Free knitting patterns for pullover and cardigan vests and tops with lots of color, including stash busters for leftover and scrap yarn. Updated 7/7/25
To get the knitting patterns, scroll down the page to the individual pattern you want and click on the link to that pattern.
These patterns are not my designs but links to other designers who have generously shared their patterns. If you have questions about how to knit a specific pattern, please contact the designer directly.
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Free Patterns
Swan Vest
An intarsia swan floats majestically over this blue pullover vest. Sizes XS to 5XL. Worsted weight yarn. Designed by Red Heart.
Malibu Vest
V-neck cardigan vest with stripes of lace and garter stitch at the hem and contrasting trim. Sizes XS to 2XL. Fine weight yarn. Designed by Lirio knits.
Fluffy Cotton Candy Vest
Easy garter slipped stitch in two colors, a multicolored yarn and solid, creates a colorful v-neck vest or tank top. Sizes XXS to XXL. Bulky weight yarn. Designed by szeNooi.
Oversized Argyle Vest
Large diamonds in variegated yarn make this a statement on this pullover vest. Sizes XS to 5XL. Aran weight yarn. Designed by Red Heart.
Leana Vest
Cardigan vest with pocket knit flat with seed stitch front and 2x2 ribbed back. Sizes XS to XL. Aran weight yarn. Ladies’ Vest in Schachenmayr Leana S9327. Available in English, Dutch, French, German
Color Block Vest
Stash-buster v-neck pullover vest or top knit in flat. Front is knit in two pieces with stripes. Sizes Small to 2X. Quick knit in Super Bulky weight yarn. Designed by Lion Brand.
Gala Tunic
Knit mostly with knit stitches this pullover vest is knit in the round in one piece with dropped stitch and garter stitch details. No stitches picked up, no seaming. Originally designed for self-striping cake yarn. Quick knit in Super Bulky weight yarn. Designed by Comfort Wolle.
Pocket Vest
Easy cardigan vest with pocket knit flat with front and neck bands knit with the body. The only stitches picked up are for armhole finishing. Sizes S to XL. Originally designed for self-striping yarn. Quick knit in Super Bulky weight yarn. Designed by Premier Yarns Design Team.
More Free Patterns
Sunset Sails Jacket
Colorful geometic sleeveless cardigan vest knit with intarsia triangles in 15 colors so it's a great stash buster. Sizes 32 to 50" / 81 to 127 cm. Worsted weight yarn. Designed by Kaffe Fassett.
Sideways Stripes Vest
Sleeveless v-neck vest knit sideways in garter stitch alternating two colorways of self-striping yarn. Sizes XS to 5XL. Worsted weight yarn. Designed by Caron.
Groovy Checkers Vest
V-neck pullover vest or sleeveless top knit with a fun two color checkerboard design in easy slip stitch colorwork - only one color per row! Sizes XS to 5X. Sport weight yarn. Designed by Tori Gurbisz.
Marly's My First Summer Vest
Sleeveless cardigan vest knit flat in one piece with a wrapped stitch texture. Front and neck bands are knit with the body piece. Only picked up stitches are for armhole finishing. Sizes XS to 3XL. DK weight yarn. Designed by Marly Bird.
Circus Vest
Fun, festive sleeveless slipover makes a great stash buster with diamonds created with colorful triangles. Sizes XXS to 3XL. Designed by Katja Dyrberg // Popknit for Filcolana. Available in English, Danish, German, Norwegian, Swedish
Berry Nice Vest
May only be free for a limited time. Pullover vest knit flat sideways in two pieces with hem picked up and knit before seaming. Sizes To Fit Bust/Chest: 32/34" to 44/46". Chunky Reknit designed by Woman's Weekly. Chunky weight yarn.
INSTRUCTIONS: At the pattern site, select the free print at home option. Make sure the price is 0. Add the pattern to your basket. Then "check out" without payment to get the download link.
Noelia Vest
Make waves with this v-neck lace vest or top knit with a 6 round/row repeat ripple lace in two colors. DK weight yarn. Size To Fit Bust: 33 to 69 inches. Designed by Kate Atherley.
Luana Vest
A painterly graphic design gives an artistic look to this sleeveless v-neck vest or top knit with intarsia. It is a great way to get started in intarsia knitting as it is simple and fast to knit. Great stash buster for leftover Super Bulky weight yarn. Size To Fit Bust: 32 to 64 inches. Designed by Amy Gunderson.
Patterns for Purchase
Swirly Top or Vest
Fun sleeveless tank top or vest with swirling wavy op art stripes. To fit bust 80cm (31.5”) to 122cm (48”). Designed by CaledoniaDreaminn.
Zerowaste Vest
Designed to use up your scraps of leftover yarn, this pullover vest pattern includes detailed descriptions of the scrap technique and how to achieve the ombre effect. Sizes S to XXL. Designed by TheSCRAPCollection.
Get a Drip Vest
Unique curving melty color blocking inspired by the melting of ice-cream creates a unique pullover vest or top. Sizes 28" to 58". Bulky weight yarn. Designed by Anxiousgirlknits.
Ceallaigh Vest
Plaid cardigan vest or tank top. Sizes XS to 5XL. Designed by kolibribyjohanna.
Park Avenue Patchwork Vest
Stash buster sleeveless top or vest with a colorful checkerboard pattern. Sizes S to XL. Quick knit in Jumbo weight yarn. Designed by NYC.Knits. A kit is also available.
Susanna Vest
Striped cardigan vest with a single purl row between each color providing structure to the stripes. It also be worn as a top on a warm summer day. Sizes S to XL. Designed by Stine Hoelgaard
Brambly Vest
Classic vest with blackberries and leaves knit separately and then appliqued to the completed vest. Designed by WolfberryKnits
Ruffled Checked Vest
Vest knit with a slipped stitch check pattern using a self-striping yarn with grid in contrasting solid. 2 Sizes. DK weight yarn. Designed by Raimonda Bagdoniene.