10 FREE Knit Vest Patterns for Every Season
Quick, easy, and fun to knit patterns!
Knitted vest patterns are a wonderful way to add cozy layers and fun textures to any outfit, any time of year! The sleeveless style makes them super versatile and, depending on how you style them, a knit sweater vest can go shift from casual to polished in a snap. To celebrate this wardrobe workhorse, we’ve gathered 10 of our favorite free knit vest patterns.
These 10 free knit vest patterns include a range of vest styles for maximum inspiration. Are you a more experienced knitter looking for cables? We’ve got a pattern for you! Want a quick last-minute pattern for a new baby? Check out the two oh-so-cute free knit vest patterns designed for kids!
All credit goes to the amazing designers behind these free knitted vest patterns. We link to their profiles and pattern pages below.
Happy knitting!
Disclaimer: This article contains outbound links. You will be redirected to the original designers’ blog, profile, pattern page, and/or Ravelry account.
Free Knit Vest Patterns
1. Scroll
YARN: Rowan Softyak DK
SIZES: 32-50″
If you’re looking for an intermediate level knit vest pattern, the Scroll vest by Georgia Farrell is a fantastic choice. Knit in a cozy-yet-lightweight yarn, this vest adds texture to any outfit. Columns of beginner-friendly cables alternate with textured seed stitch for a project that is a great, easy introduction to the wonderful world of cable knits.
2. Coze
YARN: DK weight yarn Rowan Pure Wool Aran or Nako Nakolen
SIZES: adjustable
The Coze sweater by Derya Davenport is one of the simplest garments you can possibly knit! Made with just two rectangles, this super squishy garter stitch fabric is the most beginner friendly vest pattern out there. By adjusting the width and length of each rectangle you can make a vest that fits just about anyone and works with almost any yarn. We love the simplicity of this pattern!
3. Men’s Basketweave Vest
by Jodi Lewanda
YARN: Aran Weight Red Heart Soft Solids & Heathers
SIZES: S – XXL
Some knitted vest styles are timeless classics and the Men’s Basketweave Vest by Jodi Lewanda is a great example of a totally classic v neck vest pattern. A deep v-neck balances the bold, all-over basketweave texture used in the body of this vest. This is a great pattern for knitters who know how to knit and purl and are ready to work on a project with a simple stitch repeat while practicing following a pattern!
4. Timbo Vest
YARN: Bulky Weight Manos del Uruguay Cardo
SIZES: S – XL
The Timbo Vest by Gabriella Calderini combines a fitted silhouette, super easy broken rib stitch, and a fabulously squishy yarn for a cozy-yet simple pattern. Whether you knit this in one color or choose to do blocks of color, this vest is an easy addition to any outfit. The deep armholes make this vest particularly useful for layering over boxy shirts or a knit sweater too!
5. Open Trails Sweater Vest
YARN: Super Bulky Lion Brand Re-Spun Thick & Quick
SIZES: 35 – 57.5″
The Open Trails Sweater Vest is a fantastically versatile pattern for beginners and experienced knitters alike. This pattern showcases simple stockinette in a super bulky yarn which means this project will be a super quick knit! The generous sizing also makes this a great piece to practice layering vests over all sorts of outfits. Style it with a simple button-up for a cozy office vibes or over several sweaters when the temperatures drop!
6. Basic Vest Blue ZigZag V Neck Vest Pattern
by Candi Jensen
YARN: Aran Weight Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice
SIZES: 6, 12, 18, 24 months
Knit baby vests are cute, useful, and above all FAST to knit! Candi Jensen’s Basic Vest Blue ZigZag pattern is a great choice for a last-minute knit baby gift. The thick yarn and simple shapes make this both beginner-friendly and a super fast knit too.
7. Textured Serape #97604
by Mary Maxim
YARN: Aran Weight Mary Maxim Aran Irish Twist or Mary Maxim Aran Irish Tweed
SIZES: 45, 56”
Vests are a great time to try experimenting with bold textures and big patterns! This free knit vest pattern uses a tweedy yarn and simple ribbing to create a soft, cozy open-front vest that’s perfect for cooler months. The bold diagonal rib creates an interesting detail that is both interesting to knit and adds flair to any outfit.
8. Waffle Stitch Vest
by Jodi Lewanda
YARN: Bulky Red Heart Soft Essentials Solids
SIZES: 39-58″
The Waffle Stitch Vest pattern features a classically cozy cowl neck! Knit in just two pieces, this pattern uses a simple stitch pattern to create a textured and cozy fabric. The split hem makes it easy to wear this piece over a variety of layers too!
9. Cable Panel Vest
YARN: Aran Weight Lion Brand Amazing
SIZES: S – 2X
Calling all cable knitters! Lion Brand’s Cable Panel Vest is a classic v neck vest pattern with all over cables. The best part about knitting your own vest is choosing the yarn and we particularly loved seeing the multicolor yarn choice for this vest. Whether you knit these cables in a solid color or try a bold, colorful palate this is a great project for intermediate knitters.
10. F805 Baby & Child Vest
by Plymouth Yarn Design Studio
YARN: Worsted Weight Nako Elit Baby Muare
SIZES: 6 months – 6 years
When it comes to children’s knit vest patterns we loved to keep it simple! This v-neck garter stitch pattern is perfect for beginner knitters who want to knit a quick gift for a new baby. Kiddo vests also onle use a few balls of yarn, perfect for stash-busting any leftover yarn from other projects and are also fantastic projects to use those precious skeins you’ve been saving for years.
Are knit vests good for beginner knitters?
Vests are fantastic projects for beginner knitters! They’re quick (no sleeves!) and knitted vest patterns are great opportunities to experiment with shaping, texture, or new stitch patterns. Whether you choose a sweater vest knitting pattern or stick with a classic v neck vest pattern there are so many styles available to choose from!
I love knitting vests and wear them all year long. They’re not just for winter! Try making a V neck vest pattern with cotton yarn for summer and spring. Or, my favorite, cropped sweater vest knitting patterns for cold offices and crisp evenings. I love keeping things classic with a sweater vest knitting pattern made in wool yarn for even chillier seasons. There are so many options for knitted vests!
Want to see even more knitted vest patterns free online? Check out our list of 10+ Timeless Free Knit Vest Patterns for Fall and Winter.
