A sorta new free crochet pattern for ya! A bit back, Cascade Falls was released as a collaboration with Joy of Motion and was offered as a free pattern on her site. Which, if you have not been to, I definitely recommend you go.
This waterfall front vest has been quite a hit since its original debut.
There were a few questions from the first version, so here, I’ve updated a bit of the wording and hopefully made a few clarifications.
Wearable
I know that sounds a bit crazy. Wearable? I mean, its a vest, isn’t it supposed to be “wearable”?
YES! But often we are unhappy with the way things look on ourselves. Thats why there are dressing rooms in stores, right?
So every time you pick up you hook & needles to create a garment, its pretty scary because it’s such a risk. What if its too much of this or too little of that?
Not this time.
Truly, the shaping of this vest is just too good. It looks great on every one. Every body.
Simple rectangles fall oh-so-perfectly, cascading down the front to create a wonderfully flowy shape.
The magic of color changing yarn!
While I fully believe this vest would be absolutely lovely in a solid color, I’m also a believer in taking the easy road to “Ooooo that’s so cool!” on occasion.
The self-ombre of this particular yarn is quite interesting in the way the color changes.
The yarn itself is a 3 ply. Made up of 3 strands that gradually change 1 strand at a time into a new color. Pretty cool!
Sizing
Because of the shaping and the generous ‘give/ease’ within the lace fabric, the 4 sizes available fit from 30-52″ [76-142 cm].
Once again, it’s about ease in wear. I want to be comfortable in my clothes. This is an easy piece to throw on to add a bit of fancy to your outfit.
More color changing yarn??
As cooler weather creeps ever closer, add this cozy Haystacks Shawl to your queue and you’ll be ready when it arrives! Its easy, fast and FREE!
Skills you'll use
This is a pretty simple and easy garment to make. It can be a bit intimidating because some of the stitching is a bit open and lacy, but it uses basic stitches, so if you’ve never crocheted “lace” before, go ahead! This would be a great piece to start.
Chain – Single Crochet – Double Crochet – Slip Stitch – Seaming – optional: Stacked Double (tutorial video provided)
Get the linked PDF
A quick little info about this free crochet vest pattern post:
This page has complete directions – or – you can inexpensively purchase the pattern
HERE (Etsy) or HERE (LoveCrochet) or HERE (Payhip) or HERE (Makerist)
and you will receive an linked, ad-free pdf download, which includes:
- Fully written, line by line instruction
- Stitch diagram
- Schematic of measurements
- Illustrations for construction
Get ready...
If you’re not new here, you know what’s coming.
Yep, I’m gonna say it again.
If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a thousand times- My friend, ya need to swatch. I know its no fun. I know you want to get right to the good stuff. I know it feels like a waste of yarn, and yarn ain’t cheap.
I know. Truly, I know.
But– You want your vest to fit. This means you need to know how your stitching sizes up to my stitching.
We are all different. Heck, we’re different from ourselves at any given time. I know my gauge is tighter when watching a show than it is if I’m in my stitching chair listening to a book.
Grumble and grump about it (I do), but do it.
To make the process easier and more enjoyable, I’ve created this FREE worksheet for you to use. It helps with the steps, the math, and the organization. Blocking Worksheet
Gauge Swatch
Read through each line before beginning to avoid any confusion during stitching.
Refer to Special Stitches instruction as needed.
Row 1 (RS) Ch 30, sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next 2 ch, *ch 3, sk 3 ch, sc in next ch; rep from * across, sc in last 2 ch, turn.
Row 2 Sc in first 2 sc, *sc in next sc, fan in next sc; rep from * across, sc in last 3 sc, turn.
Row 3 Stacked dc {see Special Stitches or Video tutorial}, dc in next sc, (dc, ch 1, dc) in next sc, *sc in center dc of fan, fan in next sc; rep from * across to last fan, sc in center dc of fan, (dc, ch 1, dc) in next sc, dc in last 2 sc, turn.
Row 4 Sc in first 3 dc, ch 3, sc in next sc, *ch 3, sc in center dc of fan, ch 3, sc in next sc; rep from * across, ch 3, sc in last 3 dc, turn.
Row 5 Sc in first 3 sc, *ch 3, sc in next sc; rep from * across, sc in last 2 sc, turn.
Rows 6-21 Rep Rows 2-5.
Measure your swatch pre-blocking. If proper gauge is achieved, swatch should be about 6½ [16.5 cm] square. Blocking for this fabric | stitch pattern is only done for rows, leaving the stitches as-is. In the case of this swatch, do not stretch the width, only “open” the fabric | stitches in height, from top to bottom. The swatch should be easily manipulated to reach, 8” [20.5 cm] in height (rows).
If your swatch is much larger than the gauge stated, create a new swatch with a smaller hook. If it is only slightly too large, can it be reduced by mindfully adjusting your tension? If your swatch is smaller than the gauge stated, manipulate the fabric by hand. Can it reasonably be stretched | eased to reach gauge? If not, create a new swatch with a larger hook.
When a properly sized swatch is achieved, it is important to then block the swatch to determine how the yarn + stitches will behave | settle into before creating the garment to ensure the drape | fabric desired. Wet or steam block your swatch. Allow to fully dry.
This is your garment gauge.
Refer to Blocking Guide for basic blocking methods | instruction.
Pssst, did ya Download the free worksheet: Swatch Blocking yet?
The Pattern
Cascade Falls
A FREE CROCHET PATTERN, BY REBECCA VELASQUEZ
#CascadeFalls
SHOW IT OFF! Tag @RV.designs (instagram) and use this hashtag to share your in-progress pics of your new spring top!
MATERIALS & TOOLS
YARN Sport weight (#2 fine)
amount totals 1- 462 (570, 682) yds [423 (522, 624) m], 2- 607 (752, 893) yds [556 (688, 817m], 3- 765 (939, 1118) yds [700 (859, 1023) m], 4- 914 (1126, 1338) yds [836 (1030, 1224) m]
shown 1- 462 (570, 682) yds [423 (522, 624) m], 2- 607 (752, 893) yds [556 (688, 817m], 3- 765 (939, 1118) yds [700 (859, 1023) m], 4- 914 (1126, 1338) yds [836 (1030, 1224) m]
note Amount given is for vest as written. Yardage will vary with any alterations of pattern.
HOOK H- [5.0 mm]; or size needed to obtain gauge
NOTIONS: Locking stitch markers (2), yarn needle
For a complete list of all the tools/supplies I use, find it HERE (affiliate link)
GAUGE
18 stitches and 13 rows = 4” [10 cm] in back pattern pattern, unblocked; 11 stitches and 13 rows = 4” [10 cm], blocked.
SIZES
1 (2, 3, 4); To fit bust 30-34 (38-42, 46-54, 58-62) [76-86.5 (96.5-106.6, 117-137, 147.5-157.5]; To fit hip 34-36 (40-44, 48-55, 57-62) [86-91.5 (101.5-112, 122-139.5, 144.5-157) cm]
FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Length Short (Mid, Long); 22 (27½, 33)” [56 (70, 84) cm] after blocking
Across Back at Shoulder 11 (14, 17, 20) [28 (35.5, 43, 51) cm] after blocking
shown Size 3 (17” [43 cm] back), Mid Length; model is 5’ 1” with 52” [132 cm] full hip
PROJECT LEVEL
Easy +
TECHNIQUES USED
chain – single – stacked double – double – slip stitch
NOTES
Pattern is written in US terms with imperial an metric measurements provided.
Pattern is written in 4 sizes, with the different sizes given in parentheses: 30-34 (38-42, …). If only one number is given, it applies to all sizes.
Read through each line before beginning to avoid any confusion during stitching.
Refer to Special Stitches instruction as needed.
Take time to save time. Using same yarn as intended for top, stitch, wash, and block a gauge swatch in the same manner you will be using for your garment to ensure proper measurements. This fabric needs slight help in “opening | stretching”.
CONSTRUCTION
Vest is worked sideways (vertically), from center Back to Right Front, yarn is rejoined at center Back and worked to Left Front, shoulders are then seamed.
UNDERSTANDING THE PATTERN & SIZING
Choose sizing from largest of bust or hip measurement, make size according to ease | fit desired.
ABBREVIATIONS
Beg – begin(ning)
Ch – chain
Dc – double crochet
Prev – previous
Patt – pattern
PM – place marker
Rem – remain(ing)
Rep – repeat
RS – right side
Sc – single crochet
Sk – skip
Sl st – slip stitch
Sp(s) – spaces(s)
St(s) – stitch(es)
WS – wrong side
Yo – yarn over (hook)
SPECIAL STITCHES
Stacked dc (stacked double crochet): Sc in indicated st, insert hook from front to back in back vertical bar of sc just made and pull up a loop, yo and draw through 2 loops on hook. You may replace this with traditional ch 3 if desired.
VIDEO TUTORIAL
PM (place marker): Place marker in stitch just made or as instructed.
Shell 5 dc in stitch | space indicated.
Fan (Dc, ch 1, dc, ch 1, dc) in stitch | space indicated.
VEST
Back half 1 (begin at center)
Row 1 (RS) Ch 102 (126, 150), sc in 2nd ch from hook, PM in ch just used to mark for 2nd half of vest, sc in next 2 ch, *ch 3, sk 3 ch, sc in next ch; rep from * across, sc in last 2 ch, turn.
Row 2 Sc in first 2 sc, *sc in next sc, fan {see Special Stitches} in next sc; rep from * across, sc in last 3 sc, turn.
Row 3 Stacked dc {see Special Stitches or Video tutorial}, dc in next sc, (dc, ch 1, dc) in next sc, *sc in center dc of fan, fan in next sc; rep from * across to last fan, sc in center dc of fan, (dc, ch 1, dc) in next sc, dc in last 2 sc, turn.
Row 4 Sc in first 3 dc, ch 3, sc in next sc, *ch 3, sc in center dc of fan, ch 3, sc in next sc; rep from * across, ch 3, sc in last 3 dc, turn.
Row 5 Sc in first 3 sc, *ch 3, sc in next sc; rep from * across, sc in last 2 sc, turn.
Rows 6-13 (17, 21, 25) Rep Rows 2-5.
PM in sc after 10 (10, 12, 12) ch 3 spaces on row just made.
Armhole - Side
Row 14 (18, 22, 26) Sc in first 3 sc, *fan in next sc, sc in next sc; rep from * to marker, (dc, ch 1, dc) in marked sc, leave remaining sts unworked, turn.
Row 15 (19, 23, 27) Sc in first dc, *fan in next sc, sc in center dc of fan; rep from * across until 3 sc rem, (dc, ch 1, dc) in next sc, sc in last 2 sc, turn.
Row 16 (20, 24, 28) Sc in first 3 dc, ch 3, sc in next sc, ch 3, *sc in center dc of fan, ch 3, sc in next sc; rep from * across to end, turn.
Row 17 (21, 25, 29) Sc in first sc, *ch 3, sc in next sc; rep from * across, sc in last 2 sc, turn.
Row 18 (22, 26, 30) Sc in first 3 sc, *fan in next sc, sc in next sc; rep from * across, (dc, ch 1, dc) in last sc, turn.
Row 19 (23, 27, 31) Sc in first dc, *fan in next sc, sc in center dc of fan; rep from * across until 3 sc rem, (dc, ch 1, dc) in next sc, sc in last 2 sc, turn.
Sizes 2 (3, 4) only
Rows 24 (28, 32)-27 (31, 35) Rep Rows 20 (24, 28)-23 (27, 31).
Sizes 3 (4) only
Rows 32 (36)-35 (39) Rep Rows 24 (28)-27 (31).
Sizes 4 only
Rows 40-43 Rep Rows 28-31.
Front
Row 20 (28, 36, 44) Sc in first 3 dc, ch 3, sc in sc, *ch 3, sc in center dc of fan, ch 3, sc in sc; rep from *across, ch 43 (43, 51, 51, 51) turn.
Row 21 (29, 37, 45) Sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next 2 ch, *ch 3, sk 3 ch, sc in next ch; rep from * across chain, ch 3, sk last 3 ch, sc in first sc of vest body, [ch 3, sc in next sc] rep between [ ] across, sc in last 2 sc, turn.
Row 22 (30, 38, 46) Sc in first 3 sc, fan in next sc, *sc in next sc, fan in next sc; rep from * across, sc in last 3 sc, turn.
Row 23 (31, 39, 47) Stacked dc, dc in next sc, (dc, ch 1, dc) in next sc, *sc in center dc of fan, fan in next sc; rep from * across to last fan, sc in center dc of fan, (dc, ch 1, dc) in next sc, dc in last 2 sc, turn.
Row 24 (32, 40, 48) Sc in first 3 dc, *fan in sc, sc in center dc of fan; rep from * across, sc in last 3 dc, turn.
Rows 25 (33, 41, 49)-46 (62, 78, 94) Rep Rows 23 (31, 39, 47)-24 (32, 40, 48).
Row 47 (63, 79, 95) Stacked dc, dc in next sc, 3 dc in next sc, *sc in center dc of fan, shell {see Special Stitches} in sc; rep from * across to last fan, sc in center dc of fan, 3 dc in next sc, dc in last 2 sc, turn.
Row 48 (64, 80, 96) Sc in first 3 dc, *shell in sc, sc in center dc of shell; rep from * across, shell in last sc, sc in last 3 dc, turn.
Row 49 (65, 81, 97) Stacked dc, dc in next sc, 3 dc in next sc, *sc in center dc of shell, shell in sc; rep from * to last shell, sc in center dc of shell, 3 dc in next sc, dc in last 2 sc, fasten off.
Back half 2
Turn vest so that the foundation chain is the working row, with 2nd cake of yarn, arrange yarn to begin with same color as foundation chain, join new yarn to unused loops of marked chain with sl st.
Row 1 Sc in same ch as sl st just made, sc in next 2 ch, *ch 3, sk 3 ch, sc in next ch; rep from * across, sc in last 2 ch, turn.
Row 2-end Work as Back half 1.
Assembly
It is recommended to block garment to measurements before seaming.
With WS facing, lay vest flat, fold Right Front over Back, having WS together, line up top edge and armhole, using a length of yarn or thread approximately 9 (9, 12, 15)” [23 (23, 30.5, 38) cm] in length, sew across shoulder from outer armhole edge toward center for 3 (3, 4, 5)” [7.5 (7.5, 10, 13) cm].
Repeat for Left Front | Shoulder.
Finishing
Remove marker(s), weave in ends. Lightly block and steam shoulder seams if desired. •
#CascadeFalls
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