Hi Makers!
I am Sierra, the crafty lady behind Sierra’s Crochet Crafts on Instagram I learned how to crochet from my husband’s grandmother Joan about 4 years ago and instantly fell in love. I can now crochet and knit, and I honestly can’t pick a favorite. Crafting and being a maker has helped me in so many ways, I am shocked that it took me this long to find these amazing crafts. I suffer from anxiety, and creating beautiful things with yarn and a hook (or needles) is very calming and has helped me during many anxiety filled days. Creating patterns has become my main focus this past year. I took the plunge into designing after looking for plus size crochet garment patterns, and not coming up with many options, I decided to start making my own garments for all sizes extra small to 3XL. I also make other items aside from garments, but I think designing clothes is still my favorite! Which brings us to this creation, The Best friend Cardi. I created this piece with my best friend in mind, my mama. (fun fact: she’s also a knitter!!) This is an open vest/cardigan perfect for lairing your spring outfits, or for a bathing suit over up. I decided to make children- adult sizes for this Cardi to be enjoyed by all ages!
Supply list:
-5 mm H hook
-Size 4 worsted weight yarn (cotton is preferred, but you can use any fiber you would like!) *yardage will be listed in sizing groups below*
-15.75 mm Q hook (or any object/utensil that is 1 inch in width/height. This will be used to measure the height of the “Broom Stick” style stitches throughout the pattern. Other objects you can use: a ruler, or a 15 mm knitting needle)
-Yarn Needle
-Scissors
-Stitch marker (1-2 total)
-*Optional*: Measuring tape
Key:
Ch- Chain
Sc- Single Crochet
TRC- Treble Crochet
TRC2TG- Treble Crochet 2 Together
BRSS- Broom Stick Single Stitch
BRSD- Broom Stick Double Stitch
See below for video references for the following techniques:
TRC Foundation Row
BRSS- Broom Stick Single Stitch
BRSD- Broom Stick Double Stitch
Fit *This is an open Vest, so there is some ease with sizing*
Fit Sizing for children in inches. *Children sizes are grouped together in pattern below*
Notes: All Ch 4 throughout pattern WILL count as a TRC. There are two size groups, one for Adult sizes and one for children sizes.
Adult Sizes
Sizes will be written XS (S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL)
Main Body (ADULT): *We will be creating the bottom portion of the vest, this portion will be the correct width to wrap around body*
Row 1-Create a Treble Crochet Foundation row of 106 (114,126,138,148,158,170)
Row 2- Ch 1, Place a BRSS in each st. 106 (114,126,138,148,158,170)
Row 3- Ch 4, TRC in each st across. 106 (114,126,138,148,158,170)
Row 4- Ch 1, place a BRSD in each st. 106 (114,126,138,148,158,170)
Row 5- Repeat Row 3
Row 6- Repeat Row 2
Row 7- Repeat Row 3
Row 8- Repeat Row 4
Row 9- Repeat Row 3
Row 10- Repeat Row 2
*These first 10 rows create the length of the vest, so it is adjustable! Each Row is about 1 inch high. The non-adjustable parts of the vest total 19/21 rows (19/21 inches) so keep that in mind when adjusting these first 10 rows. You can add more or subtract some rows, whatever you would like. Just be sure to end on an even row because in the next part ALL ODD ROWS WILL BE DECREASE ROWS!*
Row 11- Ch 4, TRC2TG, TRC2TG. TRC in each st until last 5 sts, TRC2TG, TRC2TG. TRC in last st. 102 (110,122,134,144,154,166)
Row 12- Ch 1, place a BRSD in each st. 102 (110,122,134,144,154,166)
Row 13- Ch 4, TRC2TG, TRC2TG. TRC in each st until last 5 sts, TRC2TG, TRC2TG. TRC in last st. 98 (106,118,130,140,150,162)
Row 14- Ch 1, Place a BRSS in each st. . 98 (106,118,130,140,150,162)
Row 15- Ch 4, TRC2TG, TRC2TG. TRC in each st until last 5 sts, TRC2TG, TRC2TG. TRC in last st. 94 (102,114,126,136,146,158)
Row 16- Ch 1, place a BRSD in each st. 94 (102,114,126,136,146,158)
Row 17- Ch 4, TRC2TG, TRC2TG. TRC in each st until last 5 sts, TRC2TG, TRC2TG. TRC in last st. 90 (98,110,122,132,142,154)
Row 18- Ch 1, Place a BRSS in each st. 90 (98,110,122,132,142,154)
Row 19- Ch 4, TRC2TG, TRC2TG. TRC in each st until last 5 sts, TRC2TG, TRC2TG. TRC in last st. 86 (94,106,118,128,138,150)
Row 20- Place st marker 28 (32,36,38,42,44,50) stitches inward, BRSD in the first 28 (32,36,38,42,44,50) stitches. *This creates the arm hole.*
Row 21- Ch 4, TRC2TG, TRC2TG. TRC in each st until last 5 sts, TRC2TG, TRC2TG. TRC in last st. 24 (28,32,34,38,40,46)
Row 22- Ch 1, Place a BRSS in each st. 24 (28,32,34,38,40,46)
Row 23- Ch 4, TRC2TG, TRC2TG. TRC in each st until last 5 sts, TRC2TG, TRC2TG. TRC in last st. 20 (24,28,30,34,36,42)
Row 24- Ch 1, place a BRSD in each st. 20 (24,28,30,34,36,42)
Row 25- Ch 4, TRC2TG, TRC2TG. TRC in each st until last 5 sts, TRC2TG, TRC2TG. TRC in last st. 16 (20,24,26,30,32,38)
Row 26- Ch 1, Place a BRSS in each st. 16 (20,24,26,30,32,38)
Row 27- Ch 4, TRC2TG, TRC2TG. TRC in each st until last 5 sts, TRC2TG, TRC2TG. TRC in last st. 12 (16,20,22,26,28,34)
Row 28- Ch 1, place a BRSD in each st. 12 (16,20,22,26,28,34)
Row 29- Ch 4, TRC2TG, TRC2TG. TRC in each st until last 5 sts, TRC2TG, TRC2TG. TRC in last st. 8 (12,16,18,22,24,30)
Sizes XS-S Tie off leaving a long tail, Attach yarn to the other side of the vest and repeat Row 20- 29 to create second arm opening.
Row 30 - Ch 1, Place a BRSS in each st. 16 (18,22,24,30)
Row 31- Ch 4, TRC2TG, TRC2TG. TRC in each st until last 5 sts, TRC2TG, TRC2TG. TRC in last st. 12 (14, 18, 20,26)
Sizes M-3XL Tie off leaving a long tail. Attach yarn to the other side of the vest and repeat Row 20- 31 to create second arm opening.
Back Panel:
Row 1- Attach yarn in the second st from the end of your front panel. BRSD in 28 (28,32,40,42,50,48) sts (leaving a 1 st gap on each side)
Row 2- Ch 4, TRC in each st across. 28 (28,32,40,42,48,48)
Row 3- Ch 1, BRSS in each st across. 28 (28,32,40,42,48,48)
Row 4- CH 4, TRC in each st across. 28 (28,32,40,42,48,48)
XS-L Sizes: Repeat Row 1-4 until you have reached 10 Rows . (You should be ending in a TRC Row) Tie off leaving a long tail and go to the ASSEMBLY portion.
XL-3XL Sizes: Repeat Row 1-4 until you have reached 12 Rows . (You should be ending in a TRC Row) Tie off and go to the ASSEMBLY portion
Your vest laid flat should look like the photo above.
Assembly:
Take the long tail from the end of your front panel and your yarn needle and line up the top of your front panel/s with the edge of your back panel and whip stitch them together to create your shoulder seams.
Now that your vest is sewn together, you can now create a single crochet border along the arm hole openings and along the edges of the open front panels and neck area to get a more finished look. This step is totally optional!
SC border (Arm hole openings):
Attach yarn in the open skipped stitch at the bottom of your arm opening. Ch 1, Sc in same st. Sc evenly around.(To create even sc around, I placed 3 sc in each TRC and BRSS/BRSD stitch) Slip Stitch to the beginning Sc. Tie off and repeat for other arm opening.
Sc Border for front opening:
Starting at the bottom edge of your front panel, attach yarn. Ch 1, Sc in same stitch. Sc upward as evenly as possible. (To create even sc, I placed 3 sc in each TRC and BRSS/BRSD stitch and 1 sc at the beginning of each new row.) Once you reach the neck (the back panel) you will place a sc in each st. Then continue to sc downward toward the other corner edge of the second front panel.
Once you are done be sure to go back and weave in any and all loose ends you may have. Then you are DONE! Hooray!!!
Children Sizes *Please follow assembly, and the optional border instructions above as they are the same for all sizes.*
Sizing will be grouped together. Sizes 2T-4T will be the first number. Sizes 5-7 will be the second number, and sizes 8 and 10 will be the last number.
Main Body (CHILD): *We will be creating the bottom portion of the vest, this portion will be the correct width to wrap around body*
Row 1-Create a Treble Crochet Foundation row of 74 (86,98)
Row 2- Ch 1, Place a BRSS in each st. 74 (86,98)
Row 3- Ch 4, TRC2TG, TRC2TG. TRC in each st until last 5 sts, TRC2TG, TRC2TG. TRC in last st. 70 (82, 94)Row 4- Ch 1, place a BRSD in each st. 70 (82, 94)
Row 5- Ch 4, TRC2TG, TRC2TG. TRC in each st until last 5 sts, TRC2TG, TRC2TG. TRC in last st. 66 (78, 90)
Row 6- Ch 1, Place a BRSS in each st. 66 (78, 90)
Row 7- Ch 4, TRC2TG, TRC2TG. TRC in each st until last 5 sts, TRC2TG, TRC2TG. TRC in last st. 62 (74, 86)
* You will now begin to see the size numbers in [[ ]] double brackets to help indicate the arm hole sizes. Also, pay attention to the bold words to insure you're completing the right row for the size you are making.*
Row 8 for 2t-4t sizes ONY : Place st marker 20 stitches inward, Ch 1, BRSD in those first 20 stitches. *This creates the arm hole.* (20)
Row 8 for 5-10 sizes ONLY: Ch 1, place a BRSD in each st. (74, 86)
Row 9- Ch 4, TRC2TG, TRC2TG. TRC in each st until last 5 sts, TRC2TG, TRC2TG. TRC in last st. [[16]] (70,82)
Row 10 2t-4t sizes & 8-10 ONY : Ch 1, Place a BRSS in each st. [[16]] (82)
Row 10 for 5-7 sizes only: Place st marker 22 stitches inward, BRSS in those first 22 stitches. *This creates the arm hole.* (22)
Row 11- Ch 4, TRC2TG, TRC2TG. TRC in each st until last 5 sts, TRC2TG, TRC2TG. TRC in last st. [[12,18]] (78)
Row 12 for 2T-4T & 5-7 ONLY- Ch 1, place a BRSD in each st. [[12,18]]
Row 12 for sizes 8-10 ONLY: Place st marker 26 stitches inward, BRSD in those first 26 stitches. *This creates the arm hole.* (26)
Row 13- Ch 4, TRC2TG, TRC2TG. TRC in each st until last 5 sts, TRC2TG, TRC2TG. TRC in last st. [[8,14,22]]
Row 14- Ch 1, Place a BRSS in each st. [[8,14,22]]
Row 15- Ch 4, TRC2TG, TRC2TG. TRC in each st until last 5 sts, TRC2TG, TRC2TG. TRC in last st. [[5,10,18]]
2T-4T sizes: Tie off leaving long tail, Repeat Rows 8-15 on the other side, to create the second arm opening.
Row 16- Ch 1, place a BRSD in each st. [[10,18]]
Row 17- Ch 4, TRC2TG, TRC2TG. TRC in each st until last 5 sts, TRC2TG, TRC2TG. TRC in last st. [[6,14]]
5-7 sizes: Tie off leaving long tail, Repeat Rows 10-17 on the other side, to create the second arm opening.
Row 18- Ch 1, Place a BRSS in each st. [[14]]
Row 19- Ch 4, TRC2TG, TRC2TG. TRC in each st until last 5 sts, TRC2TG, TRC2TG. TRC in last st. [[10]]
Row 20- Ch 1, place a BRSD in each st. [[10]]
Row 21- Ch 4, TRC2TG, TRC2TG. TRC in each st until last 5 sts, TRC2TG, TRC2TG. TRC in last st. [[6]]
8-10 sizes: Tie off leaving long tail, Repeat Rows 12-21 on the other side, to create the second arm opening.
Back Panel
2T-4T Sizes:
Row 1- Attach yarn in the second st from the end of your front panel. BRSD in 20 sts (leaving a 1 st gap on each side)
Row 2- Ch 4, TRC in each st across. (20)
Row 3- Ch 1, BRSS in each st across. (20)
Row 4- CH 4, TRC in each st across. (20)
Repeat Row 1-4 until you have reached Row 8. (You should be ending in a TRC Row) Tie off and go to the ASSEMBLY portion above!
5-7 Sizes:
Row 1- Attach yarn in the second st from the end of your front panel. BRSS in 24 sts (leaving a 1 st gap on each side)
Row 2- Ch 4, TRC in each st across. (24)
Row 3- Ch 1, BRSD in each st across. (24)
Row 4- CH 4, TRC in each st across. (24)
Repeat Row 1-4 until you have reached Row 8. (You should be ending in a TRC Row) Tie off and go to the ASSEMBLY portion above.
8-10 Sizes:
Row 1- Attach yarn in the second st from the end of your front panel. BRSD in 24 sts (leaving a 1 st gap on each side)
Row 2- Ch 4, TRC in each st across. (24)
Row 3- Ch 1, BRSS in each st across. (24)
Row 4- CH 4, TRC in each st across. (24)
Repeat Row 1-4 until you have reached Row 10. (You should be ending in a TRC Row) Tie off and go to the ASSEMBLY portion above.
Now that you’re done, put that beauty on and take a selfie with you and your best friend rocking your latest handmade creation! This cardi was created for moms and daughters, because as me and my mama showed y’all, you are never too old to match with your mom!! I hope to see many photos of you and your daughters, or you and your mom rocking your Best Friend Cardi’s!! Be sure to tag me on Instagram @sierrascrochetcrafts so I can see all your creations! I can’t wait to see what color you picked! Happy Mother’s Day to my mama, and of course to all you fantastic maker mamas out there!
This Pattern is dedicated to my gorgeous mama, and best friend Tracy!
