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Guacamole Vest Pattern

Guacamole Vest Pattern
4.2★ Rating
8-10 Hours Time Needed
2.2K Made This
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Intermediate Level

Ideal for those with basic crochet experience, featuring slightly more advanced stitches and techniques to expand your skills.

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All-Day Adventure

Requires 8-10 hours, ideal for a full day of immersive crocheting.

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Casual Chic

Relaxed style with a modern twist, perfect for everyday wear while maintaining that handcrafted uniqueness.

About This Guacamole Vest Pattern

This pattern creates a chunky, cable-knit vest worked back-and-forth with separated front and back pieces and shoulder joins. It features a deep V-neck with a textured cable panel and ribbed edges for structure. You will follow written rows and large charts to shape the neckline, armholes, and shoulders.

Guacamole Vest Pattern crochet pattern - detailed view of completed project

Includes full technique references for decreases and cable stitches, plus finishing and blocking tips. Suitable for knitters comfortable with cables and working flat.

Why You'll Love This Guacamole Vest Pattern

I absolutely love this pattern because it combines classic cable texture with an easy-to-wear vest shape that feels modern and cozy. I enjoy how the charted panels create visual interest while the ribbed edges give the piece structure. I appreciate that the pattern is written clearly for working back-and-forth, which makes the shaping approachable. I find it satisfying to see the cables come to life row by row, and I love that the finished vest layers beautifully over tees and shirts.

Guacamole Vest Pattern step 1 - construction progress Guacamole Vest Pattern step 2 - assembly progress Guacamole Vest Pattern step 3 - details and accessories Guacamole Vest Pattern step 4 - final assembly and finishing

Switch Things Up

I love customizing this vest to make it my own; try swapping the main color for a neutral or a rich jewel tone to change the mood completely.

I sometimes change the yarn weight and needle size to create a smaller or larger vest; using a bulkier yarn with bigger needles will give you a squishier, warmer version.

I also experiment with cable size: use a simpler 3-stitch cable pattern if you want a subtler texture, or enlarge the central panel for a bolder look.

Want a cropped version? Shorten the front and back lengths by a few inches and adjust the chart repeats accordingly.

For a lightweight spring vest, knit the same pattern in a sport or DK weight and reduce needle size; remember to swatch to match your desired gauge.

I like to add small embellishments like embroidered flowers or sewn-on buttons at the shoulder for a personal touch.

If you prefer no seaming, try adapting the pattern to steek and finish the armholes and neck that way, but only do this if you are comfortable with steeking techniques.

I sometimes substitute the ribbed edges with a seed stitch border for a different framing effect around the cables.

To make a child's size, reduce the number of chart repeats and cast on fewer stitches, keeping the cable pattern proportions similar.

I often block the panels aggressively to open the cables and improve drape; play with blocking to get the final silhouette you like.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Not checking gauge before starting; knit a 4x4 inch swatch and block it to match 12 sts x 13 rows for correct sizing. ✗ Forgetting that the pattern is worked back and forth; always turn your work and read odd rows on the WS as instructed. ✗ Skipping the stitch marker at the neckline when instructed; place the marker to identify the first stitch for easier seaming later. ✗ Casting off incorrectly in rib pattern; follow the cast off in pattern steps precisely to maintain rib elasticity and edge neatness. ✗ Ignoring chart reading directions; read odd rows on the WS from left to right and even rows on the RS from right to left to avoid mistakes.

Guacamole Vest Pattern

Make a cozy cable-knit Guacamole Vest with this detailed knitting pattern. You will work back-and-forth pieces and follow clear charts to create the textured cables and ribbed edges. Perfect for adding a handmade, chunky-layered piece to your wardrobe. The pattern includes finishing instructions, chart notes, and helpful techniques to guide you every step.

Intermediate 8-10 Hours

Materials Needed for Guacamole Vest Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    Chunky wool yarn, approximately 4 skeins (100g/110 yds each) - main color

— Tools Required

  • 01
    US 11 / 8mm straight needles
  • 02
    US 10 / 6mm circular needle
  • 03
    Cable needle
  • 04
    Stitch marker
  • 05
    Tapestry needle
  • 06
    Scissors

Progress Tracker

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— Materials :

Info :

4 skeins of chunky wool 100g/110 yds approx. US 11/8mm needle. US 10/6mm circular needle. Cable needle. Stitch marker. Tapestry needle. Scissors.

— Size & Measurements :

Info :

size: O/S. MEASUREMENTS: Width: 17 inches (43 cm). Width stretched: 21 inches (53 cm). Front Length: 21 inches (59 cm). Back Length: 23 inches (59 cm). Armhole Circumference: 28 inches (72 cm). Neckline Height: 10 inches (26 cm).

— Gauge :

Info :

4" x 4" (10 x 10 cm) = 12 sts x 13 rows.

— Stitches and Techniques Used in This Pattern :

Infos :

1. Cast on. 2. Cast off in pattern. 3. Cast off stitches in the middle of a row. 4. Knit. 5. Purl. 6. Sew. 7. Decreases *. 8. Cables *. 9. Pick up stitches around the neck. 10. Pick up stitches around the armhole. *These techniques are explained in the references.

— References :

Infos :

1. Front of work - the side you are seeing right now. 2. Back of work - the side you don't see right now. 3. RS - right side. 4. WS - wrong side. 5. *to* - do/repeat as indicated between the asterisks. 6. Stockinette stitch - *knit 1 row, purl 1 row*. Repeat from * to *. 7. Cast off in pattern (rib stitch).

Cast off in pattern (rib stitch) :

Step 1: Work the first 2 stitches as they appear, this means knit the knits, and purl the purls. You will have 2 stitches on your right-hand needle. Step 2: Insert the left-hand needle through the first stitch worked on your right-hand needle and pass that first stitch over the second one. You will have 1 stitch on your right-hand needle. Step 3: Work 1 more stitch (knit the knits, and purl the purls) and repeat step 2. Repeat steps 2 and 3 until there are no more stitches on your left-hand needle.

Left leaning decrease (RS) :

Step 1: insert the right-hand needle into the next stitch on the left-hand needle as if you are going to knit it, then slip it off the left-hand needle. Step 2: slip the next stitch in the same way. Step 3: insert the left-hand needle into both of these slipped stitches, from back to front, crossed in front of the right-hand needle. Step 4: wrap the yarn around the right needle as for a regular knit stitch. Step 5: pull the right needle through the front and slip the stitches off the left needle as for one regular knit stitch.

Right leaning decrease (RS) :

knit 2 stitches together

Left leaning decrease (WS) :

purl 2 stitches together

Right leaning decrease (WS) :

Step 1: work 1 stitch as it appears. Step 2: insert the right-hand needle into the next stitch on the left-hand needle as if you are going to knit it, then slip it off the left-hand needle. Step 3: insert the left-hand needle into both of these stitches, from back to front, crossed in front of the right-hand needle, then slip it off the right-hand needle. Step 4: now pass the second stitch on the left-hand needle over the first one. Step 5: slip that stitch to the right-hand needle again.

Cable 3 back (RS) :

slip 1 stitch from the left-hand needle to a cable needle and leave that stitch on hold behind your work, knit the next 2 stitches from the left-hand needle, then knit 1 stitch from the cable needle.

Cable 3 back (WS) :

slip 2 stitches from the left-hand needle to a cable needle and leave them on hold behind your work, purl 1 stitch from the left-hand needle, then purl 2 stitches from the cable needle.

Cable 3 front (RS) :

slip 2 stitches from the left-hand needle to a cable needle and leave them on hold in front of your work, knit 1 stitch from the left-hand needle, then knit 2 stitches from the cable needle.

Cable 3 front (WS) :

slip 1 stitch from the left-hand needle to a cable needle and leave that stitch on hold in front of your work, purl 2 stitches from the left-hand needle, then purl 1 stitch from the cable needle.

Cable 4 back (RS) :

slip 2 stitches from the left-hand needle to a cable needle and leave them on hold behind your work, knit 2 stitches from the left-hand needle, then knit 2 stitches from the cable needle.

Cable 4 front (RS) :

slip 2 stitches from the left-hand needle to a cable needle and leave them on hold in front of your work, knit 2 stitches from the left-hand needle, then knit 2 stitches from the cable needle.

Cable 6 back (RS) :

slip 3 stitches from the left-hand needle to a cable needle and leave them on hold behind your work, knit 3 stitches from the left-hand needle, then knit 3 stitches from the cable needle.

Cable 6 front (RS) :

slip 3 stitches from the left-hand needle to a cable needle and leave them on hold in front of your work, knit 3 stitches from the left-hand needle, then knit 3 stitches from the cable needle.

— How to read this pattern :

Info :

You have to work this pattern Back and Forth and you must knit the front and back separately. When you work back and forth: Work all ODD rows on the WS and read the chart from left to right. Work all EVEN rows on the RS and read the chart from right to left. When you knit back and forth, once you have finished one row you must turn the work and continue knitting the next row on the opposite side. If you were knitting on the RS the next row will be on the WS and vice versa. Left and right in the instructions are given as if the vest is worn.

— Start Knitting! Front (US 11/8mm needle) :

Round 0 :

Row 0: cast on 60 stitches on the needles and follow the chart.

Round 46 :

Row 46: from now on you will only work with one shoulder at a time.

Round 87 :

Row 87: cast off 10 stitches.

Info :

Once you have finished the right shoulder, take another yarn and continue with the left shoulder from RS of your work (row 46).

— Back (US 11/8mm needle) :

Round 0 :

Row 0: cast on 60 stitches on the needles and follow the chart.

Round 81 :

Row 81: cast off 20 stitches in the middle of the row as indicated in the chart. You will have 13 stitches on each side.

Round 82 :

Row 82: from now on you will only work with one shoulder at a time.

Round 91 :

Row 91: cast off all 9 stitches.

Info :

Once you have finished the left shoulder, take another yarn and continue with the right shoulder from RS of your work (row 82).

— Join the Shoulders :

Join the shoulders :

Place the front and back pieces facing each other; with a tapestry needle and a long enough piece of the same thread, sew the shoulders by picking up one stitch from the back and one from the front until you have no more stitches left.

— Armhole (Back and Forth - use the US 10/6mm needle) :

Round 0 :

Row 0: starting from the front side, pick up 98 stitches around the armhole, that means: 49 from the front side and 49 from the back side.

Round 1 :

Row 1: knit 2 *purl 2, knit 2*; repeat from *to* until the end.

Round 2-7 :

Row 2-7: continue working in rib stitch. Work the stitches as they appear.

Round 8 :

Row 8: cast off all stitches in pattern (rib stitch).

— Neck (US 10/6mm needle) :

Round 0 :

Row 0: starting from the middle of the neck, pick up 40 stitches up to the shoulder seams; pick up 43 stitches from the back and 40 stitches from the other front side. You will have 123 stitches.

Info :

You must work Back and Forth so turn your work to start this row. You'll be working the WS. You must turn your work every time you start a new row.

Round 1 :

Row 1: P2Tog, *k2, p2*. Repeat from * to * until you have 2 sts left. K2Tog.

Round 2 :

Row 2: P2Tog, work the next sts as they appear until there are 2 sts left. K2Tog.

Round 3 to 7 :

Row 3 to 7: Repeat row 2.

Round 8 :

Row 8: P2Tog and place a stitch marker in that stitch (you'll have to sew the neckline later, this way it will be easier to identify the first stitch). Then cast off all sts in pattern until there are 2 sts left. You have now 1 st on the right-hand needle and 2 sts on the left-hand needle, k2Tog, cast off that st passing the st on the right needle over the st on the left needle.

— Join the Neck, Armhole & Sides :

Infos :

1. With a tapestry needle and a long enough piece of the same thread, sew the armhole. 2. Sew the neckline hiding the edge stitch. 3. Sew the side seams, joining 20 stitches indicated in the chart with a red line. 4. Make a knot and weave in the tail end of yarn. Wave in any loose ends in the same way. 5. Tip: ¡Block your project to give it a better shape!* **Blocking is the process of wetting or steaming your final pieces of knitting to set the finished size and even out the stitches. You could use any flat surface to block your garments, just be sure that your knitted piece lies flat and fully dries so that its shape sets.

— Finishing :

Info :

And that's it! I hope you enjoyed knitting this vest. Please send me pictures, I would love to see your finished project 💗

Assembly Instructions

  • Place the front and back pieces facing each other and sew the shoulders by picking up one stitch from the back and one from the front until no stitches remain, using a tapestry needle.
  • With a tapestry needle sew the armholes together after picking up the specified stitches, matching front and back edges for a neat join.
  • Sew the neckline hiding the edge stitch, lining up the shoulder seams and using small, even stitches for a smooth finish.
  • Sew the side seams joining the 20 stitches indicated in the chart (marked with a red line) to assemble the vest body.
  • Make a knot and weave in the tail end of yarn, tucking and securing any loose ends to finish.

Important Notes

  • 💡Work the pattern back and forth; read odd rows on the WS from left to right and even rows on the RS from right to left.
  • 💡Place stitch markers where directed (especially at the neckline) to help identify starting stitches and seam locations.
  • 💡Block your finished pieces to set shape and size and to even out the stitches before final seaming.

This Guacamole Vest pattern brings bold cables and cozy chunky wool to your wardrobe in a wearable vest. Whether you love the texture, the oversized fit, or the vintage-inspired cables, this piece is a joy to knit and to wear. Make one for yourself or a friend and enjoy the warm, handmade result. 🧶✨

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FAQs

What size will the finished piece be?

The finished vest measures approximately 17 inches wide (43 cm) unstretched and stretches to about 21 inches (53 cm); front length is 21 inches (59 cm) and back length is 23 inches (59 cm).

Can I use a different yarn weight for this pattern?

You can substitute yarn weights but the finished size and drape will change; swatch to match the gauge of 12 sts x 13 rows over 4" x 4" (10 x 10 cm) and adjust needles accordingly.

Do I need to be able to read charts for this pattern?

Yes, the central cable panels and shaping are charted; you should be comfortable reading knitting charts worked back-and-forth (odd rows on WS left to right, even rows on RS right to left).

How long does this project typically take to complete?

Most knitters complete this intermediate vest in about 8-10 hours depending on experience with cables and seaming.