We all know a little boy like my nephew: super smart, super cute, super active! What do you make for a boy who's always on the go? You can forget about hat and gloves - who has time to put them on before running to the swing? You can toss out blankets too: by the time you’re done, he’s in college. I knew it had to be quick to make (lest he grow again), easy to wash (it’s going to get filthy), and something he would actually wear (no granny squares for this boy). So, hopefully you’ll agree that this vest has it all for your and my boy on the go.

Special thanks to Kraemer Yarn Company for supplying the yarn for this project. Please take a minute to check them out; they are great yarn company that supports all fiber enthusiasts and is conveniently located close to my hometown in Pennsylvania.

• Summit Hill Yarn by Kraemer Yarns (100% Merino superwash wool, 230 yards [210 m] per 3.5 oz [100 g])
• Main Color (MC): Adventurine (Green), 2 (2, 2, 3) skeins
• Contrasting Color (CC): Peridot (Lime), 1 (1, 1, 1) skein
• US H/8 (5.00mm) hook
• Yarn needle for weaving in ends
• (1) 18”/46 cm (18”/46 cm, 22”/56 cm, 22”/56 cm) coil-separating sweater zipper
• Sewing thread to match the zipper
• Sewing needle

Sizes Small, (Medium, Large, X-Large) fit chest size 21” (23”, 25”, 27”). Approximately a US Child size 2 (4, 6, 8).

The pattern is written for size Small with changes for Medium, Large, and X-Large written in parentheses.

17 sts x 10 rows of alternating ltr and sc-flo rows = 4" (10 cm)

• Please watch gauge as you crochet. Vest should fit loosely over clothes.
• Keep in mind that if you choose to use normal treble and single crochet in this garment, there will be a significant difference in look and wearability. You will lose the neat textured pattern that the linked trebles create, and the stitches may snag more easily.
• Vest is worked in one piece up to the arm openings, then it is divided into 3 sections: 2 front panels and the back. The only seam is at the shoulder.
• Please note that this vest uses machine-washable yarn. I do not recommend using anything but machine-washable for your child on the go.

Special Stitches

Linked Treble (ltr) (see tutorial for more on how to make this stitch):

Set-up stitch:  Insert hook into the 2nd ch from hook, yo, draw up loop, insert hook into 3rd ch from hook, yo, draw up loop, insert hook into the 5th st from hook (note:  the top of the last st of the previous row does not count as a st), yo, draw up loop (4 loops on hook), yo, draw through 2 loops on hook, yo, draw through next 2 loops, yo, draw through last 2 loops (first stitch made).

Next stitch:  Insert hook into upper horizontal bar of previous stitch, yo, draw up loop, insert hook into lower horizontal bar, yo, draw up loop, insert hook into next ch, yo, draw up loop, (4 loops on hook), yo, draw through 2 loops on hook, yo, draw through next 2 loops, yo, draw through last 2 loops,

Linked Double Crochet (ldc):

Set-up stitch:  Insert hook into the 2nd ch from hook, yo, draw up loop, insert hook into the 4th ch from hook (note:  the top of the last st of the previous row does not count as a st), yo, draw up loop (3 loops on hook), yo, draw through 2 loops on hook, yo, draw through last 2 loops.

Next stitch:  Insert hook into horizontal bar of previous stitch, yo, draw up loop, insert hook into next ch, yo, draw up loop (3 loops on hook), yo, draw through 2 loops on hook, yo, draw through last 2 loops.

Body

With MC, ch 113 (129, 137, 155).