! My lightweight crochet sweater vest combines the warmth of a blended acrylic and wool yarn with the texture of the Granny Spike stitch. Perfect for adding an extra touch of coziness, it’s easy to style over a long-sleeve tee or a classic blouse for a casual yet polished look.

Easy to follow and enjoyable to crochet, the Sunset Cascade sweater vest is a must-have addition to your retro cooler weather wardrobe.

This is a fantastic pattern for you if you’re looking to crochet a cozy, flattering garment that complements any outfit.

Written in US terminology with instructions for sizes S through 5X, you’ll find the free pattern below.  If you prefer to work offline, a PDF is available in my Etsy and Ravelry stores.

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Why you’ll Love to Crochet my Vest

Level

Easy

Supplies and Materials

• DK weight #3 yarn; 1088, (1202, 1382, 1502, 1623, 1743, 1952, 2078) yds
• 4mm crochet hook (I use Clover Amour)
• Tape Measure
• Stitch Markers
• Scissors
• Yarn Needle

Yarn Choices

This sample size of medium is crocheted in James C. Brett Shhh DK in color 09. 

I saw someone crocheting a blanket in this yarn and liked the colour changes.  I added it to my stash with no project in mind.  When I crocheted a swatch in the granny spike stitch, I knew some future design would be worked in this.  I think the colour changes work really well for this stitch!

James Brett Shhh DK is a self-striping yarn that is a blend of 80% Acrylic and 20% Wool.  It comes in a whopping 550m (601yds)/100g.  Great value for money!

Apart from the stunning colour choices available, the way those colours blend and how lightweight the yarn is, I was also drawn by the care instructions.  You can wash your finished makes on a delicate machine wash at 30°C.  Always a big bonus!

I found it really soft to crochet with and the finished vest is lovely and lightweight but oh so warm.  The only downside is if you need to unpick (ie frog) your stitches, the fuzziness catches making it difficult and frustrating.

Yarn Substitutions

The following yarns match gauge and fibre:

• ALIZE Angora Gold Ombre Batik
• Papatya Angora

Substitute any DK weight yarn : This is the perfect project for using up DK weight (#3) yarn from your stash, offering an eco-friendly way to create something beautiful. 

Crochet your swatch to make sure you’re happy with your choice of substitution.

You’ll need your swatch to work out your gauge but this time, also focus on testing the drape and weight of the yarn you’ve chosen before committing to the final project.

Don’t forget, if your gauge doesn’t match my personal gauge, using the stitch converter will help you to adjust your stitches.

Gauge

Using a 4mm hook

18 stitches and 15 rows = 10cm X 10cm

Glossary

You will need to know how to work the following stitches:

• Single Crochet (sc)
• Single Crochet Back Loop Only (scblo)
• Half Double Crochet (hdc)
• Half Double Crochet 2 Together (hdc2tog)
• Double Crochet (dc)
• Long Double Crochet (LDC) see how to work the granny spike stitch below
• Slip Stitch (sl st)

How to work the Granny Spike Stitch

The granny stripe stitch is worked in a two-row repeat.

This stitch is similar to the granny stitch but the middle stitch of the 3 double crochets is worked into the row below.  In this pattern, the middle stitch is called a Long Double Crochet (LDC).

See image below for the foundation row and rows 2 and 3 .

Abbreviations

These common abbreviations are used in this crochet vest pattern:

• Back Loop Only (blo)
• Chain/s (ch/s)
• Continue (cont)
• Each (ea)
• Instructions (instr)
• Previous (prev)
• Repeat (rep)
• Right Side (RS)
• Skip (sk)
• Space/s (sp/s)
• Wrong Side (WS)

Measurements

• The sizes in the table below follow guidance from the Craft Yarn Council.
• The width is the actual width and length the actual length.  If you prefer a tighter fit, go down a size, or go up a size for a baggier fit.
• Yarn amount is calculated for James Brett Shhh DK.  If you substitute the yarn for this crochet sweater vest you may need more or less than stated.

How the Crochet Sweater Vest Pattern is Worked

The Sunset Cascade vest uses the granny spike stitch which is worked from side-to-side.

This is such a versatile stitch and can look so different, depending on whether it’s worked lengthways or side-to-side and even colour choices. 

To compare how this stitch works lengthways, check out my Faith V-neck vest pattern.  And to compare how the granny spike looks in a different colourway when it’s worked side-to-side, take a look at my Coccinelle pocket shawl and Lavender Fields poncho.

This crochet sweater vest is worked in two pieces.  My design includes a ribbed neck but no ribbed hem.  The granny spike stitch gives a lovely neat edge and the vest drapes perfectly without a ribbed hem. 

The process photos are below:

1. The back is crocheted first which is rectangular in shape, worked in rows from the bottom.  There is no shaping.
2. The front is worked next in the same way.  There is minimal shaping for the shoulders.  The shaping is achieved by measuring the neck space and placing stitch markers.  For the first shoulder, keeping continuity of pattern, the stitches are worked to the stitch marker, turning and leaving the remaining stitches unworked.  Yarn is rejoined on the other side for the second shoulder and repeated.
3. Working on the wrong side, the front is placed on the back, lined up to match and the shoulder seams sewn.  Measurements are taken for the armhole depth and a stitch marker is placed.  The seam is sewn from the hem to the stitch marker on either side.
4. Working on the right side, rounds of half double crochet (hdc) are worked to neaten the armhole/sleeve edges. The rounds are joined using a slip stitch and turned to work the next round. Also working on the right side, the neck ribbing is crocheted last.  Chains are made and worked into back to the neck edge, slip stitching to the neck edge, before working back up the chain.  Once worked all around the neck, the two edges are joined by slip stitching through one loop on each side.  The neck ribbing is worked in single crochet back loop only (scblo). 

I’ve rated this pattern as easy.  If you are a confident beginner, give this crochet vest a go.  With minimal shaping and no colour changes, you’ll enjoy the process and learn new techniques.

The Ravelry promotion is to celebrate pattern release. It’s running from 27th November 2024 to end of day GMT 28th November 2024.

Pattern Notes

• Pattern is written in US Crochet Terms.
• Multiples of 4 (+3).
• Instructions for sizes are written like this: S/M, (L/XL, 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X).
• Repeated instructions are written like this: * [ch1, sk next ch, dc in next 3 chs], * rep across to last 5 chs.  This means you will chain one, skip the next chain, double crochet in the next 3 chains and repeat this across to the last 5 chains.
• Chain 1 at the end of rows (turning chain) does not count as a stitch.
• Chain 1 granny spike stitch counts as a stitch.
• Chain 3 counts as a double crochet.
• Chain 4 counts as a double crochet and chain one.
• The closing row prepares for shoulder seams.
• To double check when counting stitches for neckline, after placing the first stitch marker fold rectangle in half.  Stitch marker should be in the middle of the last row.
• There is no right or wrong side – choose yours before sewing shoulder seams.
• Weave in ends as you go.

Sweater Vest Instructions US crochet terms

Back

With a 4mm hook

Ch 83, (95, 103, 111, 119, 131, 139, 147)

Row 1 (foundation): dc in 4th ch from hook and in next 2 chs, * [ch1, sk next ch, dc in next 3 chs], * rep across to last 5 chs, ch1, sk next ch, dc in last 4 chs, ch4, turn (80, 92, 100, 108, 116, 128, 136, 144 sts)

Row 2: sk next 3 dc, *working in ch1-sp, [dc, LDC in sk ch from foundation row, dc, ch1], * rep across to last 4 sts, sk next 3 dc, dc in last st, ch3, turn

Row 3: *working in ch1-sp [dc, LDC in centre dc from prev row, dc, ch1], * rep across to last ch-sp, [dc, LDC, dc] in ch-sp, dc in 3rd ch of turning ch, ch4, turn

Row 4: sk next 3 dc, *working in ch1-sp, [dc, LDC in centre dc from prev row, dc, ch1], * rep across to last 4 sts, sk next 3 sts, dc in top of turning ch, ch3, turn

Rows 3 and 4 form the granny spike pattern

Row 5 – 70, (70, 72, 72, 72, 72, 74, 74) rep rows 3 and 4 – end of last row, ch2, turn

Row 71, (71, 73, 73, 73, 74, 75, 75) – closing row: LDC in 1st ch-sp, dc in ea dc and LDC in ea ch-sp to last ch-sp, LDC in last ch-sp, dc in 3rd ch, dc in 2nd ch

Fasten off

Front

Rep instructions for back to row 66, (66, 68, 68, 68, 68, 70, 70)

Count 40, (46, 50, 54, 58, 64, 68, 72) sts and place a st marker

Measure 5”/12cm to the right, place a st marker

Measure 5”/12cm to the left, place a st marker

Remove middle st marker.

Sts between the st markers is the neckline

DO NOT FASTEN OFF

First Shoulder

Row 1: Keeping continuity of pattern, cont to st marker, turn leaving rem sts unworked

Row 2: rep pattern across

Row 3: rep pattern across

Row 4 (closing row): LDC in ea ch-sp, dc in ea dc across

Fasten off leaving a long tail to sew shoulder seam

Second Shoulder

Rejoin yarn at st marker

Rep instr for first shoulder

Fasten off leaving a long tail to sew shoulder seam

Shoulder Seam

Choose which is WS

With WS facing outwards, place front on top of back and line up

Sew shoulder seams

Side Seam

Still working on WS

Measure 8, (8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 10.5, 11, 11) inches from shoulder seam towards hem for the armhole

Place a st marker

Sew side seam from hem to st marker

Fasten off

Rep on other side

Armhole/Sleeve Edging

Turn sweater RS facing outwards

Rejoin yarn underarm

Round 1: ch2, hdc evenly around, join with a sl st, ch2, turn

Round 2: hdc in ea st around, join with sl st, ch2, turn

Round 3 – 5: rep round 2

Round 6: *hdc in next 3 sts, hdc2tog, *rep around, join with sl st, ch2, turn

Round 7: rep round 6

Fasten off

Rep on the other side

Neck Ribbing

Working on RS

Rejoin yarn in any st at back of neck

Ch9

Row 1:  sc in 2^nd ch from hook, sc in ea ch to neck edge, sl st in next 2 sts on neck edge, turn

Row 2: scblo in ea st to last st, sc in last st, ch1, turn

Row 3: sc in 1^st st, scblo in ea st to neck edge, sl st in next 2 sts on neck edge, turn

Rep rows 2 and 3 around neck edge

Join starting row with last row with a sl st through blo

Fasten off

Congratulations!  Your sweater vest is finished and ready to be blocked and worn

Copyright Notice

The pattern and photographs of this design are the property of Sharon Goodwin at Jera’s Jamboree.  This pattern and design are subject to copyright and are for personal, non-commercial use only.  You may not share, resell, alter or redistribute this pattern in part or in whole. You may, however, sell any finished items you make.  If you would like to include this pattern in a roundup, you may take one photo and link back to this pattern.

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