I present my crocheted toddler sweater vest shell. I have named this project the Ana Sweater Shell in honor of my sweet Granddaughter who this sweater was created for. The sweater is worked from the sides rather than from top to bottom as is with most crochet patterns. Because it worked with the stitching running up and down, it provides a unique and easy to finish crochet project.

I first saw this idea from a sweater shell that Guro crocheted over at her blog but she did not have a pattern written up. Well after checking with Guro, she said to just go ahead and feel free to be inspired by her project so this is my results. I worked my vest shell in half-double crochet stitching while hers was done in single crochet.

I really love this sweater as it is so versatile. It can be worn as a vest over a t-shirt or blouse and it can also be worn as a shell alone in warmer temperatures.

Click to Super-Size

My vest shell is about a children’s size 3 and should fit a toddler who is around 2 years old. It has a longer body so it’s a nice length for a toddler. The vest fits my Granddaughter who is 15 months old. The pattern has been written up and while I have not tested it, I believe it’s pretty solid but please email me if you have any questions or find any errors in my free crochet pattern below.

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Crocheted Toddler Vest or Shell Sweater Pattern

Finished toddler vest measures: 12” wide by 14” long
Size: Children’s size 2-3

Hook: Metal “G” (4.25 mm) US sized crochet hook

Materials:
6 oz – Caron Simply Soft Yarn in Lt. Country Peach
(315 yards/288 meters of 4-ply worst weight yarn)

1 inch Button for front closure

Row 1 (Back piece)
Ch 57

Row 2-10
Hdc in 2nd ch from hook and in ea st across. (55)

Row 11 (Back Neck Opening)
Working from the bottom hem up, Hdc in ea st up to the last 4 sts at the top. Leave the last 4 sts unworked, Ch 2 and turn.

Row 12-23
Hdc in ea st, Ch 2 and turn.

Row 24
Working from the bottom hem up, Hdc in ea st up to top and Ch 6 and turn.

Row 25
Hdc in 2nd ch from hook and in ea st Hdc st down to bottom. Ch 2 and turn.

Row 26-34
Hdc in ea st with ch 2 and a turn until 34 rows are completed. FO.

Finished Back Piece

Row 1 (Front piece)
Ch 57.

Row 2-10
Hdc in 2nd ch from hook and in ea st across. (55)

Row 11
Hdc in ea st up front and leave the last 8 sts at the top unworked for front opening. Ch 2, turn.
(Front shoulder opening is about 2 inches long)

Row 12
Hdc in ea st down to the bottom, Ch 2, turn.

Row 13
Hdc in ea st up to the top. Ch 2, turn.

Row 14
Work 2 Hdc together (1 Dec) over the next 2 sts at neck, then Hdc in ea st, Ch 2, turn.

Row 15-17
Repeat rows 12-14 once.

Row 18
Hdc in ea st back up to neck, leave 6 sts unworked. Ch 8 and turn.
(2 inch split at front)

Row 19
Hdc in 2nd ch from hook and in ea st down to the bottom. Ch 2, turn.

Row 20
Hdc in ea st back up to the top, Ch 2, turn.

Row 21
Work 2 Hdc in 1st st, then Hdc in ea st down to the bottom. Ch 2, turn.

Row 22
Hdc in ea st, Ch 2 and turn.

Row 23
Work 2 Hdc in 1st st, then Hdc in ea st down to the bottom. Ch 2 and turn.

Row 24
Hdc in ea st up to top, Ch 10 for other shoulder. Turn.

Row 25
Hdc in 2nd st from hook and in ea st of chain (8 sts). Hdc in ea st down to the bottom.

Row 26-34
Ch 2 and turn. Hdc in ea st until 34 rows are completed. FO.

Finished Front Piece

Weave shoulder top seams together.

Weave up side seams to 5-1/2 inches from the top shoulder edge for arm opening.

Finishing neck and buttonhole:
Attach yarn to the right side (RS) of back center and Ch 1. Sc around the edge evenly by working around the neck and down around the front split. You will create a buttonhole on right flap. Sc up to the last 3 sts on right flap to begin your buttonhole. Ch 3 and Sc into top st at flap top and continue working Sc around the neck edge and join with a Sl St into top of Ch 1 beginning.

Sew button in place on left flap.

If you have any questions or find discrepancies in this pattern, please email me using contact tab above.

Abbreviations:
Ch – Chain
Dc – Double Crochet
Dec – Decrease
Ea – Each
FO – Finish Off
Hdc – Half Double Crochet
Sc – Single Crochet
Sl St – Slip Stitch
St – Stitch

This pattern is copyrighted by Cindy of My Recycled Bags {dot com} and may only be used for private individual use. No commercial sales or use of my patterns or photos are permitted. Links to this pattern are acceptable and appreciated. ©2010-2011

****Please do not copy my patterns on your blog site or post my patterns on Internet sites. I do not allow my patterns to be republished without expressed written permission. Posting of my patterns, without written permission is in violation of my copyrights and is content theft.