Crafty Crochet: Granny Square Vest Transforms A Classic

The granny square vest is a fun and easy crochet project that is great for using up leftover yarn. The vest is made by crocheting several granny squares and seaming them together. The simplest pullover vest can be made with two crocheted granny squares. Some patterns combine multiple small squares to create open vests. The number of motifs needed for this type of style depends on the size of each granny square and your body measurements. Look for a pattern with multiple clothing sizes to find one that will fit you well.

Granny square vests are a nostalgic classic popular in 1970s fashion. They have made a comeback in recent years, appearing in crochet patterns, on runways, and in mainstream fashion. They are a great layering piece for spring and can be worn over a t-shirt or dress.

There are many ways to customise your vest, such as using solid-coloured squares or adding sleeves to make a sweater. You can also adjust the length by modifying the ribbing around the waist.

Crochet granny squares

Granny squares are a classic motif in crochet, and they can be used to create a variety of projects, from blankets to garments like vests. Crocheting a granny square vest is a fun and easy project that can be customised to your liking. Here are some instructions and tips for crocheting a granny square vest:

Planning Your Vest

Before you start crocheting, it's important to plan your vest. You can decide on the size, colour scheme, and yarn weight. You can also choose to follow a specific pattern or create your own design. Keep in mind that the number of granny squares you need will depend on the size of the vest and the size of the squares themselves. It's a good idea to make a gauge swatch to ensure your vest turns out the desired size.

Crocheting the Granny Squares

The granny square is a basic crochet motif that is worked in the round. Each round is made up of clusters of double crochet stitches separated by chain spaces. You can choose to make all your granny squares the same colour or experiment with different colour combinations for each round. It's also a good idea to weave in your ends as you go to avoid having to do it all at the end.

Assembling the Vest

Once you have crocheted your granny squares, it's time to assemble them into a vest. You can sew the squares together using a method such as whipstitch or slip stitch seam. You can also join the squares as you go to save time. Remember to place the squares according to your desired vest design.

Adding Finishing Touches

After assembling the granny squares, you can add finishing touches to your vest. This could include crocheted or knitted ribbing at the collar, armholes, and hem. You can also add pockets or experiment with different edging techniques. Feel free to get creative and customise your vest to your liking!

Care and Maintenance

To ensure your vest lasts a long time, it's important to care for it properly. Handwashing your vest with mild soap and cold water is recommended. Avoid twisting or wringing the vest, and lay it flat to dry. You can also block your vest to shape it and smooth out any uneven edges.

Assemble the squares

Now that you have crocheted your granny squares, it is time to assemble them into a vest! The number of squares you will need depends on the size you are making. For example, if you are making a size small, you will need to make 14 black and taupe squares and 16 black squares. If you are making a size XXL, you will need to make 22 black and taupe squares and 24 black squares.

Once you have crocheted all of your squares, it is time to sew them together. Using a flat slip stitch seam or your preferred seaming method, seam the squares together so that the back panel measures 5 squares tall by 4 squares wide. Weave in the ends.

Next, you will create the sides of the back panel by attaching your yarn at the upper corner, side of the panel. Work one row of double crochet stitches by making a double crochet in each stitch across, working lengthwise/vertically. The number of rows you will need to make will depend on the size you are making. For a size small, you will only need to make one row, while for a size XXL, you will need to make 5 rows. Repeat this process for the opposite side of the back panel.

The front panels of the vest will be made up of 5 granny squares seamed together vertically. Place a black and taupe square at the top, followed by one black square, followed by another black and taupe square, and ending with 2 black squares at the bottom. Weave in all ends.

To create the sides of the front panels, attach your yarn at the upper corner, side of the panel. Work one row of double crochet stitches by making a double crochet in each stitch across, working lengthwise/vertically. The number of rows you will need to make will depend on the size you are making. For a size small, you will need to make 3 rows, while for a size XXL, you will need to make 8 rows. Do not repeat this process for the opposite side, as was done with the back panel.

Block the panels to shape and size them as needed or desired.

Next, place the front panels on top of the back panel, with the double crochet edges on the outside edges, and seam at the shoulders. With your tapestry needle and a length of black yarn, seam up each side, leaving openings for the arms.

Place two stitch markers, one on each front panel inner collar, approximately 4.5 inches down from the shoulder seam. Attach your yarn at the first marker and chain 3, then double crochet across to the opposite stitch marker. Chain 3 and turn, then double crochet across. Continue making rows of double crochet stitches until the hood measures approximately 14 inches tall. Seam the top of the hood closed and weave in the ends.

Attach black yarn at the bottom, inner corner of the vest. Half double crochet evenly across, working along the collar and hood to the opposite, bottom corner of the vest. Next, work two more rows of double crochet stitches. Tie off and weave in the ends.

Attach black yarn to the bottom corner of the vest. Work double crochet stitches evenly across the bottom edge, then work 2 more rows of double crochet stitches. Tie off and weave in the ends.

Create two black granny squares and attach yarn to the upper corner. Work one row of double crochet stitches evenly around three sides (two sides and the bottom of the pocket), making three double crochet stitches in each corner. Work one row of single crochet along the top of the pocket. Tie off and weave in the ends. Repeat this for both squares.

Using the tapestry needle and a length of yarn, sew the pockets to the lower section of the front panels, leaving the top of each pocket open.

Block the vest as desired to shape and size.

Add sleeves and seam the sides

Adding sleeves to your granny square vest is a great way to turn it into a sweater. Here are some detailed, directive instructions on how to add sleeves and seam the sides of your vest.

Adding Sleeves to the Granny Square Vest:

• You can add sleeves to your granny square vest by crocheting extra granny squares and stitching them together, similar to how you created the vest. This will give your vest a more structured and defined sleeve.
• Alternatively, you can work rounds of granny stitches directly into the armhole openings to create a pullover sweater look. This method will give your vest a more flowy and relaxed sleeve.
• If you prefer knitting, you can pick up stitches around the armhole openings and knit the sleeves in the round. This will give your vest a more fitted and tailored sleeve.
• You can also get creative and experiment with different sleeve patterns and styles to make your vest unique.

Seaming the Sides of the Granny Square Vest:

• To seam the sides of your vest, you can use a tapestry needle and sew the sides together using a mattress stitch or a similar seaming technique.
• Make sure to line up the double crochet clusters with the chain spaces on the opposite piece to ensure a neat and even seam.
• You can also use a crochet slip stitch or single crochet stitches to seam the sides together, creating a more defined and textured edge.
• When seaming the sides, leave openings for the arms if you plan to add sleeves.
• If you added sleeves, seam the sides of the sleeves using the same technique, making sure to match the stitches and rows for a seamless finish.

Add ribbing to the bottom, armholes and neck

Adding ribbing to the bottom, armholes, and neck of your crochet vest will give it a neat finish. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Bottom Edge Ribbing:

• Attach the yarn to one side seam of the vest.
• Create a foundation row by crocheting a single crochet stitch into each double crochet stitch of the bottom row (do not crochet into the chain spaces).
• For the next row, chain 9 stitches and turn your work.
• Single crochet into the second chain from the hook and into each stitch across. Slip stitch into the next two stitches of the foundation row and turn your work.
• Repeat the previous row, crocheting into the back loops only, until you reach the end of the vest's bottom edge.
• Fasten off the yarn, leaving a tail for sewing.
• With the right sides together, sew the ribbing together using a mattress stitch.

Armhole Ribbing:

• Attach the yarn to the top of the side seam, inside the armhole.
• Create a foundation row by crocheting a single crochet stitch around the armhole, working two single crochet stitches into the sides of each double crochet cluster in the shoulder straps. Keep your stitches loose to ensure the armhole is not too tight.
• Chain 4 stitches and turn your work.
• Single crochet into the second chain from the hook and into each stitch across. Slip stitch into the next two stitches of the foundation row and turn your work.
• Repeat the previous row, crocheting into the back loops only, until you reach the beginning of the row.
• Fasten off the yarn, leaving a tail for sewing.
• With the right sides together, sew the ribbing together using a mattress stitch.
• Repeat the process for the second armhole.

Neckline Ribbing:

• Attach the yarn to one of the shoulder seams.
• Crochet a single crochet stitch into the sides of each double crochet cluster down the front shoulder strap, one single crochet stitch into the corner stitch, and then into each stitch across the front panel. Continue crocheting along the back panel and the other shoulder strap.
• Slip stitch into the first single crochet stitch to join. Do not turn your work.
• Chain one stitch and slip stitch into each stitch around the neckline.
• Fasten off the yarn and weave in the ends.

Your crochet vest with granny squares is now complete!

Weave in ends

Weaving in the ends of your yarn is an important step in finishing any crochet project. It is a technique used to secure the loose ends of yarn at the end of a crochet project and prevents the yarn from unravelling over time.

• After completing the last stitch of your project, cut the yarn leaving a long tail. You will want to leave at least 6" of yarn to weave in.
• Thread the yarn tail through the eye of a tapestry needle.
• Weave in the ends on the wrong side of the work if possible. If your vest is reversible, do your best to hide them as much as possible.
• Weave the ends horizontally through the base of the stitches, or down vertically through the post of taller stitches. Work up and down and side to side, changing directions a few times to ensure that the ends won't come out.
• Weave the yarn horizontally through several stitches. Try weaving it through the dense base of single crochet stitches, where it's less likely to be visible.
• Change directions, and run the needle through a few stitches vertically. Then, change direction again, and weave it back through a few more stitches horizontally in the opposite direction.
• Continue doing this until you've woven all of the loose ends.
• Pull the yarn a bit and snip the end close to the last stitch you came through.

Frequently asked questions