Did you ever have one of those relatives, possibly an uncle, older cousin -- or if you were really lucky -- a father, whose adventurous spirit caught up everyone around? It’s in honor of those eccentric men who always have a new story, can make a game out of nothing, or share something magical -- not necessarily child-safe, but fun nonetheless -- that I created this vest. It features three types of crochet cables, I call them ‘the big cable,’ ‘skinny straight cables,’ and ‘the X cables.’

This project is not for the faint of heart, or the beginner crocheter (sorry!) as you should have mastered all questions of crocheting in the round, joining rows, crochet stitch anatomy, and your own visualization techniques in order to succeed. Add on to that a 2ply yarn and well… (sorry!) If you are ready for a challenge, go ahead and make the pocket/swatch. If all goes well, you are on your way! The back pocket is optional, but gives a new Papa a place to put all manner of things for a little one, or hidden from them! I put in a bit of waist shaping too, just leave it out if you like by beginning with 210 stitches and cancel the side increases. Lastly, I have only written for one size as of now, a men’s large (44 in chest). If you need larger or smaller, just edit the number of side single crochets. Ready? Let’s go!

• Hook size: E or 3.5mm
• Yarn: 1495 meters of two-ply wool, I used a 50% Merino in sage green. (40g/165m)

Make a gauge swatch: Chain 42. Chain 1 and turn.

Row 1: Sc in second chain from hook. Sc across. Ch 1 turn.

Row 2: Sc across, Ch1, turn.

Row 3: *Sc1, Double Crochet down around post of sc directly below (dblpst)*, repeat 7 more times. Sc 2. Dblpst 6. Sc 2. *Dblpst 1, sc 1*, repeat across to end.

Row 4: Sc across, working in tops of Dblpsts (skipping row 1’s sc is noticeable during the series of 6dblpst).

Row 5: Repeat Row 3.

Row 6: Repeat Row 4.

Row 7: Repeat Row 3.

Row 8: Repeat Row 4.

Row 9: This is where the trickiness begins! Please see the detail below for creating a big cable. This row contains the twist. Proceed as for row 3, checking detail when you come to the center twist. Note the twists use a Triple crochet rather than the Dbl used elsewhere.

Rows 10-18: Continue Alternating sc rows and dblpst pattern rows.

Row 19: Second twist happens here, it is exactly the same as before. the right should overlap the left throughout.

Rows 20- 35: Continue in pattern, adding twists after every five dblpst rows.

Rows 36-37: Sc evenly across. Cut thread leaving a long enough end to sew around to attach to back. Go ahead and block and measure this piece. It should be 21cm by 15cm.

US pattern notations used
ch = chain
sc = single crochet
dblpst = double crochet around post of sc directly below
Dbl=1Yo
Trb=2Yo

Begin The Vest

Please review details shown at the end and read through thoroughly before beginning! Step numbers refer to vest front diagram at the end.