The Graduate Vest is a modern play on the classic collegiate cable sweater vest. Designed with a loose drop-shoulder and thoughtful underarm shaping for a perfect fit, this versatile layering piece is one you’ll love wearing all year round. The pattern is written for 10 sizes and features options for both fitted or oversized looks, as well as cropped or long lengths. Its unique vertical-row construction keeps the project engaging from start to finish, while included progress tables make tracking your rows a breeze.

Crocheted in a lightweight yet completely opaque fabric, the vest features a classy V-neck, a polished button band, and—everyone’s favorite feature—functional pockets! Eye-catching cable details run in line with the pockets and down the center of the back, cleverly constructed using short rows and eyelets. Whether you choose a breezy yarn for warmer weather or a cozy blend for the winter, the Graduate Vest is the ultimate wardrobe staple.

Available on Plyful.com from November 3, 2026.
Pattern includes access to Pattern Toolbox, with tutorial videos.

Download the LOOKBOOK to learn more about the pattern and the testers’ wonderful work!

Sizes + Measurements

This pattern comes in 10 different sizes. The instructions for each size are color coded and in the order shown here: 1 (2, 3, 4) (5, 6, 7) (8, 9, 10).

Body length is adjustable to taste.
The pullover is designed with 8 - 14 cm / 3 - 5 ½ in of positive ease.

Brown sample is Size 7 - full length. Green sample is size 5 - cropped; model measures about 100 cm / 39½ in around bust

The following are the finished garment measurements:
Bust:
75.5 (84.5, 93.5, 106.5) (115.5, 124.5, 138) (146.5, 155.5, 164.5) cm 29¾ (33¼, 36¾, 42) (45½, 49, 54¼) (57¾, 61¼, 64¾) in

Shoulder Width (including sleeve cuff):
61 (61, 63.5, 65.5) (70, 72, 74.5) (74.5, 76.5, 76.5) cm
24 (24, 25, 25¾) (27½, 28½, 29¼) (29¼, 30¼, 30¼) in

Sleeve Circumference:
35 (35, 36, 38) (40.5, 44.5, 49.5) (53, 57, 59.5) cm
13¾ (13¾, 14¼, 15) (16, 17½, 19½) (20¾, 22½, 23½) in

Neck Depth (incl ribbing):
23 (23, 23, 24) (24, 24, 25) (25, 26, 26) cm
9 (9, 9, 9½) (9½, 9½, 10) (10, 10¼, 10¼) in

Body length at Front from Underarm:
Cropped length: 22 (22, 22, 22) (20.5, 20.5, 19) (19, 19, 19) cm
8¾ (8¾, 8¾, 8¾) (8, 8, 7½) (7½, 7½, 7½) in
Full length: 45.5 (45.5, 45.5, 44) (44, 42, 42) (42, 40.5, 40.5) cm
18 (18, 18, 17¼) (17¼, 16½, 16½) (16½, 16, 16) in

Sleeve Length from Underarm (incl 5 cm / 2 in of ribbing):
10.5 (8.5, 7.5, 6) (6, 5, 5) (5, 5, 5) cm / 4 (3¼, 3, 2¼) (2¼, 2, 2) (2, 2, 2) in

Materials

YARN
Light DK weight yarn (size 3) or Sport weight yarn (size 2).

For a cropped vest 805 (865, 980, 1150) (1245, 1380, 1510) (1600, 1735, 1825) m / 880 (945, 1075, 1255) (1360, 1510, 1655) (1750, 1900, 1995) yds.

For a full length vest 1155 (1255, 1410, 1605) (1775, 1915, 2145) (2275, 2400, 2525) m / 1260 (1370, 1545, 1755) (1940, 2095, 2345) (2485, 2625, 2765) yds.

For every 5 cm / 2 in of extra length 63 (71, 78, 89) (97, 104, 115) (123, 130, 138) m / 70 (77, 86, 98) (106, 114, 126) (134, 142, 150) yds.

Amounts include 5% extra for swatching and margin of error.

Yarn Used:
Drops, Puna (100% Alpaca, light DK weight, 50g, 110 m/120 yds), in the colorway Brown (03). 7 balls total were used for the size 7 - full length sample (1600 m total).

Hobbii, Rainbow Bamboo (60% Bamboo Viscose, 40% Cotton, sport weight, 100g, 250m), in the colorway Dusty Pine (38). 5 balls total were used for the size 5 - cropped sample (1100 m total).

Cotton blends labeled as Sport will work better than those with a DK label. Keep in mind that thicker, more structured yarns will also create a stiffer fabric than lighter weight yarns when matching the gauge.

HOOKS
4.5 mm or size needed to meet gauge for body.

NOTIONS
tapestry needle, 2 strands of yarn to be used as markers, 4 or more locking stitch markers, scissors, 5 to 8 buttons of 2 cm diameter.

GAUGE
18 sts x 9 row pairs measure 4 x 4in (10 x 10cm) over patt using a 4.5mm hook.

Be sure to block and check gauge before starting by making a big enough gauge swatch (at least 15 x 15 cm / 6 x 6 in).
Certain materials might sag, and fabric may extend with drape, so adjust hook size appropriately.

Stitch Pattern for Gauge
Ch28 or more.
Row 1 (RS): Starting in second ch from hook and working in the back bump of each ch, hdc to end of row, turn.
Row 2 (WS): Ch1, slstBLO to end of row, turn.
Row 3: Ch1, hdcBLO to end of row, turn.
Row 4: As Row 2.
Two Row pairs have been completed. Rows 3 and 4 are one full row pair and establish patt. Work in patt until the swatch is big enough to measure gauge.