Modern Sleeveless Crochet Cardigan Pattern - Elegant Striped Vest

Patron de Gilet (Français)

Lightweight striped crochet cardigan styled for casual chic outfit

If you love timeless, structured crochet garments with a modern aesthetic, this sleeveless crochet cardigan is the perfect addition to your handmade wardrobe. Designed with clean vertical striping and delicate stitch detailing, this piece blends texture, structure, and effortless elegance.

Lightweight yet structured, this crochet vest is ideal for layering in any season. Wear it over a blouse, a fitted dress, or a simple long-sleeve top to instantly elevate your outfit. The neutral color combination enhances its versatility, while the stitch construction adds subtle texture and dimension.

This project is suitable for confident beginners and intermediate crocheters looking for a polished, wearable garment with professional finishing details.

Why You’ll Love Crocheting This Timeless Handmade Cardigan

There is something deeply satisfying about creating a garment with your own hands - watching the stitches build row after row, seeing colors come together, and slowly shaping something that will become part of your everyday wardrobe. This sleeveless cardigan was designed with that exact feeling in mind. Simple repetition, calming stitch rhythm, and beautiful color contrast make it a project you will truly enjoy from the first chain to the final seam.

As the stitches form their gentle texture and the stripes begin to define the silhouette, you’ll notice how effortlessly the piece grows. It’s not just about finishing a cardigan - it’s about enjoying every round, every color change, and every small milestone along the way. By the time you join the two panels, you won’t just have made a garment - you’ll have created something personal, timeless, and uniquely yours.

This free crochet pattern is available below on the blog. You can also view and save the pattern on Ravelry to add it to your favorites or project library, or purchase the printable, ad-free PDF version for comfortable offline use.

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Inside the Design – A Modern Striped Crochet Vest

This sleeveless crochet cardigan features:
• A modern open-front design
• Vertical stripe pattern in three neutral colors
• Structured ribbed edging for a clean finish
• Lightweight and breathable texture
• Relaxed and comfortable fit

This design is perfect for:
• Spring and autumn layering
• Casual chic outfits
• Handmade capsule wardrobes
• Gift projects

Skill Level

Beginner to Advanced Beginner
You should be comfortable with:
• Basic crochet stitches
• Color changes
• Working in rounds
• Slip stitch edging

Materials Needed for This Sleeveless Crochet Vest

♥ Yarn: Approx. 300 g total in 3 colors (about 100 g per color; not all yarn is used).
A: Beige
B: Black
C: White

♥ Crochet Hook: 4 mm
♥ Scissors

Crochet Cardigan Construction, Sizing & Stitch Guide

CONSTRUCTION

The cardigan body is constructed from two identical crochet pieces, joined seamlessly to create a fluid and balanced silhouette.

SIZING

• Length: 44 cm
• Bust: 48 cm

STITCHES

Abbreviations st(s) = stitch(es)
sl st = slip stitch
ch(s) = chain(s)
sc = single crochet
dc = double crochet
mm = millimeters
cm = centimeters
g = gram
(A) = color A
(B) = color B
(C) = color C
( ) = work directions in brackets the number of times specified or in a specified stitch or space
Special Stitches
Shell: (dc 2, ch 2, dc 2) worked in the same stitch/space.

Step-by-Step Crochet Instructions - Creating the Cardigan Panels

With A, make ch 78. Join with sl st to the first ch to form a ring.

Round 1: (A)

Ch 3, dc in next 68 ch.
Work a shell in the same ch (first corner).
Dc in next 8 ch.
Work a shell in the same ch (second corner).
Sl st to top of beginning ch 3.

Round 2: (A)

(Ch 3, dc) counts as 2 dc in same stitch.
Skip 1 st.
Work 2 dc in next st, skip 1 st - repeat to first corner.
Work shell in corner ch-2 space.
Skip 1 st, 2 dc in next st – repeat to second corner.
Work shell in corner ch-2 space.
Sl st to top of beginning ch 3.

Round 3: (B)

Ch 2, sc in next space between 2-dc groups,
ch 1, sc in next space between 2-dc groups – repeat to the first corner,
ch 1,
Work (sc, ch 2, sc) in corner ch-2 space,
ch 1, sc in next space between 2-dc groups – repeat to the second corner,
ch 1,
Work (sc, ch 2, sc) in corner ch-2 space,
ch 1, sc in next space between 2-dc groups – repeat to the end of round,
ch 1,
Sl st to top of beginning ch 1.

Round 4: (A)

(Ch 3, dc) counts as 2 dc in first ch space.
Work 2 dc in each ch-1 space to first corner.
Work shell in corner ch-2 space.
Work 2 dc in each ch-1 space to second corner.
Work shell in corner ch-2 space.
Work 2 dc in each ch-1 space to end of round.
Sl st to top of beginning ch 3.

Color Sequence & Round Repetition Guide

Round 5: (C) repeat round 3
Round 6: (A) repeat round 4
Round 7: (B) repeat round 3
Round 8: (A) repeat round 4
Round 9: (B) repeat round 4
Round 10: (A) repeat round 4
Round 11: (C) repeat round 3
Round 12: (A) repeat round 4
Round 13: (B) repeat round 3
Round 14: (A) repeat round 4
Round 15: (C) repeat round 3
Round 16: (A) repeat round 4
Round 17: (C) repeat round 4
Round 18: (A) repeat round 4
Round 19: (B) repeat round 3
Round 20: (A) repeat round 4
Round 21: (C) repeat round 3
Round 22: (A) repeat round 4
Round 23: (B) repeat round 3
Round 24: (A) repeat round 4
Round 25: (B) repeat round 4

Each panel should measure 25 rounds total.

Chart – Modern Sleeveless Crochet Cardigan Body Chart

How to Assemble the Sleeveless Crochet Cardigan

Pieces Required

• 2 body panels (25 rounds each)

Understanding the Panels

Each piece forms one side of the cardigan:
• One becomes the right panel
• One becomes the left panel

Important Orientation Note

The left panel must be flipped horizontally before joining to ensure proper symmetry.
Preparation
• Block both crochet pieces before assembly.
• Align stitches carefully so they match one-to-one during seaming.

Seaming Instructions

• Identify the back of the cardigan and locate the wrong side of both panels.
• Place panels together with right sides facing you.
• All seaming is worked on the wrong side (back of the cardigan).
Back Seam
Join the back side of the right panel to the back side of the left panel:
Starting from the bottom edge, work 48 sc through back loops only, matching stitches evenly across.

Armhole Ribbing - Professional Finishing Detail

Armhole ribbing is added purely as a finishing detail. It is worked by adding slip stitches (sl st) evenly around the armhole edge to create a clean, polished border. Skip 1 stitch after every 4 stitches along the straight sections to maintain a smooth shape. Under the arm, between the corners, do not skip any stitches to ensure a neat and even finish.

Blocking

Light blocking is recommended to:
Even out stitches
Enhance drape
Improve structure
Do not overstretch to preserve the garment’s shape.

Styling Tips

Pair with wide-leg trousers for a modern look
Wear over a fitted dress for elegant layering
Style with jeans and a white shirt for everyday chic
Perfect transitional piece between seasons

Why You’ll Love This Pattern

Minimal sewing
Easy stitch repeat
Modern color-block style
Great stash-busting project
Customizable length and width

Start Your Handmade Journey - Create Your Own Crochet Cardigan Today

And now, it’s your turn.

Gather your yarn, choose your favorite quiet moment, and let your hook begin the journey. Whether you crochet slowly with a cup of coffee beside you or dive into the rhythm of the pattern in one inspired weekend, this cardigan is designed to bring both calm and creativity to your hands.

Every stitch brings you closer to a finished piece that reflects your patience, your style, and your love for handmade fashion. Don’t rush it - enjoy the process, trust the repetition, and watch your cardigan come to life round after round.

Your next favorite wardrobe piece is waiting to be created.

Let the adventure begin 🤍