Noro Vest

Noro Vest by Edie Eckman

What is Being Made

The Noro Vest is a crocheted waistcoat designed by Edie Eckman as a season-spanning layering piece. This garment is available in seven women's sizes ranging from XS to 3X, with finished bust measurements from 32 inches (81.5 cm) to 54½ inches (138.5 cm) and lengths from 20 to 24 inches (51 to 61 cm). The vest features an openwork stitch construction that allows the distinctive long color changes characteristic of Noro yarn to become a prominent design feature while minimizing finishing work.

Techniques and Construction

This intermediate-level crochet project is described as deceptively easy to construct, making it accessible to crocheters with some experience. The design utilizes an openwork stitch pattern that creates visual interest while allowing yarn yardage to be used efficiently. The long color transitions inherent to Noro yarn are showcased throughout the piece, and the stitch pattern is designed to minimize the number of yarn ends requiring weaving in—a significant advantage when working with variegated yarns.

The vest is constructed to be worn as a layering garment suitable across multiple seasons. Three 1-inch (25 mm) diameter buttons provide closure and structure to the piece.

Stitches Used

The pattern employs an openwork stitch technique as the primary stitch structure. The gauge specification indicates 5 clusters and 8½ rows equal 4 inches (10 cm) in the pattern stitch, establishing the foundation for sizing accuracy across all seven size options.

Materials and Tools

The Noro Vest pattern accommodates two distinct yarn options, both in fingering weight (CYC #1 or #2):

• Version A: Noro Kureyon Sock (70% wool/30% nylon, 100g per ball, 420 meters/459 yards per ball). Yardage requirements range from 2 balls for XS through 3 balls for sizes S through 3X, with color #92 specified.
• Version B: Noro Silk Garden Sock (40% wool/25% silk/25% nylon/10% mohair, 100g per ball, 300 meters/328 yards per ball). This option requires 3 balls for XS through M sizes, and 4 balls for L through 3X sizes, with color #264 specified.

Construction requires a US size G-6 (4 mm) crochet hook or the size necessary to achieve correct gauge. Additional materials include 6 stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping, and three 1-inch (25 mm) diameter buttons for closure.

Pattern Format

This design is available as a downloadable PDF pattern, allowing immediate access to complete instructions and schematics for all seven size options.