Tahki Yarns Elle Vest Crochet Pattern

Tahki Yarns Elle Vest

What is Being Made

The Elle Vest is a sleeveless crochet cardigan designed by Robyn M. Schrager, available in five sizes ranging from Small to 2X. This garment features a finished bust measurement of 36 to 49 inches (91.5 to 124.5 cm) and a finished length of 23 inches (58.5 cm). The vest is constructed as a lightweight, colorful layering piece perfect for warm weather wear.

Crochet Techniques Used

The Elle Vest employs several advanced crochet techniques to create its distinctive appearance and structure. The garment is worked flat, meaning it is constructed in flat pieces rather than in the round, making it accessible for crocheters of varying skill levels. The design features a top-down construction, allowing the crocheter to begin at the neckline and work downward, which facilitates easy fitting adjustments. The vest incorporates seamless construction techniques, reducing the amount of finishing work required. A key special technique featured in this pattern is the foundation single crochet (fsc), which creates both a base chain and a row of single crochet simultaneously, producing an elastic and sturdy edge particularly useful for necklines and waistlines.

Stitches and Lace Details

The Elle Vest showcases intricate lace patterning throughout, creating an open, breathable fabric ideal for a summer vest. The stitch work includes single crochet (sc) as the foundation stitch, with gauge measurements of 16 stitches equaling 4 inches (10 cm) in single crochet. The pattern features decorative shell stitches in varying sizes: 5-treble shells measuring 2¼ inches (5.5 cm), 7-treble shells measuring 3½ inches (9 cm), and 9-treble shells measuring 4 inches (10 cm). Additional textural elements include puff stitches worked into chain-space intervals, creating dimensional details. Chain spaces (ch-2 and ch-5) are strategically placed throughout to form the lace openwork characteristic of the design. The pattern also incorporates treble crochet stitches (tr) as structural and decorative elements within the shell motifs.

Materials and Yarn

The Elle Vest is designed to be worked with Tahki Yarns COTTON CLASSIC LITE, a 100% mercerized cotton yarn. Each skein contains 1.75 ounces (50 grams) and yields 146 yards (135 meters). The pattern requires 2 skeins of color #4003 linen white (A) as the primary color, with 1 skein each of accent colors: #4702 chartreuse (B), #4718 celadon (C), #4717 grass green (D), and #4809 teal (E). This color palette creates a sophisticated, multicolored design with a neutral base enhanced by coordinating jewel and nature-inspired tones.

Tools and Notions

Construction of the Elle Vest requires a size G-6 (4mm) crochet hook, or the appropriate size to obtain the specified gauge. Additional tools needed include a yarn needle for weaving in ends and finishing, four stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping increases, one shank button measuring ¾ inch (19 mm) for front closure, and a sewing needle with matching thread for button attachment.

Gauge and Sizing

Achieving proper gauge is essential for this project. The pattern specifies that 16 single crochet stitches should measure 4 inches (10 cm) in width. For patterned sections, one 5-treble shell should measure 2¼ inches (5.5 cm), one 7-treble shell should measure 3½ inches (9 cm), and one 9-treble shell should measure 4 inches (10 cm). Additionally, 4 rows worked in the 9-treble shell pattern should measure 3 inches (7.5 cm) in height. The pattern accommodates multiple body sizes with finished bust measurements of 36, 40, 43, 47, and 49 inches.

Pattern Format

This design is provided as a downloadable PDF pattern, making it convenient for digital access and printing. The pattern includes detailed row-by-row instructions with specific stitch counts for each size, allowing crocheters to track their progress accurately throughout construction.