Looking for an easy knitted vest pattern free of complex cables or lace? This seed stitch hooded vest is the perfect weekend project. Designed for cozy home wear and casual outdoor looks, it features a beautiful textured fabric that works wonderfully with pearl-white yarn — though you can choose any color. The best part? This free knitting pattern for vest uses double-stranded yarn and basic knit/purl techniques. Even if you’ve never made a hood before, this seed stitch vest step by step guide will walk you through back, front, hood, and finishing details without confusion.
What You’ll Need – Materials & Tools
- Yarn (50% sheep wool, 50% alpaca wool; 218 yds / 100 g) – pearl white:
*900 (1000–1100) g = approx 1970 (2180–2400) yds* - Straight needles size US 10.75 (7 mm)
- Circular needle size US 4 (3.5 mm), 16″ (40 cm) long
- Markers, tapestry needle, scissors
Note: Work with double yarn throughout (two strands held together).
Gauge & Important Notes
Seed Stitch Gauge (double strand, US 10.75 needles):
13 sts × 24 rows = 4″ × 4″ (10 × 10 cm)
⚠️ Always use double yarn. All instructions assume two strands together.
Stitch Pattern – Seed Stitch (US terminology)
Row 1: K1, p1 repeat across.
Row 2: P1, k1 repeat across.
→ Shift the pattern every row. That’s the true seed stitch texture.
Vest Schematic
Easy Knitted Vest Pattern Free – Back Piece
With double yarn and US 10.75 needles, cast on 70 (76–80) sts.
Work in seed stitch until piece measures 45 cm (17.75″) from cast-on edge = approx 108 rows.
Armholes:
Place a marker on both sides after last row. Continue straight.
After 20 (21–22) cm = 48 (50–52) rows from markers, begin shoulder shaping:
Bind off at each side:
- 1×4 sts
- then every 2nd row: 1×4 (4–5) sts, 2×3 (4–4) sts, 2×4 sts
At the same time (3 cm / 8 rows after shoulder bind-offs start):
Bind off center 18 (20–22) sts for neck.
Work each side separately. For neck rounding, bind off from inner edge every 2nd row: 2×4 sts.
Complete second side symmetrically.
Sts left on needles after shoulders: 26 (28–30) but they will be bound off gradually.
Seed Stitch Hooded Vest – Front Panel
Work exactly as back until armhole markers, then continue to deeper neckline.
At 19 (20–21) cm from armhole start = 46 (48–50) rows:
Bind off center 8 (10–12) sts.
Continue each side separately.
Neck shaping (inner edge, every 2nd row):
- 2×3 sts
- 1×2 sts
- 1×1 st
Work shoulder same as back. Finish second side symmetrically.
Hood (Easy Knitted Vest Pattern Free – Hood Section)
Cast on 68 (72–76) sts with double yarn, US 10.75 needles.
Work seed stitch for 30 cm (72 rows).
Leave all stitches live (do not bind off). You will graft them later.
Assembly & Finishing – Free Pattern for Knitted Vest
- Block pieces – pin onto pattern, mist lightly, leave until dry.
- Hood top seam – graft live stitches using Kitchener stitch.
- Sew shoulder and side seams down to armhole markers.
→ Leave bottom 20 cm (8″) open on each side for side slits. - Sew hood into neckline – leave 8 cm (3.15″) open at center front between hood edges.
Tassels & Decorative Cords (Optional but Beautiful)
For bottom edge tassels:
Cut 5 strands × 25 cm (10″) each. Fold in half, attach through edge.
→ Total: 23 (25–27) tassels along front + back bottom.
For 3 cords:
Cut 4 strands × 60 cm (24″) each. Twist into 18 cm (7″) cord. Repeat 3 times.
For 3 small tassels (for cords):
Cut 16 strands × 15 cm (6″) per tassel. Fold in half, wrap and tie with 20 cm (8″) yarn, capturing cord end.
Sew cord ends to both sides of hood and to the hood tip.
Final notes – Why This Easy Knitted Vest Pattern Free Works
This easy knitted vest pattern free gives you a stylish, warm, and textured garment with no complicated increases or decreases. The seed stitch creates a reversible fabric that looks expensive but is beginner-friendly. Whether you use pearl-white alpaca blend or a bold color, the result is a hooded vest you’ll wear for years. Bookmark this free knitting pattern for vest and share it with friends who love relaxed handmade fashion.
