There's a chill in the air, and the Simple Waterfall Vest is ready to keep you cozy in style. Simple really is the key - as you'll see in this free crochet pattern in 4 sizes on Moogly!
Disclaimer: This post includes affiliate links; yarn provided by Lion Brand.
The Simple Waterfall Vest is a wonderful garment to make - even if you've never made an adult garment before. In fact, it is *almost* as easy as crocheting a scarf or blanket, because it's really just a fancy rectangle!
Worked side to side, and with a simple edging, you'll have this pattern worked up in a long weekend - yay for sweater weather! It's got a lot of stretch and is fun to wear both open and closed with a shawl pin.
Made with Lion Brand Wool-Ease, the Simple Waterfall Vest is easy to wear, warm without being heavy, and is so cozy! If you can't wear wool I recommend Lion Brand Heartland as a 100% acrylic substitute with the same weight and great colors.
Simple Waterfall Vest
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US-M/N - 9.0mm hook - Furls Crochet
600-900yds Lion Brand Wool Ease (80% acrylic/20% wool; Worsted/yarn symbol “4”/UK:10-12 ply; 197 yds/180 m; 3 oz)
Colorway shown: Natural Heather
Gauge: 9 sts x 5.5 rows = 4"/10cm in main st pattern (hdc and exdc rows)
Sizes:
Small/Medium (32-38" bust) - 4 balls;
Large/Extra Large (40-46" bust) - shown - 4 balls;
2XL/3XL (48-54" bust) - 5 balls;
4XL/5XL (56-62" bust) - 5 balls
Helpful Links: Crochet Abbreviations; FHDC (Foundation Half Double Crochet); BLO (Back Loop Only) and FLO (Front Loop Only); Exdc (extended double crochet)
Special Stitches:
FHDC - https://www.mooglyblog.com/foundation-half-double-crochet/
EXDC - https://www.mooglyblog.com/extended-double-crochet-exdc/
NOTE: The stitch and row counts for the different sizes are written in the pattern as S/M(L/XL, 2XL/3XL, 4XL/5XL). Circle or highlight the numbers that apply to the size you are making before beginning the pattern.
INSTRUCTIONS:
Row 1: FHDC 60(64, 68, 72); turn. (60(64, 68, 72) sts - total row st count maintained throughout pattern)
Row 2 and 3: Ch 1, hdc in the first st, *blo hdc in next st, flo hdc in next st; rep from * until 1 st remains, hdc in last st, turn.
Row 4: Ch 2 (does not count as a st), exdc in each st across; turn.
Row 5: Ch 1, hdc in each st across; turn.
Row 6 - 14(16, 18, 20): Repeat Rows 4-5, then Row 4 again.
Row 15(17, 19, 21) Arm Hole Row: Ch 1, hdc 11(11, 13, 13), ch 19(21, 23, 25), skip 19(21, 23, 25), hdc in each rem st across; turn.
Row 16(18, 20, 22) - 36(40, 42, 42) Repeat Rows 4-5, then Row 4 again. (Try on to check fit across back - add or subtract rows here as needed for a custom fit)
Row 37(41, 43, 43) Arm Hole Row: Ch 1, hdc 11(11, 13, 13), ch 19(21, 23, 25), skip 19(21, 23, 25), hdc in each rem st across; turn.
Row 38(42, 44, 44) - 49(55, 59, 61): Repeat Rows 4-5.
Row 50(56, 60, 62) and 51(57, 61, 63) : Repeat Row 2.
Edging: Ch 1, sc evenly around entire vest, working a ch 1 at each corner; join and break yarn.
Arm Hole Edging (repeat for both arm holes): Join to bottom of arm hole, ch 1, sc evenly around arm hole; join and break yarn.
And that's how to crochet the Simple Waterfall Vest! With the stretchy fabric and easy construction, it's a great pattern to make as gifts - and for yourself. You could even add patch pockets if desired, or perhaps sleeves! I hope you enjoy making it - if you do, please post your photos on social media! I love seeing what you've made!
Written pattern copyright Tamara Kelly 2017, all rights reserved. Please do not reprint or repost this pattern, but please do link to this page to share this pattern with others. To print or download, use the Print Friendly button below, or go to PrintFriendly.com, or right click to copy and paste it into a word processing document if those options do not work for you (please note that Print Friendly is a free outside website that the button links to, and you can click here for a tutorial on how to use it, but I cannot provide additional technical support for this service). If you wish to make items for sale from this pattern or translate it to another language, please visit the About page for details. Thank you to Lion Brand Yarn for providing the yarn for this pattern.
Martha says
I really like how the ribbing forms vertical lines since the vest is worked side to side. I will definitely be making this for myself!
Pam Cameron says
I like the vertical lines and seriously planning to use self striping yarn. Will let youow how it turns out. Thanks, Tamara!
Irma Hendricks says
Love this pattern. so simple but perfect. I will be making one for me.
Looking very pretty Ms. Tamara!!
Shawn H. says
I would like to make one longer....is this worked from bottom to top or top to bottoMake? Thanks 😊
Tamara Kelly says
It is side to side as shown in the photo with the measurements in the pattern. 🙂 So to make it longer, just add more stitches in the first row and maintain the stitch count across!
Debbie d says
Thank you for sharing this pattern and your talents with us. Much appreciated! Can't wait to make this with yarn I already have on hand.
Tamara Kelly says
Thank you! 😀
niki says
i love this pattern! how do you recommend doing the sleeves? i think this would be a lovely sweater!
Tamara Kelly says
Thank you! I would start crocheting right around the arm opening for straight sleeves - and decrease a bit as you work toward the wrist, if desired. 🙂
Jennifer says
On the pictures above the 4XL/5XL shows a width of 44.5" to fit a bust size of 56-62". The garment doesn't look like it has negative ease although I see it isn't meant to completely close across the front. Have you seen the vest on someone with those measurements to confirm it fits properly? I would like to make this but want to be sure the measurements are correct. Thank you!
Tamara Kelly says
I used the standard measurements given by the Craft Yarn Council, but I haven't made it in that size. It stretches quite a bit!
Ruchi says
This looks easy and awesome. Will certainly make one soon.Thanks for sharing the pattern.
Tamara Kelly says
Thank you!
Sara says
Looks great:) Thank You:)
Tamara Kelly says
Thank you! 😀
pAMELA says
Thank you for giving a substitute for the wool yarn. I can't wear wool so that was very helpful.. I like the way it drapes because I want to make this for my pregnant daughter and she can wear it after the baby. Plus I like that you can easily increase the length.
Tamara Kelly says
Thank you Pamela! And congratulations!! 😀
allISON says
Hi,
Sorry if this is a double post. I can't figure out the arm holes. When I chain 19 and skip 19 are those chain just hanging or are they connected? Do you have more pictures or a video. This is really cute and I would like to make it. I just don't understand that part of the pattern!
Thanks,
Allison
Tamara Kelly says
Hi Allison! This might help: https://www.mooglyblog.com/skip-stitches/ They are worked into on the next row. 🙂
Allison says
Thanks so much!
Allison says
just checking to make sure my post will show up!
allison says
Nice sweater! I love the crochet pin.
Tamara Kelly says
Thank you! 🙂 I picked that one up at JoAnn Fabrics!
L. R. says
Do you do a chain first? How many in the initial chain to start?
Tamara Kelly says
Hello L.R.! This pattern begins with a row of foundation half double crochet - no starting chain! Please see this tutorial for more info: https://www.mooglyblog.com/foundation-half-double-crochet/ 🙂
Valerie says
Love this!.... I happened to have a good supply of wool-ease in my stash and started right away.... It works up super quick even though I frogged a bit after I made the back bigger and it turned out too big! I did make some modifications (just personal preference stuff) and am very happy with the finished product. Intrigued by the idea of sleeves.... will consider .....
Thanks for the pattern!
Tamara Kelly says
I'm so glad you enjoyed it Valerie! It stretches a lot more than expected, I know - I did a lot of frogging too. 🙂
Carly says
I love this! I would love to see a little girl version! My girls would totally wear it in the winter! They don't like full sweaters in the winter because they get too hot . This would be perfect!
Tamara Kelly says
Thank you so much Carly! I'll have to look at kids sizing for this! 😀
Virginia says
Have you made a child size pattern yet? I know this is 3 years after the original comment. Hope you will still reply!
Tamara Kelly says
Not yet, but I will add it to the list!
allison elder says
Hi Tamara!
For rows 6-14 when you say Repeat rows 4-5, then 4 again, do you mean the pattern looks like this:
6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
(4 5 4) ( 4 5 4) ( 4 5 4)
Also on rows 38-49 it says repeat rows 4-5 only. Do we skip that (4 again) there?
Thanks! Sorry for the confusion!
Allison
Tamara Kelly says
Hi Allison! For Rows 6-14, it would look like (4 5)(4 5)(4 5)(4 5)(4)
So for rows 36-49 it would look like (4 5)(4 5)(4 5)(4 5)(4 5)(4 5)(4 5)
Does that make sense?
Allison says
Yes! Thank you!
Allison says
This was my exact question when reading through the pattern....AND my name is Allison too! Excited to start this tonight after work!
Irma says
Would the Lion Brand Jeans yarn work with the pattern?
Tamara Kelly says
Yes, I believe that would be a great substitute!
Linda says
I’m using Lion Brand Jeans...and when I started it with the size 9 hook, length was almost 32”. I am now trying it with a size 8 hook - same cast on stitches.
Sylvia Becker says
This vest looks really cosy and easy to make. Will definitely give it a try. Thank you for the pattern.
Sylvia Becker says
This vest looks really cosy and easy to make. Will definitely give it a try and make one for myself 🙂 Thank you for sharing with us.
sa faa says
So beautiful
I need the patron plz
Tamara Kelly says
Thank you! The pattern is right here on the page. 🙂 You can print it out using the green Print Friendly button if needed!
Charlene says
Made this with a bulky fuzzy yarn and it came out wonderful. Got many complements on this and some one already wants the patter to do also. Was a very easy pattern do.
Tamara Kelly says
😀 I'm so glad to hear it, thank you Charlene!
Tara says
I love this! I'm working on it now and have a question about the arm holes. I'm working on row 16, where I repeating the row 4 pattern and I've gotten to the part where I have to work the arm holes. When I do the exdc in each single chain, what part of the chain should I work in?
Tamara Kelly says
Hi Tara! Going under the top two loops is usually easiest, but as long as you leave a loop or two to work the edging into, it's up to you - just be consistent all the way across if you can! 🙂
Debbie says
Can this pattern ve made in worsted weight yarn, just maybe adjust the chain count in the begin?
Tamara Kelly says
This is made with worsted already. 🙂
melanie says
Super easy and fun to make!! I love working with a large hook, this is the first time I have used anything bigger than a 6 mm! I can not wait to wear the vest to work, I know I will get asked to make a few.. And they are very easy and fast to make ! I am almost done with it and thinking I might put a shell edging along the bottom of it.. I have yet to decide =).
Tamara Kelly says
😀 I'm so glad to hear you like it Melanie! Thank you!
Estelene says
Hi Tamara, I really like the simplicity of this vest, and I was wondering if you could try it in the Red Heart "Wrap it up" yarn? I think it would work great for a light summer vest with this yarn. I am very curious how the yarn will change the look of your pattern as well as the stitch count. If you every consider trying it, I would love to follow along! THANK YOU
Tamara Kelly says
Hi Estelene! Thank you for the suggestion, I just might! 😀 There are so many patterns I would love to revisit with new yarns and new looks!
Linda says
Can you tell me how many inches from the front edge to the armholes is - sm, med and large? I’ve had to change hook sizes (and yarn!).
I’d really appreciate it! Thanks in advance...
Maria says
I have the same problem and question as Linda. Please let me know how many inches from front edge to armholes and between armholes. Thanks in advance
Tamara Kelly says
The gauge should give you those measurements for each size. 🙂
Maria says
Don’t know why I didn’t think of that 😊 thank you for your reply and this gorgeous pattern!
Vicky says
Tamara, I have two skeins of self-striping yarn in my children’s HS colors, but total yardage only adds up to 500 yards. Sooo, was thinking on the solid EXDC rows, I would skip a EXDC, ch1, on every other row of that stitch, in order to stretch out my yarn to make this full vest. Plus, here in TN, it is a lot warmer than Iowa, and an “airy”, more open stitch would allow me to wear this more often. (Or my two 17 year old twin girls will wear it more often!) What do you think? I know I will be playing “yarn chicken”, but I will know by the time I get to the first arm hole if this is gonna work out or not, dontcha think? Glad I found this pattern, two years after you published it! I think it is perfect since the stripes will be vertical and slimming.
Tamara Kelly says
Hi Vicky! I think that's a great idea! Good luck!! ♥
DebbieW says
This vest is perfect for keeping warm at work without being in the way with the front opening, no sleeves, now to find a nice shawl pin. Thanks Tamara.
Tamara Kelly says
Thank you so much, Debbie!
Margie Hamilton says
Love this pattern, sadly i don’t crochet. Could there possibly be a version of this in a knitted one. if there is anyone out there that has come across one, I would appreciate the information.
Tamara Kelly says
Thank you Margie! I'll add it to the list! 🙂
Terry says
Hi, I love this pattern, but I was wondering, instead of a shawl pin, how could I add a button?
Thanks!
Tamara Kelly says
Hi Terry, there are dozens of ways to add a button, but perhaps the easiest here would be to add a simple chain loop when crocheting the final edging, landing opposite of where you'd like the button to be! 🙂
Nicky says
Hi, I love this vest and would like to make it in DK. Can you tell me the measure from the edge to the armhole row on the L/XL size?
Thank you!!
Tamara Kelly says
About 11.5" 🙂
Roberta Jacob says
Hi, Tamara - This is a lovely pattern, and I can't wait to get going on it. Could you please tell me a couple of measurements for the S/M size? I'm considering making it longer, and perhaps wider, but don't want to move the armholes. It would be helpful to know:
- measurement from edge to armhole
- distance between armholes
- distance from top (long) edge to top of armhole (would be the "collar")
Many thanks in advance.
Tamara Kelly says
Hello Roberta! All the info you're looking for is in the gauge listed: 9 sts x 5.5 rows = 4″/10cm in main st pattern (hdc and exdc rows)
So you can use that to determine the specific measurements for the size you are making, as well as how much you'd like to add or subtract. 🙂
Suzanne says
I love the look of this crochet wrapped vest! What is the pin called used to close it?
Tamara Kelly says
Thank you so much! It's a stick style shawl pin - I believe I picked this one up at my local JOANN! 🙂
Eileen B says
I made this with Caron Simple Soft Tweed. We are in SoCal so wool is not a usual yarn i use for clothing—we just stay too warm.
I needed to add about 2-3 rows in the back for it to fit my shoulders in the s/m size. Also it did not require the 4 skeins of yarn only a little over 2 skeins. I would add 2 -4 rows to each side in the front to be able to use the shawl pin. I may make another with these adjustments. Fun pattern
Kathleen says
I am wondering if instead of the foundation single crochet, I could simply chain and then single crochet in each chain. Would I be going the wrong direction if I do that?
Tamara Kelly says
Hi Kathleen! It should be okay. 🙂