Knitting

Free Patterns, Tutorials and Project Ideas

Vest and Slipover Knitting Patterns

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This time of year I don’t have it in me to knit (or, most of the time, to wear) a full sweater, but that doesn’t mean I don’t still get cold from time to time. Having lots of vests and slipovers is a great solution, and they’re faster to knit than sweaters with sleeves. If you’ve never knit a sweater before, a vest knitting pattern is a great place to start. 

If you’re very new to knitting, the Nexi Vest from Ceradia Studio might be a good place to start. It’s mostly garter stitch worked in one piece flat from the bottom of the front (which starts with an I-cord) up over the shoulders and down the back. There are optional short rows for bust shaping but you can keep it straight if you’d rather. The ties are crochet chains. The pattern come sin 10 sizes. 

If you like the look of ties you can also try the Audrey Vest by Adelina Maižiut?, available on Ravelry. This is a longer vest worked in stockinette stitch with ribbed edgings. It’s worked in two pieces from the bottom up, so you only have to sew the shoulder seams. The tie is worked in double knitting. The version shown has three strands of yarn held together to make a DK weight, or you can use a sport and a lace held together or just a DK. The pattern comes in four sizes. 

Nicole Sofie Knit’s Flora Vest has a tie at the front instead of the sides. It’s a basic cardigan style vest worked from the top down, starting with the back and then picking up stitches for the front. It comes in six sizes and includes I-cord finishing. 

Ysolda Teague’s Clova Slipover (on Ravelry) is a nice classic vest pattern worked from the top down in worsted weight yarn. There are 14 size options. The upper back is knit first and shaped with short rows, then the upper front is knit with options for short row shaping at the bust. 

Another one I love is La Tunique by Catherine Clark. This long slipover with pockets has a whopping 17 size options and is worked in DK weight yarn. It’s perfect to throw over anything and is worked flat from the bottom up with a split hem and a relaxed fit. You can find this one on Ravelry. 

Have you read?

Book Review: Best Dressed Crab and Friends – Knitted Sea Creatures With an Ocean of Outfits

I knew I was going to like this book the moment I saw a crab wearing a puffer vest.

Best Dressed Crab and Friends by Karla Courtney is one of those knitting books that’s completely unnecessary in the very best possible way. Do we need knitted sea creatures with entire wardrobes? Probably not. Do I now want a lobster in a sweater sitting on my craft-room shelf? Absolutely.

The book includes patterns for six knitted sea creatures, including a crab, turtle, lobster and puffin, along with an impressive 44 little garments and accessories.

And the outfits are where this book really becomes fun.

There’s a crab with a bum bag and puffer vest, a puffin in a varsity jacket and a turtle with interchangeable shells. You can knit pumpkin, strawberry, peppermint, gingerbread and Christmas tree shell designs, so apparently even turtles need seasonal wardrobes now.

There is also an oversized turtle shell with a hidden pocket for a hot water bottle, which is both slightly bonkers and rather brilliant.

Plenty of Room to Make Them Your Own

Looking through the preview pages, I particularly like the little colourwork sweater charts. You can follow the designs provided or start mixing colours and motifs to create completely different outfits.

The patterns are supported by a techniques section, photos and charts, so although the finished creatures look quite detailed, the instructions are designed to be approachable.

If knitted animals with wardrobes are already your thing, have a look at our review of Knitted Wild Animal Friends, which includes 12 knitted animals and their clothes.

We’ve also previously reviewed Knitted Animal Friends, another lovely choice if your yarn stash is slowly turning into a miniature knitted zoo.

More Than Just Cute Knitting Patterns

One nice extra is that Best Dressed Crab and Friends also includes marine facts from scientists and fishermen, including lobsterman Jacob Knowles.

Author Karla Courtney is already known online for her wonderfully quirky knitted sea creatures, with her videos clocking up millions of views, so turning them into a full pattern collection feels like a very natural next step.

What I like most about this book is that it doesn’t take itself too seriously. These are the sorts of knitting projects that make people smile.

They’re fun to make, fun to photograph and would make very memorable handmade gifts.

Would I Buy It?

Yes.

Especially for the knitter who already owns plenty of sensible knitting books and needs something a little more playful.

It’s a great pick for anyone who enjoys knitted toys, colourwork, novelty knitting or making ridiculously tiny clothes.

And really, if you’ve ever wanted to knit a fashionable crab, this may finally be your moment.

Best Dressed Crab and Friends: Knitted Sea Creatures with an Ocean of Outfits is published by GMC Publications and is due for release on September 8, 2026.