Shark Circle Vest Crochet Free Pattern
Shark Circle Vest Crochet Free Pattern
Introduction
This little shark vest is made for newborns and tiny babies who deserve something a bit cooler than the usual pastel cardigan. It is worked as two simple double crochet panels in soft oatmeal cotton, then finished with a charcoal shark appliqué stitched right at center front for a playful, streetwear-inspired look. The boxy, straight-sided shape keeps it easy to wear over a onesie, and the narrow single crochet border gives every edge a neat, tidy finish. It looks handmade in the best way and feels light, breathable, and gentle against new skin.
Materials Needed
- Yarn: Worsted weight (category 4) cotton. Color A (oatmeal): 150 yards. Color B (charcoal): 30 yards.
- Hooks: 5.0 mm (US H-8) for the vest body; 4.0 mm (US G-6) for the shark appliqué and edging.
- Notions: Tapestry needle, stitch markers, scissors, blocking mats and rust-proof pins.
- Finished size: Chest circumference 16 inches (40.5 cm), length 9 inches (23 cm), armhole 6 inches (15 cm).
Abbreviations
- ch — chain: make a loop of yarn and pull it through the loop on your hook.
- dc — double crochet: yarn over, insert hook in stitch, pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through two loops, yarn over and pull through the last two loops.
- sc — single crochet: insert hook in stitch, pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through both loops.
- sc2tog — single crochet two stitches together: work one sc across the next two stitches to decrease by one.
- sc3tog — single crochet three stitches together: work one sc across the next three stitches to decrease by two.
- sl st — slip stitch: insert hook in stitch, yarn over and pull through both the stitch and the loop on your hook.
- sk — skip: leave the next stitch unworked.
- st(s) — stitch(es).
Gauge
16 stitches and 8 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in double crochet using the 5.0 mm hook. Work a small swatch and measure it flat; if you have more stitches than 16, go up a hook size, and if you have fewer, go down.
Tips Before You Start
- Both panels are only 31 stitches wide, so count your stitches at the end of every row — the boxy shape depends on keeping that number steady.
- On the front, the ch-6 in Row 9 is the neck opening; work your double crochets into the chain stitches on Rows 10–12 so the opening closes cleanly.
- Keep your tension even on the edging. Working sc evenly around the corners (3 sc in each corner) prevents the border from curling.
- Pin the shark appliqué in place before sewing so it sits straight and centered, and use a matching charcoal thread so the stitches disappear.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Back (Color A)
With the 5.0 mm hook and Color A, ch 33.
Row 1: dc in the 3rd ch from hook and in each ch across (31 dc).
Rows 2–12: ch 2, turn, dc in each st across (31 sts).
Fasten off.
Front (Color A)
With the 5.0 mm hook and Color A, ch 33.
Row 1: dc in the 3rd ch from hook and in each ch across (31 dc).
Rows 2–8: ch 2, turn, dc in each st across (31 sts).
Row 9: ch 2, turn, dc in next 12 sts, ch 6, sk 6 sts, dc in next 13 sts (31 sts).
Rows 10–12: ch 2, turn, dc in each st and each ch across (31 sts).
Fasten off.
Shark Appliqué (Color B)
With the 4.0 mm hook and Color B, ch 2.
Row 1: 3 sc in the 2nd ch from hook (3 sts).
Row 2: ch 1, turn, 2 sc in first st, sc in next st, 2 sc in last st (5 sts).
Row 3: ch 1, turn, sc in each st across (5 sts).
Row 4: ch 1, turn, sc2tog, sc in next st, sc2tog (3 sts).
Row 5: ch 1, turn, sc in each st across (3 sts).
Row 6: ch 1, turn, sc3tog (1 st).
Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Sew the shark to the center front of the vest, using the photo as a guide.
Edging (Color A)
With the 4.0 mm hook and Color A, join yarn at the bottom right corner of the vest.
Round 1: sc evenly around the entire outer edge, working 3 sc in each corner, and sc in each st around the armholes and neckline. Join with a sl st to the first sc.
Round 2: ch 1, sc in each sc around, join with a sl st to the first sc.
Fasten off.
Assembly and Finishing
Place the back and front panels together with right sides facing. Sew the shoulder seams along the top edges, then sew the side seams, leaving the armhole openings free. Sew the shark appliqué to the center front if you have not already done so. Weave in all ends on the wrong side, then block lightly: mist the vest, pin it to the finished measurements, and let it dry flat. This settles the edging and gives the cotton a soft, even finish.
Pro Tips and Variations
- Swap the charcoal shark for a whale, star, or simple initial in any contrast color for a personalized gift.
- Use a soft cotton-blend or bamboo yarn for extra drape, but check your gauge first since blends can behave differently.
- Add a single crochet button loop and a small button at the neck opening if you prefer a closed vest for cooler days.
