The Aloha Vest – Bohemian Crochet Beach Cover Up

Hey guys!

Today I want to chat with you a little about my most popular pattern: the Aloha Vest – a bohemian vest and beach cover up! Click here to go straight to the pattern or continue reading for more info + a coupon code!

Background

I originally created this vest in 2017 and never thought I’d be selling the pattern (or any patterns at all)! I made it just for fun, for myself, and posted it on Instagram. Ever since, I’ve had a lot of questions about where they could buy the pattern. Wanting to experiment and try something brand new, I wrote it up! It’s 2019 now, and the pattern has since been updated and professionally tech edited, so I promise you’re getting a quality pattern.

This design is almost 2 years old now! Back in 2017, I was scrolling through Pinterest looking at “boho clothing” and I saw a photo of a very short vest with fringe that I wanted to recreate. I picked up some Bernat Handicrafter Cotton and tried to copy the look of this Pinterest vest. My Aloha Vest ended up looking NOTHING like the photo, which I’m really happy about because it led me to create something totally brand new! This vest and I have been through a lot. It was one of the very first garments (if not THE first garment) I ever made, and it’s got a special place in my heart!

I have always loved anything resembling bohemian style and this vest definitely has that. I wanted open stitch-work, shell stitches, and fringe. Check, check, and check! There is just something about lightweight, beachy pieces that make me feel so inspired.

Okay, now let me show you what you can actually do with some inexpensive kitchen cotton! I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised!

Construction

This vest is constructed in ONE piece (yay!) from the bottom-up and is split into 3 panels for the 2 front panels and middle back panel. It is virtually seamless with minimal seaming at the shoulders to connect the front panels to the back panels. I used to make this vest in 3 separate pieces: 1 back and 2 front piece, sew the sides together and the shoulders. It actually took quite a bit of time to do all the seaming. This new, seamless method is such a time-saver. You will love it!

This pretty stitch combo is actually just a combination simple stitches: double crochet, shells, and chains. One of my favourite things about this piece is that it looks more intricate than it really is. If you know how to double crochet and follow a pattern, you can make this. It’s a 5-row repeat throughout the entire pattern which makes for easy length-altering if need be. I’ve seen a lot of people add an extra repeat to the bottom of the garment to make it a floor-length piece to wear with maxi dresses. I’m going to copy this idea as well to wear with long skirts because the photos you sent me were so dang cute. I love seeing how you guys have been altering this pattern to make it your own! Experiment with yarns, colours, length, and try it with fringe or without fringe for 2 distinct looks.

Yarn

I first used the Bernat Handicrafter Cotton because I had a bunch of it in my stash. I never would have thought that this would make for an awesome wearable, but it works perfectly for this pattern. I think one of the reasons this vest has been so well-received is that the yarn is such a widely-available, inexpensive yarn. A lot of people use this yarn as kitchen cotton, for towels or wash cloths,  but I have been so happy with its use in a finished garment. I’ve worn mine sooo much at the beach and it has stood up to sand and lake water really well. It’s still good as new. Handicrafter Cotton is really soft and won’t break the bank to make a full garment – you’ve got to give it a try! I have always stuck to the neutral colours since I wanted to stick with the bohemian theme. I’ve used white, beige, denim blue, overcast grey, and black!

If you’re planning on substituting a different yarn, make sure you check your gauge. This is worked in a very loose gauge and I’ve found that some other cottons I’ve tried have been a lot thinner. After working your first few rows, check to make sure your width matches what’s given in the measurements of the pattern before continuing! You may have to go up a hook size. I tried Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton and this is thinner than Bernat Handicrafter and doesn’t give the same look, but still works. Maybe size up in the pattern if you want to use 24/7 Cotton to one or 2 sizes larger!

Find the pattern in these places:

On my website here.

On Etsy here.

On Ravelry here.

(Use the code “PATTERN10” for 10% off all patterns)

I can’t wait to see your WIPs! Make sure to tag me @knitsnknotswpg and use the pattern hashtag #AlohaVest so that everyone can see your projects!

Happy crocheting,

Janine xo