Little shepherd vest

Little Shepherd Vest by Malloo

What is Being Made

The Little Shepherd Vest is a children's crocheted cardigan vest designed by independent designer Malloo. This garment is available in multiple size options ranging from 1-2 years through 11-12 years, making it a versatile pattern for growing children. The vest features a classic shepherd-inspired design suitable for layering over long-sleeved shirts or wearing as a standalone piece during mild weather.

Crochet Techniques and Construction

This intermediate-level crochet project employs several key techniques to create its distinctive texture and structure. The pattern utilizes single crochet as the primary stitch throughout the garment, providing a dense, durable fabric ideal for children's wear. A notable design feature involves decorative loops that are worked into the fabric, adding visual interest and a tactile element to the finished vest. The pattern includes specialized instructions for loop decreases, which are distinct from standard single crochet decreases and are explained in the special stitches section of the pattern.

The construction method begins each row with a chain that does not count as a stitch, a common technique in crochet patterns that allows for even edges and proper stitch alignment. The loop elements can be customized in size based on personal preference and yarn weight, offering flexibility in the final appearance of the garment.

Stitches Used

• Single crochet (sc) – the foundation stitch used throughout the garment
• Single crochet decrease (dec) – used for shaping the vest
• Loop decrease (loop dec) – a specialized decrease technique used in loop rows
• Decorative loops – textured elements worked into rows for design detail
• Chain stitches – used at the beginning of rows for turning

Materials and Tools

The Little Shepherd Vest is designed to be worked with super chunky weight yarn, specifically using Wool and the Gang's Crazy Sexy Wool in Ivory White. This yarn weight creates a quick-working, cozy garment that works up rapidly despite the pattern's intermediate difficulty level. A 10.0 mm (US size N) crochet hook is required to work with this bulky yarn and achieve the proper gauge.

The pattern is written in standard US crochet terminology. Additional notions needed include a darning needle for weaving in yarn ends and finishing the garment, and scissors for cutting yarn. The gauge is established at 7 stitches by 8 rows over 4 inches in single crochet, which is essential information for achieving the correct finished measurements.

Yardage Requirements by Size

• 1-2 years: 146 meters (160 yards)
• 3-4 years: 180 meters (196 yards)
• 5-6 years: 220 meters (240 yards)
• 7-8 years: 270 meters (295 yards)
• 9-10 years: 312 meters (341 yards)
• 11-12 years: 345 meters (377 yards)

The yardage requirements scale appropriately with each size increase, allowing crafters to purchase the exact amount of yarn needed for their chosen size without excess waste.