The Cosmic Bloom Crochet Vest: A Free Pattern for a Psychedelic, Textured Boho Layer

Introducing the Cosmic Bloom Crochet Vest

Dive into a dreamy, textured crochet vest featuring a riot of vibrant, psychedelic colors and a unique, blooming stitch pattern. This free pattern guides you through creating a cozy, oversized vest that's perfect for layering over simple outfits. The Cosmic Bloom Vest is a bohemian, dreamy, and highly tactile layer that will add a pop of handmade personality to any wardrobe. With its dense, textured fabric and a repeating pattern of small, petal-like clusters that resemble blooming flowers, this vest is as fun to make as it is to wear.

Materials Needed

To create your own Cosmic Bloom Vest, gather the following supplies:

• Yarn: Worsted weight (#4) cotton or cotton-acrylic blend in 5 colors:
  • Color A (Magenta) – approx 150-200 yards
  • Color B (Electric Blue) – approx 150-200 yards
  • Color C (Lime Green) – approx 150-200 yards
  • Color D (Sunshine Yellow) – approx 150-200 yards
  • Color E (Deep Purple) – approx 150-200 yards
  Total yarn needed: approximately 600-800 yards.
• Hook: 5.5 mm (I-9) crochet hook
• Other: Yarn needle for weaving in ends, scissors, stitch markers (optional)

Gauge & Sizing

Gauge: 14 stitches x 8 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in the main stitch pattern (after blocking).

Size: This pattern is written for a size M/L (approx 38-42 inch bust). To adjust the size, chain a multiple of 4 + 2 stitches. For a smaller size, chain 58 (approx 34-36 inch bust); for a larger size, chain 86 (approx 44-48 inch bust). The vest is designed to be oversized and boxy.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Stitch Abbreviations & Special Stitch

Abbreviations:

• ch: chain
• sc: single crochet
• dc: double crochet
• tr: treble crochet
• st(s): stitch(es)
• sk: skip
• sp: space
• RS: right side
• WS: wrong side

Special Stitch – Bloom Stitch (worked over 2 stitches):

In the next stitch, work (dc, ch 1, tr). Then skip the next stitch. This creates a petal-like cluster that forms the blooming texture.

Panel (Make 2)

Foundation: With Color A (Magenta), chain 72 stitches (for size M/L).

Row 1 (RS): Single crochet in the 2nd chain from the hook and in each chain across. Turn. (71 sc)

Row 2 (WS): Chain 1, single crochet in the first stitch. *Chain 3, skip 3 stitches, single crochet in the next stitch. Repeat from * across the row. Turn. (You will have 17 chain-3 spaces, with a sc at the beginning and end).

Row 3 (RS): Chain 3 (this counts as a double crochet). *Work the Bloom Stitch in the next chain-3 space (dc, ch 1, tr in the space), chain 1. Repeat from * across until you reach the last chain-3 space. Work the Bloom Stitch in the last chain-3 space, then double crochet in the last single crochet. Turn.

Row 4 (WS): Chain 1, single crochet in the first double crochet. *Single crochet in the next treble crochet, single crochet in the next chain-1 space, single crochet in the next double crochet. Repeat from * across, ending with a single crochet in the top of the turning chain (the 3rd chain from the beginning of Row 3). Turn. (71 sc)

Row 5 (RS): Change to Color B (Electric Blue). Chain 1, single crochet in the first stitch. *Chain 3, skip 3 stitches, single crochet in the next stitch. Repeat from * across. Turn.

Row 6 (WS): Chain 3 (counts as dc). *Work the Bloom Stitch in the next chain-3 space, chain 1. Repeat from * across until the last space, work the Bloom Stitch in the last space, then double crochet in the last single crochet. Turn.

Row 7 (RS): Chain 1, single crochet in the first double crochet. *Single crochet in the next treble crochet, single crochet in the next chain-1 space, single crochet in the next double crochet. Repeat from * across, ending with a single crochet in the top of the turning chain. Turn. (71 sc)

Row 8 (WS): Change to Color C (Lime Green). Chain 1, single crochet in the first stitch. *Chain 3, skip 3 stitches, single crochet in the next stitch. Repeat from * across. Turn.

Continue the Pattern: Repeat Rows 3-8, changing colors every 2 rows in the following sequence: A (Magenta), B (Electric Blue), C (Lime Green), D (Sunshine Yellow), E (Deep Purple), then repeat the entire sequence. Work until the panel measures approximately 18 inches from the cast-on edge, ending after a Row 4 (WS) of a color sequence (this ensures you are ready to start a new color on the next RS row).

Shape Armholes

Next Row (RS): Slip stitch across the first 6 stitches. Chain 1, single crochet in the same stitch. *Chain 3, skip 3 stitches, single crochet in the next stitch. Repeat from * across until 6 stitches remain at the end of the row. Turn, leaving the last 6 stitches unworked. (59 sc remain)

Continue working in the established pattern (Rows 3-8 with color changes every 2 rows) on these 59 stitches for 8 more rows (this equals 2 full color sequences). Maintain the color sequence as before.

Shape Neckline – Left Side

Next Row (RS): Work in pattern across the first 22 stitches. Turn, leaving the remaining stitches unworked. (22 sts)

Work even on these 22 stitches for 6 more rows, maintaining the color sequence. Fasten off.

Shape Neckline – Right Side

Skip the center 15 stitches. Join the yarn with a slip stitch to the next stitch. Chain 1, single crochet in the same stitch. Work in pattern across the remaining 22 stitches. Turn.

Work even on these 22 stitches for 6 more rows, maintaining the color sequence. Fasten off.

Repeat for the second panel – make it identical to the first.

Finishing & Assembly

1. Sew Shoulder Seams: With the right sides together, sew the top 22 stitches of each panel together (the shoulder sections).
2. Sew Side Seams: With the right sides together, sew the side seams, leaving a 9-inch opening from the top for the armholes.
3. Edging: With Color A (Magenta), join the yarn at any edge of the vest. Work 1 round of single crochet evenly around the entire vest, including the armholes, neckline, and bottom edge. When working around the armholes and neckline, work 1 sc in each stitch and 1 sc in each row-end. Join with a slip stitch to the first single crochet. Fasten off.
4. Weave in Ends: Using a yarn needle, weave in all loose ends securely on the wrong side of the vest.

Your Cosmic Bloom Crochet Vest is now complete! Block the vest gently to even out the stitches and enhance the drape. Enjoy your one-of-a-kind, psychedelic, textured boho layer.