This just in: vests have returned to their rightful place near the top of the fashion totem pole. That’s right, free knitted vest patterns are trending y’all! If you are already a fan of vests then you are going to love this roundup of free knitting patterns. And if you’ve never even worn a vest before you will be seriously tempted to make one after reading this! 

Seriously, what’s not to love about free knitted vest patterns? You can layer them over long sleeve shirts or dresses. Or you can wear them by themselves and let your arms breathe. You can mix a fitted vest to really show off your figure or go for an oversized fit to really max out your comfort level.

If you think about it, these free knitted vest patterns are actually the perfect thing to make right now. That’s because a good vest can effortlessly aid that awkward fashion transition from blustery winter to hopeful spring. Sure, it’s only February, but there’s no harm in looking ahead!

Do you know how to knit a vest? The good news is that even beginner knitters can get in on these free knitted vest patterns. Many of the patterns we are featuring today use only basic stitches and straightforward construction methods.

In fact, a vest design is actually a great choice for your very first garment knitting project. It will teach you a trick or two for when you’re ready to knit an entire sweater but you’ll finish it quicker because you won’t ever get stuck on sleeve island.

No matter what kinds of vest knitting patterns you are searching for today, I bet you’ll find them here! We have fitted vests, oversized vests, solid colored vests, multicolored vests, vests with fun prints, belted vests, hooded vests, and more. Seriously, there are a lot of great vest designs on this list. So, what are you waiting for? Scroll down to see them for yourself! 

 Cropped Vest

Check out this cute cropped cabled vest! (Say that 10 times fast) The pattern calls for stockinette stitch and cablework along with simple ribbed trim along the collar and hem. It’s an instant classic in my book because I feel like it would pair well with so many different outfits, plus, the fit is really flattering! 

Designer: Gorete Andrede for Circulo Yarns
Yarn: Circulo Bamboo (Worsted Weight #4)
Click here for the free knit vest pattern!

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Paris Vest

The Paris Vest is a treat for the senses. It’s lovely to look at with all of its textures and the relaxed fit skims the body in all the right places. Knitting it is also a treat (for more experienced knitters anyway). Special techniques include bobble stitch, selvedge stitch, and leaning increases. I love the ribbed texture at the edges.

Designer: Ditte Lerche for Filcolana
Yarn: Filcolana Pernilla (DK Weight Yarn #3) and Filcolana Alva (Light Fingering Weight #0)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!

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Willow Vest

Here’s one of our free knitted vest patterns that isn’t joined at the front. Sort of like a sleeveless cardigan, styles like this are perfect for transitional seasons like spring because they add warmth without adding bulk. The pattern uses 2 colors of yarn and the classic slipped stitch pattern to create an interesting two tone design. 

Designer: Katja Dyrberg for Filcolana
Yarn: Filcolana Tilia and Filcolana Alva (Light Fingering Weight #0)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!

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Chunky Turtleneck Vest

Free knitted vest patterns knit up even more quickly when they call for super bulky weight yarn. This one uses a solid stockinette stitch for full coverage on the top half and a fun lace stitch for some added interest on the bottom half. It’s a recipe style pattern that has you take your own measurements to get stitch counts and such. 

Designer: Beginner’s Luckraft
Yarn: Lion Brand Hometown (Super Bulky Weight #6)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!

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Aran Vest

The high neck and generous length of the Aran Vest help to visually elongate the figure and make you seem taller. It’s a fun, textured design that looks great on its own or layered over a shirt with long sleeves. The pattern calls for stockinette stitch interspersed with 4-stitch cables. The edging on the hem is done in 3×3 ribbing. 

Designer: Ines M. Cruz for Circulo Yarns
Yarn: Circulo Lã Seda (Aran Weight #4)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!

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Stitch Please Vest

Free knitted vest patterns aren’t just for women! This stylish men’s vest pattern is surprisingly straightforward since it only calls for knit stitches, purl stitches, and increases. If you know how to knit in the round and pick up stitches, then you should be able to tackle this project even if you consider yourself to be a beginner knitter.

Designer: Premier Yarns Design Team
Yarn: Stitch Please Yarns 100% Wool Chunky (Bulky Weight #5)
Click here for the easy vest knitting pattern!

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Feels Like Wednesday

On Wednesdays we wear black and white checkered vests. (You thought I was going to say “pink”, didn’t you?) Inspired by the hit Netflix show, this vest pattern is a recreation of a piece that the character Wednesday Addams wears in the show. The pattern calls for stockinette stitch and intarsia colorwork. 

Designer: we are knitters
Yarn: we are knitters The Petite Wool (Bulky Weight #5)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!

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Jeans Maxi Vest

The Jeans Maxi Vest employs a couple of design tricks that really elevate the piece and make it seem like it came straight off the cover of a magazine. Both the split hem and the high low construction are very in right now. Of course, the highly textured and stretchy seed rib stitch also ensures that this piece steals the spotlight. 

Designer: Ines M. Cruz for Circulo Yarns
Yarn: Circulo Jeans (Aran Weight #4)
Click here for the free versatile vest knitting pattern!

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Kiki Vest

Say hello to your new favorite layering piece. The Kiki Vest pattern employs 1×1 rib stitch throughout so it’s very stretchy and form fitting. Best of all, you only need to do just knit and purl stitches. There’s no increasing or decreasing. There’s not even any sewing because the sides are buttoned up rather than seamed. 

Designer: Wiam’s Crafts
Yarn: Alize Burcum Klasik (Aran Weight #4)
Click here for the free pattern!

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Clarissa Shell

Maybe it’s just because this vest is yellow but I am getting some definite pineapple vibes. That must be why I like this piece so much! Basic knit lacework forms a trellis design on the main part of the vest that gives way to a slightly scalloped trim along the bottom edge. 

Designer: Sandy Huff for Knit Picks
Yarn: Knit Picks Galileo (Sport Weight #2)
Click here for the free lace vest knitting pattern!

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Fairytale Vest

Ok, beginner knitters, this one’s for you. The Fairytale Vest is worked double stranded in stockinette, garter, and ribbed stitches. A few calculated decreases in the shoulder area allow for a natural diagonal slant so you won’t get that dreaded shoulder pad silhouette. Now doesn’t that sound like a nice and easy knit? 

Designer: DROPS Design
Yarn: Garnstudio DROPS Fabel (Sport Weight #2) and Garnstudio DROPS Kid-Silk (Lace Weight #0)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!

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Unbound Slipover Vest

A little bit cropped and a little bit oversized, the Unbound Slipover Vest is a whole lot of adorable! It knits up quickly in super bulky weight yarn using basic stockinette and rib stitches. I will warn you, though, that it looks so cozy you will never want to take it off!  

Designer: Ashley Lillis
Yarn: Lion Brand Re-Spun Thick & Quick (Super Bulky Weight #6)
Click here for the free v-neck vest knitting pattern!

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Seeing Spots Vest

Adding a little colorwork into the mix is a great way to make your vest project feel extra special and unique. The Seeing Spots Vest features rows of tiny dots of a bright color peeking through the solid background of a dark color. It is made with stockinette stitch and slip stitch colorwork. 

Designer: Afifa Sayeed
Yarn: Malabrigo Yarn Rios (Worsted Weight Yarn #4)
Click here for the free wonderful vest knitting pattern!

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Fuzzy Vest

Sometimes you can’t quite tell how soft something is just by looking at it in a photo. That is decidedly not the case with this Fuzzy Vest. You can tell right away that this vest is seriously soft. It’s also seriously cute! I love the unexpected pairing shown here with the vest layered over a t-shirt. Tres chic! 

Designer: we are knitters
Yarn: we are knitters The Fuzzy (Aran Weight #4)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!

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Pink Salt Vest

Is it just me or does this vest look like something straight out of a Hallmark movie? There is so much good stuff going on with this design from the split hem to the wide ribbed edging and the cute and cozy turtleneck. The design calls for simple stockinette and 3×3 rib stitch. 

Designer: DROPS Design
Yarn: Garnstudio DROPS Brushed Alpaca Silk and Garnstudio DROPS Air (Aran Weight #4)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!

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Zebra Vest

Walk on the wild side with this fun Zebra Vest. The iconic stripes are instantly recognizable, even in maroon and white instead of the traditional black and white. Super bulky weight yarn makes short work of this piece, so you can spend less time knitting it and more time showing it off.

Designer: Donatella Gonnella
Yarn: we are knitters The Petite Wool (Super Bulky Yarn #6)
Click here for the free pullover vest knitting pattern!

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Harvest Hooded Vest

I’m always down for anything with a hood. Like the free air freshener that the car salesman throws in with the new car, it’s that little something extra that really sells a design for me. The Harvest Hooded Vest is made in beautifully textured seed stitch using bulky weight yarn.  Perfect to wear with a pair of jeans.

Designer: Pindrop Shop
Yarn: Blue Sky Fibers TECHNO (Bulky Weight #5)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!

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Peony Vest

The Peony Vest is the “I woke up like this” of free knitted vest patterns. The effortless casual chicness of the waterfall silhouette and the delicate texture of the stitchwork instantly upgrade any outfit. The pattern calls for twisted ribbing and slipped stitches. After adding an icord edging your new vest is complete. 

Designer: Aubrey P. Busek for Universal Yarn
Yarn: FibraNatura Papyrus (DK Weight #3)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!

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Clancy Vest

But why make a plain and basic vest when there are much more interesting designs to be had? Experienced knitters will revel in the satisfying challenge of this intricately cabled pattern. It will be even more satisfying to wear as it is very flattering with a relaxed fit and a v-neck. 

Designer: Irina Poludnenko for Lion Brand Yarn
Yarn: Lion Brand Re-Spekt (DK Weight #3)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!

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Cherry Sorbet Vest

Soft and fuzzy bulky weight yarn and simple stockinette stitches conspire together to make this dreamy pink vest. The oversized fit gives the illusion of small sleeves and provides excellent coverage while the turtle neck keeps you extra warm and cozy. My favorite part is the high low hem because it makes this piece a smart match with a comfy pair of leggings. 

Designer: DROPS Design
Yarn: Garnstudio DROPS Melody (Bulky Weight #5)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!

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Seedling Vest

Any one of these free knitted vest patterns would be a sight for sore eyes when layered over a collared shirt and paired with jeans. Equal parts cute and cozy, this quintessential outfit especially shines with the Seedling Vest. The pattern calls for stockinette stitch along with seed stitch for the textured edging. 

Designer: Julie Peng
Yarn: White Barn Farm Sheep & Wool (DK Weight #3)
Click here for the free classic slipover vest knitting pattern!

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The Wesson Vest

I pretty much love anything that involves a belt and I guess that goes for free knitted vest patterns too. This textured design uses double rice stitch along with an applied i-cord edging for the openings along the armholes and body. The icord edge makes this project look extra polished and it also helps to keep the stitches from curling too much.

Designer: Meghan Makes Do
Yarn: Lion Brand Heartland (Aran Weight #4)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!

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Pieced Together Vest

Asymmetrical designs are always sure to turn some heads. Despite the name, the Pieced Together Vest is actually knit all in one piece. The pattern calls for stockinette stitch and intarsia colorwork to create the unique half striped and half solid design. It has a cozy oversize fit that will make you never want to take it off. 

Designer: Hayfield
Yarn: Hayfield Bonus Chunky Tweed (Bulky Weight #5)
Click here for the free deep v-neck knitting pattern!

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Frozen in Time Slipover

Slipover style vests allow you to cut down on time spent sewing. Instead of sewing all the way up either side you only have to sew on a couple of buttons. This also makes the design more inclusive and better suited to folks with mobility issues. The design employs a garter stitch edging along with gorgeous 3 and 5 stitch cables. 

Designer: DROPS Design
Yarn: Garnstudio DROPS Kid-Silk (Lace Weight #0) and Garnstudio DROPS Sky (DK Weight #3)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!

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Drift Vest in Lovebird

Don’t be afraid to reach for variegated yarns when you set about making your own knit vest. The crazy colors can easily be softened by pairing the vest with solid colored undershirts. The bright and cheery rainbow color palette of this bulky weight yarn is just the thing to chase away the winter blues and welcome spring! This simple design for an open vest is knit in stockinette stitch with an icord edging. It’s a quick knit, too!

Designer: Purl Soho
Yarn: Purl Soho Lovebird (Super Bulky Weight #6)
Click here for the free simple knitting pattern!

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You’ll Also Love This Video Tutorial:

FREE Cropped Vest KNITTING PATTERN + TUTORIAL

Final Thoughts on Knitted Vest Patterns

You’re sure to be the best dressed on the block when you make one of these stylish vests! What did you think of all of these amazing free sweater vest patterns? Do you have a favorite design from the bunch of sweater vests?

Don’t forget, sharing is caring! Send this free knitting pattern round-up to all your knitting friends so they can join in on the fun too! Bookmark this page or save the link to your Pinterest board for amazing knitting patterns. 

I’ll see you next week for another free knitting pattern round-up. Make sure to follow the blog so you never miss a post. <3

Happy Knitting!
Amanda