Mandala Vest Top

Mandala Vest Top by Simone Francis

What is Being Made

The Mandala Vest Top is a crocheted sleeveless garment featuring a striking mandala motif as the focal point. This intermediate-level crochet project creates a fitted vest top available in six sizes ranging from bust 81cm to 107cm (32 to 42 inches). The design combines a structured crocheted mandala centerpiece with a tailored vest silhouette, making it suitable for warm-weather wear or layering.

Construction Method and Techniques

This pattern employs a distinctive multi-stage construction approach. The mandala is crocheted separately as an independent motif measuring 17cm in diameter, then sewn into the completed top during finishing. The vest body is worked from the back armholes upward, with each side of the back section crocheted separately to leave a centered space where the mandala will be positioned. The construction then divides for shoulder straps that work over the shoulders before being rejoined at the neckline to work the front section downward. This method creates a seamless integration of the mandala design into the overall garment structure.

Stitches and Stitch Details

The primary stitch used throughout the Mandala Vest Top is treble crochet (tr st), which creates an open, airy fabric appropriate for a sport-weight cotton yarn. The tension is worked to 18 stitches and 10 rows measuring 10x10cm (4x4 inches) over treble stitch, establishing the precise gauge needed for proper fit across all six size options.

Materials Required

• Yarn: Scheepjes Catona, 100% cotton, sport weight. Yardage requirements range from 5 to 7 balls depending on size, with each ball containing 50g/126m (138 yards). The shade used is old lace, a neutral tone suitable for versatile styling.
• Hook: 3.5mm (US E/4) crochet hook
• Notions: Stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and construction stages, plus a safety pin or lockable stitch marker for securing stitches during assembly

Size and Fit Information

The Mandala Vest Top is offered in six sizes with actual bust measurements ranging from 88cm to 110cm (34½ to 43¼ inches). Length remains consistent at 60cm (23½ inches) for sizes 8 through 14, with sizes 16 and 18 measuring 62cm (24 inches). This sizing structure accommodates a range of body types while maintaining proportional garment dimensions.

Skill Level

Rated as intermediate difficulty, this pattern requires familiarity with fundamental crochet techniques including treble stitches, working in rounds for the mandala motif, and managing multiple construction stages. The separate mandala creation followed by integration into the vest body makes this project suitable for crocheters with some experience who are ready to tackle more complex garment assembly.