Fade to Blue Toddler Vest ~ Free Crochet Pattern

This is a very simple pattern that can be made in so many different color combinations! I personally love the fade effect. I made it for my son who wears 2T/24 month size, yet the pattern should be pretty easy to adapt. I would suggest using a piece of clothing to measure up against if altering size.

Materials

Worsted weight yarn in 4 complimentary colors

G hook / 4mm

Tapestry needle to weave in ends

Buttons; i used 12

Stitches Used

Chain

Single Crochet

Double Crochet

Gauge

1" = 3 stitches & 2 rows

Gauge for stitches per inch is most important. When row count is given, go by the measurement or what is closest to that as opposed to number of rows listed; i found that row gauge differs a lot more than stitch gauge. 

Pattern

This pattern is worked from the bottom to the top. If you want a fading effect like the pictured projects, start with the darkest color and work up to the lightest.

Body

With color #1

-Chain 79

-DC in the 4th chain(this chain 3 will NOT count as a stitch) and a DC in each remaining chain = 76 stitches (plus the beginning chain 3). The lenght should measure about 23.5”

-Chain 3 and DC in each stitch = 76 stitches (plus the beginning chain 3)

-Repeat the last row 2 more times. You should have a total of 4 rows in your first color. 

With color #2

-Chain 3 and DC in each stitch = 76 stitches (plus the beginning chain 3)

-Repeat the last row 3 more times. You should have a total of 4 rows in your second color.

With color #3

-Chain 3 and DC in each stitch = 76 stitches (plus the beginning chain 3)

-Repeat the last row 3 more times. You should have a total of 4 rows in your third color.

With color #4

-Chain 3 and DC in each stitch = 76 stitches (plus the beginning chain 3)

-Repeat the last row 1 more time or until the worked piece measures 8" from cast on.

Front Left
From here on the chain 3 at the beginning of each row WILL count as a stitch EXCEPT on the 2 edges of the project we have already established.
-Chain 3, DC in the first 7 stitches.
-Chain 3(this WILL count as a stitch on this side), DC in the following 6 = 7DC
-Chain 3, DC in the first 7 stitches.
-Repeat the last two rows 3 more times, you should have 9 rows worked or about 13.5". Leave tail long enough to sew the shoulder together(7 stitches) and cut yarn.

Back
Connect yarn to the body at the stitch next to the Front Left piece we have just completed. Chain 3(this WILL count as a stitch on both sides of the back) and DC for 35 stitches = 36 stitches
-Chain 3, DC for 35 = 36 stitches
-Repeat the last row for 7 more times. You should have 9 rows worked or about 13.5".  Leave tail long enough to sew the shoulder together(7 stitches) and cut yarn.

Front Right
Connect yarn to the body at the stitch next to the BACK piece we have just completed. Chain 3(this WILL count as a stitch on this side) and DC for 32 stitches = 33 stitches

-Chain 3(this will NOT count as a stitch on this edge), DC in the next 33 stitches. 

-Chain 3, DC in the next 32 stitches = 33 

-Repeat the last two rows 3 more times. You should have 9 rows worked or about 13.5".  Finish off and cut yarn.

Finishing Off

Fold over the thin edge and align to the back. Sew 7 stitches with tail.

Fold over the front right and align with the back. Sew 7 stitches with tail.

The front right side should overlap the left side on about 3-4 stitches. Sew buttons along the short side, the spaces between the DC will serves as button holes on the other side. I put a button about every 2 rows and used the appropriate color in the pictured projects. Because we are using the DC spaces as button holes, it's easy to adjust and tighten or loosen up the sweater as you see fit. I also found that the neck hole is large enough to easily fit over the head instead of having to actually undo all the buttons every time. Enjoy, i hope your kiddo enjoys wearing this!