Josephine Waistcoat Crochet Pattern

Josephine Waistcoat in Rowan Big Wool

What Is Being Made

The Josephine Waistcoat is a crocheted sleeveless garment designed by Emma Wright. This intermediate-level project creates a fitted waistcoat with shaping through strategic decreases and stitch pattern variations. The waistcoat is available in six sizes, accommodating bust measurements from 71–76 cm up to 152–157 cm, making it suitable for a wide range of body types.

Techniques Used

This pattern employs several core crochet techniques to achieve its structured silhouette. The primary construction method involves working in rows with careful stitch placement and strategic shaping. The garment features a distinctive diagonal stitch pattern created by alternating single crochet stitches with longer stitches worked over skipped stitches, producing a textured, visually interesting surface. Armhole shaping is achieved through progressive decreases worked at the beginning and end of rows. The neckline is formed using front neck shaping with additional decreases concentrated at specific intervals to create a flattering neckline opening.

Stitches Used

• Single Crochet (fM): The foundation stitch used extensively throughout the pattern, worked in both front and back loop variations to create texture and structure
• Treble Crochet (Stb): Longer stitches used in the diagonal pattern repeat, worked over skipped stitches to create the characteristic textured effect
• Double Treble (LangStb): Extra-long stitches incorporated into the pattern repeat for additional visual interest and depth
• Chain Stitch (LfM): Used for turning chains and foundational construction
• Slip Stitch (Kettm): Used for joining and finishing edges
• Decrease Stitches: Two single crochets together (fM2zustog) and two trebles together (St2zus) are used throughout for shaping the armholes, waist, and neckline

Materials

This pattern is designed to be worked with Rowan Big Wool yarn (photographed in the colorway Concrete 061). The project requires a size 10 crochet hook as the primary tool. Gauge is crucial for proper fit: 8.5 stitches and 4 rows of the diagonal stitch pattern measure 10 × 10 cm, while single crochet gauge is 9 stitches and 8 rows over 10 × 10 cm, both measured with a size 4 needle. The use of Big Wool, a chunky-weight yarn, allows the waistcoat to work up relatively quickly while creating a substantial, warm garment suitable for layering.

Pattern Structure

The Josephine Waistcoat construction begins with a foundation chain that is increased and shaped through the body section using the diagonal stitch pattern repeat. The pattern progresses through multiple rows of the repeating motif, with stitch counts provided for each of the six sizes. Once the desired armhole length is reached (approximately 16–24 cm depending on size), the pattern transitions to single crochet rows worked in front and back loop variations to create definition. Front neckline shaping is then introduced, with decreases concentrated over the final rows to create the neckline opening. The structured approach ensures that each size maintains proper proportions and fit.