Sirdar Gridlock Crochet Vest Pattern

Sirdar Gridlock Crochet Vest in Stories DK

What is Being Made

The Sirdar Gridlock Crochet Vest (Design No. 10577) is an intermediate-level crochet tank top designed for a contemporary, urban aesthetic. This sleeveless vest features a gridlock pattern and is available in six size options ranging from UK 6-28 (US 2-24), with finished chest measurements from 81/86 cm (32/34") up to 132/137 cm (52/54"). The full length varies by size from 47 cm (18½") to 57 cm (22½"), making it a versatile warm-weather layering piece or standalone garment.

Crochet Techniques and Stitches

This pattern employs a checkerboard crochet stitch pattern as the primary construction method. The gridlock design creates a structured, geometric appearance typical of modern crochet fashion. The pattern uses a 4.00 mm crochet hook (UK size 8 / USA size F/5) throughout the project. The checkerboard pattern requires consistent tension and stitch placement to achieve the defined grid effect that gives this vest its distinctive name and visual character.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Sirdar Gridlock Crochet Vest is designed to be worked in Sirdar Stories Double Knitting (DK) yarn, a cotton-rich blend that provides a cool cotton look and feel while maintaining a lighter weight than traditional cotton. This fiber composition ensures that even fitted garments retain their shape without becoming heavy or drooping. The yarn is supplied in 50g balls.

The pattern calls for two coordinating shades from the Stories collection:

• Yarn A (Shade 808 - Date Night): The primary color, requiring 4 to 6 balls depending on size
• Yarn B (Shade 805 - Parade): The secondary color for contrast, requiring 2 to 4 balls depending on size

The two-color combination creates the gridlock checkerboard effect. Total yarn requirements range from 6 balls for the smallest size (UK 6-8) to 10 balls for the largest size (UK 26-28).

Tension and Gauge

To achieve the correct finished measurements, the pattern specifies a tension of 19 stitches and 19 rows over 10 cm (4 inches) when working the checkerboard pattern with the recommended 4.00 mm crochet hook and Sirdar Stories DK yarn. Achieving proper tension is essential for this project, as the gridlock pattern's geometric precision depends on consistent stitch sizing.

Design Inspiration and Brand Heritage

The Sirdar Gridlock Crochet Vest is part of the Graffiti collection, a trend-led fashion line inspired by urban landscapes and city living. Sirdar, established in West Yorkshire in 1880, is a British yarn company with generations of hand-knitting heritage. The brand's commitment to quality includes triple-checking every pattern to guarantee successful results when using recommended Sirdar yarns. The Stories yarn line represents the company's innovation in blending traditional craftsmanship with contemporary fiber technology, allowing crocheters to create modern, fashionable garments with reliable performance and shape retention.