17 Stylish V-Neck Vest Knitting Patterns (Sleeveless Vests) (2024)

Sleeveless sweater vests have been a favorite in the fashion world for several years now. Thanks to the rise of grandpa-chic, they’re set to get even more popular.

The knitted V-neck vest is at the pinnacle of this trend; it is comfy, vintage-inspired, and easy to style with almost any outfit.

As a result, almost every indie knitwear designer out there has released their own V-neck vest pattern in the past year or two. It’s no surprise – these vests are relatively easy to knit and they don’t require much yarn, either.

That’s why we’ve created this list ofmodern V-neck vest knitting patterns from knitting designers all over the world. You’ll find a mix of classic, neutral, and more colorful patterns for women’s V-neck vests in vintage and contemporary styles.

Most of these vests are knitted in the round with advanced-beginner and intermediate techniques. You’ll mostly need to know stockinette, cable, and rib stitch, as well as increasing and decreasing. For other projects using similar shaping techniques, take a look at our list of bucket hat knitting patterns.

You’ll also need to pay attention to the positive ease included in each vest knitting pattern. This refers to the difference between the size of the vest and your bust measurement, to allow room for your body to move.

Once you’ve chosen your vest pattern, make sure to measure yourself and knit a tension swatch beforehand so you can accurately knit with positive ease in mind. You can find more information on this in our section on how to knit a V-neck vest.

17 Modern V-Neck Vest Knitting Patterns (Sleeveless Sweater Vests)

Most of the knitting patterns in this list are worked from the top down using decreasing for the V-neck and armholes.

If you’re a beginner, you’ll find chunky cropped V-neck vests that can be knit with big needles in a week or so. If you’re more advanced, there are oversized and intarsia sweater vests that will keep you knitting for a while longer.

This elegant, fitted V-neck vest is knit from the top down using stockinette stitch and two strands of yarn held together. The knitting pattern includes instructions for a classic slipover in sizes XS to XXL with simple techniques and almost no finishing required.

Once the back and front sections are complete, the three panels are joined and the body of the vest is knit in the round. Finally, the trimming around the V-neck and armholes is created by simply picking up stitches on the body.

Recommended Materials

To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:

This is a beginner-friendly V-neck vest pattern that requires big needles and just 3 balls of super chunky yarn. You’ll need to know some basic techniques including knit and purl, rib stitching, and knit two together (k2tog). The pattern is designed for just one size, measuring 86cm in bust circumference and 44cm long. This typically fits sizes S, M, and L.

Recommended Materials

To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:

The Weekend Slipover vest by PetiteKnit is another subtle, classically-styled V-neck pattern. The sleeveless vest is knit in the round from the top down, starting with the back yoke and ending with the ribbed neck and armholes.

The V-neck collar itself is shaped with increases, and the shoulders are sloped with German short rows. For this reason, this pattern is best suited to intermediate or practiced knitters. As always, start by knitting a swatch to make sure you knit at the desired tension.

Recommended Materials

To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:

Available in sizes XS to XXXL, the “eggcellent” vest is a newly-released knitted V-neck vest pattern by PetrichorKnitwear on Etsy. The body is created by knitting the front and back panels flat using stockinette stitch on 5mm needles. The statement eggs are added using intarsia and duplicate stitch.

This is a fun, statement sweater vest for confident knitters looking to practise intarsia. The pattern suggests peruvian wool, but you can use any yarn as long as you match the recommended tension. For similar patterns using the same technique, take a look at ourlist of intarsia knitting patterns, too.

Recommended Materials

To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:

This V-neck vest knitting pattern includes written instructions for a plain and patchwork vest. It is designed with a cropped silhouette and a deep V-neck, and suits intermediate or advanced knitters.

The body of the vest is knit in one piece with worsted yarn, while the neck is knit in the round. The pattern also comes with instructions for sizes S to XXL, which means you can choose to knit a size up for a comfortable oversized vest.

Recommended Materials

To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:

The “Treasure Vest” is a beginner-friendly knitting pattern for a sleeveless knitted vest with a cropped fit and a deep V-neck. It is worked from the top down and requires no finishing work apart from weaving in the ends. Available in sizes XS to XXL, the vest is knit with 8mm needles using stockinette stitch and measures roughly 49cm to 59cm in length.

Recommended Materials

To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:

This knitting pattern contains instructions for a versatile cable knit vest. Worked from the bottom up using an alternating cable pattern and some basic shoulder shaping, it includes both charted and written instructions for knitters of all experience levels.

You can choose to knit with woolen yarn for winter layering, or use cotton to create an airy knitted tank top. To customize your V-neck even more, you can vary the ease for a tighter or looser fit.

Recommended Materials

To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:

Inspired by vintage menswear, ‘Vest No. 2’ is an oversized V-neck vest pattern that is knitted using stockinette stitch and two strands of yarn. The slipover is first worked from the top down in three panels, which are then closed together to knit the rest of the body in the round.

To create the classic neckline and trimmed armholes, simply pick up from the existing stitches on the body. The pattern contains instructions for sizes XS to XL, and the final best measures 68cm to 75cm in length.

Recommended Materials

To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:

Worked from the top down using broken rib stitch, this V-neck slipover pattern is a good project for confident intermediate knitters. You’ll need to be familiar with rib edging for the V-neck and armholes, as well as decreasing for decoration around the neckline.

The pattern includes instructions for sizes XS to 5XL. Broken rib stitch stretches when washed, so be sure to knit to the smaller specified gauge so the final vest continues to fit after some wear.

Recommended Materials

To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:

This fairisle V-neck vest pattern is knit in the round using four colors, felted tweed yarn, and the “steeking” technique. Along with the classic neckline, the sweater vest features a cropped silhouette and classic ribbed detailing on the edges.

Recommended Materials

To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:

The Minerva Vest pattern features a contrasting rib on the neck, shoulders, and hem as well as two pockets that are patched on at the end. It is an intermediate level pattern that is also available as a knitting kit.

Worked from the top down, the pattern begins with the back of the vest which is shaped with short rows. The shoulders are then picked up from the body and worked from the top down to shape the V-neck. At the end of the pattern, the front and back sections are joined and the body is knit in the round to the hem.

Recommended Materials

To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:

Another beautiful pattern from Rowan, the Ember Vest is an advanced V-neck knitting pattern that uses felted tweed yarn and 5mm needles. The pattern uses intarsia and fair isle techniques to create beautiful colorwork with eye-catching patchwork squares reminiscent of 80s fashion.

Recommended Materials

To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:

The knitting pattern for this V-neck vest involves both flat and circular knitting. Using three strands of mohair and silk yarn held together, the sleeveless slipover is knit seamlessly from the top down with stockinette stitch.

Once the V-neck has been shaped, the remainder of the body is knit in the round. Finally, 1×1 ribbing is used to finish off the body and create the armholes and collar.

Recommended Materials

To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:

This simple, super chunky V-neck vest pattern is great for beginners. It’s a simple pattern using stockinette stitch and 5mm needles to create a thick vest that’s excellent for winter layering. The pattern includes instructions for sizes XS to XXL with heavy yarn in two contrasting colors.

Recommended Materials

To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:

Another super chunky V-neck vest pattern, the Drama Vest is knit from the bottom up with two sets of circular needles. The pattern includes instructions for both a long and a short model, which means you can choose to knit either a cropped vest or a regular vest depending on your preference.

Recommended Materials

To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:

If you’re looking for grandpa chic, this vintage vest pattern is for you. The knitting pattern is simple to follow as it involves repeating just four rows consistently for a traditional, textured look. The sweater vest design is suitable for both men and women and can be knit in neutral or brightly-colored yarn for a modern twist.

Recommended Materials

To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:

Featuring a folded V-neck and a ribbed texture, this knitting pattern includes a simple but timeless design that will work well in neutral colors over a shirt or a dress. Best suited to intermediate knitters, it requires flat knitting for the back and front panels which are then joined at the underarm. The rest of the vest’s body is then knit seamlessly in the round up to the hem.

Recommended Materials

To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:

How Do You Knit a V-Neck Vest?

Most V-Neck vest knitting patterns involve both flat and round knitting. In many cases, the front and back yokes are worked from the top down and knitted separately in panels. These are then joined together up to the armholes. During this process, simple decreasing is used to shape the shoulders and neckline.

Once these sections are joined, the main body of the vest is then knit in the round on circular needles to the hem. This is often done using the classic stockinette or stocking stitch, similar to the techniques used in polo sweater knitting patterns.

Typically, trimming around the neckline and armholes is achieved by simply picking up from the existing stitches on the body towards the end of the pattern. This is often done using ribbing. If you’ve chosen a particularly colorful or complex pattern, you may need to follow an Intarsia chart and work from two balls of yarn at the same time.

Vest knitting patterns usually require less yarn than sweaters or blankets due to the lack of sleeves. This can be especially true if you’re knitting a cropped or tank top vest for summer or spring. You might need anywhere from 100g to 600g of yarn, though this will depend on the yarn weight and the colorwork involved in the design.

As always, this process can vary, so follow the knitting pattern instructions closely if you want to achieve a vest similar to the designer’s example.

How Long Does It Take to Knit a Sleeveless Vest?

Depending on your experience level and the exact methods used in the pattern, a vest can take up to 25 hours of knitting time to complete. V-neck vests often require some degree of shaping for the collar, which can take a little longer than other vest styles with a rounded neckline.

If you’re knitting in panels, the back can take up to 6 hours and the two front panels can take up to 4 hours each. You’ll need time to join these panels together and work on the finishing, too. If you’re looking for a quicker knitting project, you might want to check out our collection of beret knitting patterns.

Adding Positive Ease to a Knitted Vest

Positive ease is specified in knitting patterns to make sure the final garment allows room for your body to move. It refers to the difference between your actual chest circumference and the measured circumference of the garment. Positive ease specifications are common in lots of knitting projects, including dress knitting patterns.

If a knitting pattern is designed with 5cm of positive ease, that means it is designed to be 5cm larger than your bust measurement. Before you start knitting your vest, measure your chest circumference with a measuring tape to find out which size will fit you best.

Follow the pattern according to this size designation and take the positive ease into account when knitting each section.