A Simple Crocheted Granny Square Vest!

The truth is, I didn't just whip up this crocheted granny square vest, I actually made it two years ago! I guess it was on the big side, because my 8 year old daughter is wearing it now as a dressy winter outfit, with black velvet and rhinestones, and it looks great! And guess what, this is very simple to make, especially if you go with chunky yarn, and then it's quick too! If you'd like to make matching vests for say, three little girls in various sizes, I'd say it's do-able. If you're not great at finishing things quickly, so use cotton and you'll have them for spring! One could make something like this for boys and girls alike, but somehow even in these masculine colors this looks too girlish for my boys to wear.

I'm just going to give you rough directions, so that you can use any yarn or hook size that you'd like to.
I used solid black and a flecked grey/white chunky yarn, a combo that's interesting and can be elegant.

How To Crochet A Granny Square Vest:

1. You'll need two large granny squares, one for the front and one for the back. My squares are made of 10 rounds. Measure an existing garment to decide how big to make the squares. Older girls might like a slighly short version, since a little cropped is in style at the moment, at least around here.
2. You can find directions for how to make a granny square in a million places.
3. Then all you need to do is to make straps as follows:
4. Row 1: Attach yarn from front, at top right corner space of one square, ch 3 & 2 dc in same space, ch 1, 3 dc in next ch1 space, ch 1, 3 dc in next chain 1 space, and turn.
5. Row 2: ch 4, 3dc in next ch 1 space, ch 1, 3dc in next ch 2 space, ch 1, 1dc in last stitch of previous row.
6. For Rows 3 to 7, repeat rows 1 and 2 alternately.
7. Make second strap in same manner, just attach yarn to second ch2 space from the left.
8. Join straps to top of second granny square, from the back side, with slip stitches or needle and thread
9. Sew or attach with slip stitches, side seams, with garment inside out, leaving spaces for armholes.
10. To finish, crochet two rows of single crochet around the bottom and around neck, and crochet one row of single crochet around the armholes.
11. Make some more, since this was so simple and fun, and will bring great joy to the lucky recipient!

Note: This pattern is really just a suggestion, and the number of rows you need for staps and for the squares will vary depending on the yarn weight you choose. You can change the strap width (thinner), or make different style straps completely. How about fabric straps with a scalloped crocheted edge? Or maybe ribbon straps would look lovely for a baby? Let me know what you come up with!