10 Granny Square Crochet Vest Free Patterns
A granny square crochet vest is the perfect mix of retro charm and easy making. You crochet small squares one at a time, then join them into a vest. It is portable, it is great for scrap yarn, and every vest turns out a little different.
We opened and checked 10 free patterns for this list. Some use classic squares, some use flower or tulip motifs, and a few use special self-striping yarn so you do not have to change colors. Skill level, yarn, and hook are listed as the designers show them.
Granny Square Crochet Vest Free Patterns
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What You’ll Need
- Worsted (#4) yarn in several colors, or scrap yarn
- Crochet hooks, 3.5 mm to 6 mm
- Tapestry needle for joining squares
- Blocking mats and rust-proof pins
- Locking stitch markers
- Measuring tape
- Small yarn scissors
1. The Agnes Sweater Vest
Photo: Bethany Lynne / Bethany Lynne Makes
A cropped sweater vest made from 25 small granny squares with big armholes for layering. The blog version is a free tutorial based on the designer’s own size, so it is best for makers who like to adjust as they go. The edges use knit ribbing, but she notes you can crochet them instead.
- Designer: Bethany Lynne / Bethany Lynne Makes
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: Worsted (#4)
- Hook: 4.5 mm (US 7)
- Price: Free tutorial + paid graded PDF
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
2. Granny Square Glow in the Dark Vest
Photo: Lion Brand Yarn
A fun Lion Brand vest built from granny squares in medium-weight yarn. It is rated easy, with a finished chest of about 38 inches and a cropped length of about 16.5 inches. It is a playful take on the classic granny vest and a quick weekend make.
- Designer: Lion Brand Yarn
- Skill level: Easy
- Yarn: Medium / worsted (#4)
- Hook: see pattern
- Price: Free PDF download
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
3. Shuffleboard Squares Vest
Photo: Premier Yarns
Bright multicolor squares make this vest look like a patchwork quilt. It uses slip stitch, single, half double, and double crochet, worked both flat and in the round. Sizes go from XS to 4X/5X, with bust sizes from 36 to 72 inches, so it fits a lot of bodies.
- Designer: Premier Yarns
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: Medium (#4)
- Hook: 5 mm (H-8)
- Price: Free PDF download
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
4. Granny Square Vest Top
Photo: Anne Egan / Simply Crochet
A pretty summer top with a granny square bodice, an empire waist, and a skirt you can make longer. It is worked in soft cotton in several colors, with fan-stitch edging on the neck and armholes. Note that the pattern uses UK crochet terms, so a “treble” here is a US double crochet.
- Designer: Anne Egan / Simply Crochet
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: DK (#3) cotton
- Hook: 4 mm (G/6)
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
5. Retro Granny Motif Vest
Photo: Red Heart / Yarnspirations
This is a true vintage design. Red Heart first published it in a collection about four decades ago and updated the free pattern in 2022. It is made from colorful classic granny squares and has that real 70s feel. Finished sizes are in the PDF.
- Designer: Red Heart / Yarnspirations
- Skill level: Easy
- Yarn: see pattern
- Hook: see pattern
- Price: Free PDF download
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
6. Granny Vest With Knit Details
Photo: Red Heart / Yarnspirations
The body is crocheted granny squares, and the ribbing is knit with a twisted rib. It uses Red Heart All in One Granny Square yarn, which changes color on its own, so you do not need to switch colors. You will need basic knitting skills for the trim. Sizes go up to 3/4/5XL.
- Designer: Red Heart / Yarnspirations
- Skill level: Easy
- Yarn: see pattern
- Hook: see pattern
- Price: Free PDF download
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
7. Prep in Your Step Vest
Photo: Red Heart / Yarnspirations
A roomy, preppy vest made from small 4-inch motifs joined together. It uses only chain, double crochet, and slip stitch, so it is very beginner friendly. Self-striping granny square yarn creates the color changes for you. Sizes are XS to XL and 2 to 5XL.
- Designer: Red Heart / Yarnspirations
- Skill level: Easy
- Yarn: see pattern
- Hook: see pattern
- Price: Free PDF download
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
8. Hooded Granny Square Vest
Photo: Jessica / Mama In A Stitch
A cozy black and taupe vest with a hood and optional pockets. It uses classic granny squares for the front and back panels, plus simple stitches for the hood and edging. It is a little more involved than a basic vest but still rated easy. Sizes go from S to XXL.
- Designer: Jessica / Mama In A Stitch
- Skill level: Easy (listed as “Easy +”)
- Yarn: see pattern
- Hook: 5.25 mm (I)
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
9. Tulip Square Vest
Photo: Wilma Westenberg / Wilmade
This oversized vest uses tulip motifs made with puff stitches and V-stitches. The squares and triangles are slip stitched together, which gives a neat flat join. It is made to be roomy, with plenty of positive ease, and it comes in sizes XS/S to 4X/5X. A video tutorial is included.
- Designer: Wilma Westenberg / Wilmade
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: Medium (#4)
- Hook: 6 mm (J/10)
- Price: Free written pattern + paid PDF
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
10. Sunnyside Vest
Photo: Rachel Misner / Evelyn And Peter Crochet
A finer, more fitted vest in a cotton-bamboo-linen blend. Granny-style motifs run across the back, the fronts have a V-neck, and two buttons close it. It is the most detailed vest on this list, so save it for when you feel ready. Sizes run XS/S to 5X.
- Designer: Rachel Misner / Evelyn And Peter Crochet
- Skill level: Intermediate
- Yarn: Fine (#2)
- Hook: 3.5 mm (E)
- Price: Free written pattern + paid PDF
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
Which One Should You Make?
- First granny square project? Start with #7 (Prep in Your Step). It uses only three stitches.
- Do not want to change colors? Try #6 or #7, which use self-striping granny square yarn.
- Want a true 70s look? Go for #5 (Retro Granny Motif Vest) or #1 (Agnes).
- Need something warm with a hood? #8 (Hooded Granny Square Vest) is the one.
- Ready for a challenge? #10 (Sunnyside) uses fine yarn and a smaller hook.
FAQ
How many granny squares do I need for a vest?
It depends on the size of your squares and the vest. The Agnes vest uses 25 squares of about 4 inches. Larger sizes or smaller squares need more. Measure your bust, add a little ease, and divide by the width of one square to plan the front and back.
What is the best way to join granny squares for a vest?
Whip stitch and slip stitch joins are the most common. A whip stitch is easy and flat. A slip stitch join is neat and strong. Some patterns use join-as-you-go, which saves sewing at the end. Block your squares first so they are all the same size.
Can I use scrap yarn for a granny square vest?
Yes, as long as the scraps are the same weight. Mixing weights makes squares that do not match in size. Pick one color for the last round of every square. It ties the colors together and makes joining look clean.
Grab your scrap bin and start your first square today.