Crocheted Lace Vest with Wide Border

Size: XL (US size 16–18 / UK size 18–20)

300 g of yarn (100% cotton, 262 yds [240 m] per 1.75 oz [50 g]); Crochet hook size G/6 (4.25 mm)

This lace vest is crocheted top-down using raglan construction.

When working top-down, it is essential to crochet a back neck shaping (short rows) for a better fit.  

The back neck shaping is the difference in height between the back neckline and the front neckline.  

For adults, this height is approximately 2–2.75 inches (5–7 cm); for children, 1.25–2 inches (3–5 cm).

- Crochet a foundation chain measuring 16 inches (40 cm).

- Distribute the stitches as follows:

  - For each sleeve: 5 pattern elements of 3 double crochet stitches.

  - For the back: 10 pattern elements.

- Mark the raglan lines using stitch markers.

- Continue working according to Chart 1, moving the markers in each row for convenience.

- Work until the raglan line measures about 8.25 inches (21 cm) in height.

- Then continue increasing only along the slanted neckline edges.

- Work 4 rows back and forth across the back section only.

- Fasten off the yarn.

- Attach the yarn at the beginning of the row (on the front panel).

- Crochet a chain of 20 chain stitches.

- Join the chain to the start of the back section.

- Work across the back, then crochet another chain of 20 stitches.

- Join it to the second front panel and complete the row.

- In the next row, incorporate the chains into the stitch pattern as established in Chart 1.

From this point onward, work the front and back panels as one continuous piece.

- Once the total height reaches approximately 12 inches (30 cm), stop increasing at the neckline.

- Continue crocheting straight for an additional 6.75 inches (17 cm), then fasten off the yarn.

- Crochet the edging around the bottom edge, front edges, and neckline following Chart 2.

- At the corners of the front panels, work a turning stitch so the edges do not curl.

- If the front panels appear tight or pull upwards, increase the number of chain stitches between the double crochets at the corners.

- Continue crocheting the wide lace edging according to Chart 2.

- Optionally, work picots in the last row for a decorative finish.