Free knitting patterns for vests that are fastened at the sides. Many of the patterns are free. Updated 6/16/25
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
Olive Basic Vest
I love this vest and the layered styling in the design photo! This easy tabard vest is knit flat in a 4 row repeat Olive Flower lace texture and fastened with ties (i-cord or crochet). No picking up stitches. DK weight yarn. Designed by Knitting House.
Kiki Vest
Fitted vest knit flat in a 2 row repeat 1x1 rib stitch. No need for side seems because the sides are secured together with buttons. Sizes XS to 4XL. Aran weight yarn. Designed by Wiam's Crafts. Web version is free.
Sherwood Vest
Turtleneck vest fastened with buttons on the left side. Sizes XS to 5X. Aran weight yarn. Designed by Universal Yarn.
Cordelia Tie Vest
Two color open-sided vest with contrasting trim, i-cord tie closures, and an applied i-cord edge. Video tutorials. Sizes XS to 5X. Worsted weight yarn. Designed by Rachel Alford. Web version is free.
Tabard Tie Vest
Diamond texture vest with open sides knit with an 8 row repeat and fastened with knit ties. DK weight yarn. Designed by Aubrey P Busek.
- Get the free knitting pattern
- See the Ravelry page
- Get the recommended Universal Yarn Deluxe DK Tweed Superwash yarn at Amazon
Anwen Vest
Fitted vest with button bands that create princess seams along the torso of the vest. It has waist shaping and a flattering V-neckline. No picking up stitches. Sizes 33.5 to 50". Sport weight yarn. Designed by Josie Mercier.
Roll Neck Tabard 10171
Popover vest with open sides with tabs and a ribbed turtleneck collar. Knit flat in 2 row repeat 1x1 rib. Sizes 32 to 54" / 81 to 127 cm. Aran weight yarn. Designed by Sirdar.
Cecil Dream Vest
Tabard style v-neck vest knit sideways and fastened at sides with i-cord ties. Sizes XS to 2XL. Bulky weight yarn. Designed by Wiam's Crafts. Web version is free.
Detroit Slipover
V-neck vest buttoned at the sides knit with a brioche rib in a 6 row repeat. Sizes XS to 4XL. Worsted weight yarn. Designed by Sara Ottosson for Järbo. Available in English, Dutch, German, Swedish
More Free Patterns
Astrid Vest
Romanic vest with diamond cable hem, optional embroidered flowers, and fastened with ties at the sides. Sizes XS to XXL. DK weight yarn. Designed by Amano Yarns.
Ridge Slipover
Vest or sleeveless top open at the sides and fastened with buttons. Knit with a ribbed turtleneck collar and what looks like a 2 row repeat mistake stitch rib. Sizes S to 2XL. Medium weight yarn. Designed by Apple of My Eye.
Shawl Collar Slipover
Tunic vest with pockets and buttoned tabard sides knit with two lace designs. 3 Sizes. Aran weight yarn. Designed by Lion Brand Yarn. Pictured project by StringerBall
Before The Rain Tunic
Tabard vest with open sides closed with tabs and with a diamond lattice texture section. Sizes XS - XL. Designed by Inese Sang. Worsted weight yarn.
Vacation Vest Top
Knitted flat in 2 pieces with stockinette and seamed at the shoulders, the sides are held together with sweet little ties. It’s a gorgeous little cover-up to pop over a bikini top! Designed by Paintbox Yarns. Sizes bust: 81cm to 112cm / 32" to 45". DK weight yarn.
Frozen in Time Slipover
Cabled pullover vest with vents at sides knit flat with a braided central cable panel framed with honeycomb cables. Sizes S to XXXL. Aran weight yarn. Designed by DROPS Design.
Pathways Vest
Open-sided pullover with panels of mock cables framed by a 6-row repeat herringbone slipped stitch texture. Sizes Extra Small/Small (Medium/Large, 1X/2X, 3X/4X). Designed by Rachel Brockman for Universal Yarn. DK weight yarn.
Milford Vest
This easy open front vest is knit in a two row repeat garter rib stitch and is buttoned the on sides. Designed by Irina Poludnenko for Lion Brand Yarn. XS/S (M/L, 1X/2X)
- Get the free knitting pattern
- Get the recommended 24/7 Cotton Yarn on Amazon (Prime available) 24 colors
Poema Slipover
Tabard style vest with lace and bobble motif reminisent of blossoms, open sides, and ruffles at shoulders. Sizes XS to 2XL. Designed by Macimille for Hobbii. Worsted weight yarn. A kit is also available.
Takka Vest
Tabard style vest knit flat in garter stitch with collar knit on and fastened with side tabs. Sizes S to XXL. Aran weight yarn. Designed by Jesse Molzan for Knit One Crochet Too.
Patterns for Purchase
Nexi Vest
Slipover with a beautiful drape and delicate detail worked in garter stitch and tied at the sides. Sizes: XXS-5XL. Worsted weight yarn. Designed by creadiastudio.
Gallery Smock Vest
A tunic length tabard vest with garter stitch belts.Sizes: XS-5XL. Worsted weight yarn. Designed by VexnotStudio.
Tabard Vest
A tunic length vest buttoned at the sides knit with a cable and lace stitch that forms a naturally scalloped edge. DK weight yarn. Designed by Desert Rose Fiber Arts.
Diagonale Vest
Pullover open at sides and buttoned together knit in 2 color brioche-tuck featuring a brioche “cable” traveling from one side of the piece to the other Sizes 30 (34, 38, 42, 46, 50)”. DK weight yarn. Designed by Paola Albergamo.
My Mocha Slipover
Tabard style cropped slipover knit with a basketweave texture and tied at sides. 2 Sizes. Designed by Essential Knitwear.
Highland Cabled Vest
Vest buttoned on the sides knit with large cables worked on a reverse stockinette background with some simple neck shaping. The poncho knits up quickly in a chunky yarn. Finished Size: S/M - 22”(56cm) long and 22.5”(57cm)wide. L/XL - 24” (61cm) long and 28”( 71cm) wide. Designed by BiggerthanlifeKnits.
Livingstone Vest
Tabard style vest with a modern wrap around shape, worked seamlessly in all-over brioche stitch. Sizes to fit bust 28-30 (32-34, 36-38, 40-42, 44-46) [48-50, 52-54, 56-58, 60-62] inches. Aran weight yarn. Designed by Lily Kate France.
