Valley Yarns Proclus Vest Crochet Pattern

Valley Yarns Proclus Vest: Asymmetrical Crochet Design

What is Being Made

The Proclus Vest is an advanced beginner crochet garment designed by Sara Delaney that features a striking asymmetrical silhouette. This vest combines two skewed polygons as front panels to create a modern, geometric aesthetic. The design is available in five finished chest measurements: 32, 36, 40, 44, and 48 inches, making it suitable for a range of sizes. The vest showcases contemporary construction techniques that result in a sophisticated, fashion-forward piece inspired by mathematical beauty.

Crochet Techniques Used

The Proclus Vest employs several key crochet techniques that define its construction and visual appeal. The garment is seamed, meaning the individual pieces are worked separately and then joined together. The pattern utilizes layered double crochet stitches that create depth and texture throughout the piece. One of the defining techniques is the use of long double crochet stitches (Ldc) worked into stitches from the row below, which creates the dimensional, skewed polygon effect characteristic of this design. The pattern also incorporates strategic chain spaces and stitch skipping to establish the geometric openwork sections that contribute to the vest's modern appearance.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitches used in the Proclus Vest are:

• Chain stitch (ch) – Used for foundation chains and spacing throughout the pattern
• Double crochet (dc) – The main structural stitch providing body and stability
• Long double crochet (Ldc) – Worked into stitches from the row below to create the layered, dimensional effect and asymmetrical polygon shapes

The stitch pattern alternates between rows of standard double crochet and rows featuring long double crochet stitches combined with chain-2 spaces and skipped stitches. This creates a rhythmic pattern where every two stitches are worked, followed by a chain-2 space and two skipped stitches. The pattern repeats this sequence across each row, with increases at the beginning and end of rows to shape the front panels. The left and right fronts follow similar construction methods through the initial rows, then diverge slightly in their shaping sequences to create the asymmetrical design.

Materials: Yarn and Hooks

The Proclus Vest is designed to be worked with Valley Yarns Goshen, a luxury blend yarn composed of 48% Peruvian cotton, 46% modal, and 6% silk. This fiber content creates a garment with excellent drape, breathability, and a subtle sheen. The yarn is worked at a yardage of 92 yards per 50-gram skein. The pattern calls for 10, 12, 13, 14, or 16 skeins depending on the finished size selected, providing approximately 920 to 1,472 total yards of yarn. The recommended hook size is a 7/4.5mm crochet hook, which works with the yarn to achieve the specified gauge of approximately 16 stitches and 12 rows over a 4-inch square. Stitch markers are the only additional material required, used to mark important stitch positions such as the turning chain on Row 15 of each front panel.

Difficulty Level and Construction Notes

Rated as advanced beginner difficulty, the Proclus Vest requires solid foundational crochet skills and the ability to follow complex shaping instructions. The pattern demands careful attention to stitch placement, particularly when working long double crochet stitches into the row below while simultaneously managing chain spaces and skipped stitches. The asymmetrical shaping requires precision in row counting and stitch marker placement to ensure the geometric polygon shapes develop correctly. The seamed construction method adds another layer of skill, as the front panels must be properly aligned and joined. This vest is an excellent project for crocheters looking to expand their technical abilities and create a wearable garment with contemporary design appeal.