SWIRLING LEAVES VEST
This free crochet vest pattern, the Swirling Leaves Vest, is one of my favorite pattern lines and is a great stitch. This pattern is a vest that has quite a bit of versatility especially in the seaming.

This pattern was designed by Leah Feild of Creative Threads by Leah, exclusively for Cre8tion Crochet
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YARN
Approximately 520 yards #4 weight, recommended Lion Brand Heartland or similar
MATERIALS
5.5 mm (I) hook
stitch markers
tapestry/yarn needle
scissors
DIFFICULTY
Intermediate
SIZE(S)
Extra Small to fit hip measurement 33-34 inches
GAUGE
7 sc x 7 rows = 2 inches
3 cl rows = 2.5 inches
STITCH GUIDE
ch(s) – chain(s), sc – single crochet, dc – double crochet, st(s) – stitch(es), sk – skip, FLO – front loop only, BLO – back loop only, sl st- slip stitch, cl(s) – cluster(s), sp(s) – spaces, yo – yarn over, spcl – split cluster
SPECIAL STITCHES
Foundation split cluster: work 3 dc over stem of dc just worked leaving last loop of each dc on hook, sk one st, then work 4th dc into next st leaving last loop on hook as before (5 loops on hook), yo and pull through all 5 loops
Split cluster: work 3 dc over stem of dc just worked leaving last loop of each dc on hook, work 4th dc into next ch sp leaving last loop on hook as before (5 loops on hook), yo and pull through all 5 loops
NOTES
- To join fsc in the round, I prefer this method
- This post from Moogly shows the method of wrapping the stitches around the stem of the stitch that is used in the split cluster.
- Video tutorial for the split cluster stitch can be found here.
- Make sure to count your clusters from time to time as it is easy to lose a cluster on the end of the row.
- The seaming amount can be based on preference. If you want to leave the vest more open, less seaming can be done. Check fit before closing more than recommended.
PATTERN
Hip Band – worked in continuous rounds; use st markers to mark rounds.
Round 1: Fsc 108. Invisible join at bottom on last st. Attach a st marker to any st to indicate right side.
Round 2-11: Alternate BLO and FLO sc around.
Round 12: Sc (in both loops) around. Do not finish off.
Place st markers every 27 sts.
Torso Panels
First panel
Row 1: Sl st to next st, ch 2, dc in same st, *ch 3, foundation sp cl* repeat * to * across to first st marker. <13 cls>
Row 2-47: Ch 2, turn. dc in ch 3 sp *Ch 3, sp cl* repeat * to * across. <13 cls>
Row 48: Ch 2, turn. dc in ch 3 sp *Ch 1, sp cl* repeat * to * across. <13 cls>
First Panel: Finish off. Turning right sides together, whipstitch to opposite side of hip band lining up the panel between 2nd and 3rd st markers.
Second panel
Row 1: Attach yarn with sl st to st after 3rd st marker, ch 2, dc in same st, *ch 3, foundation sp cl* repeat * to * across to last st marker. <13 cls>
Row 2-47: Ch 2, turn. dc in ch 3 sp *Ch 3, sp cl* repeat * to * across. <13 cls>
Row 48: Ch 2, turn. dc in ch 3 sp *Ch 1, sp cl* repeat * to * across. <13 cls>
Second Panel: Finish off. Turning right sides together, whipstitch to opposite side of hip band lining up the panel between 3rd and 4th st markers.
FINISHING
With right sides together, whipstitch outer edges for sides 5-6 inches. Repeat at front and back openings.
I hope you enjoyed this free crochet vest pattern, the Swirling Leaves vest.
Check out all other contributor patterns
by Creative Threads by Leah
The Swirling Leaves Vest is also now available in an ebook featuring all sizes, children size 2 through women’s 5x.
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