Cascading Vine Lace Vest Free Knitting Pattern – Botanical Boho Layer
Introducing the Cascading Vine Lace Vest: A Botanical Boho Masterpiece
Embrace the botanical boho trend with this stunning, airy open-front vest. The Cascading Vine Lace Vest is a true statement piece, knit in a delicate leaf lace pattern that climbs upward from the hem like living ivy. This versatile layering garment features a flowing A-line silhouette, a deep V-neckline, and a clean garter stitch border that adds a crisp, modern contrast. Whether you're layering it over a simple tee in spring or a chunky sweater in autumn, this vest brings an earthy, handcrafted elegance to any outfit.
This free knitting pattern is designed for intermediate knitters who are comfortable with basic lace techniques like yarn overs and decreases. The result is a soft, textured fabric with a beautiful drape that catches the light and creates a subtle play of shadow. Let's dive into creating this botanical treasure for your wardrobe.
Materials Needed
Before you begin, gather the following materials to ensure a smooth and enjoyable knitting experience:
- Yarn: Worsted weight cotton or cotton-blend yarn (approx. 600-700 yards for size M). The sample uses a warm earthy palette—sage green for the main body and cream for the edging, but feel free to choose your own botanical-inspired colors.
- Needles: US 7 (4.5 mm) circular needles (24-inch or longer) for the main body, and US 7 (4.5 mm) straight needles for the edging.
- Other: Stitch markers, stitch holders, tapestry needle for weaving in ends, and blocking mats with pins.
Gauge: 20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch (blocked). Always knit a gauge swatch first to ensure your finished vest matches the intended measurements.
Sizes and Abbreviations
Sizes: S (M, L) – Finished chest: 36 (40, 44) inches. Instructions are written for the smallest size, with larger sizes in parentheses.
Abbreviations:
- CO – Cast on
- BO – Bind off
- k – Knit
- p – Purl
- yo – Yarn over
- k2tog – Knit two together (right-leaning decrease)
- ssk – Slip, slip, knit (left-leaning decrease)
- pm – Place marker
- sm – Slip marker
- RS – Right side
- WS – Wrong side
Pattern Notes
The vest is worked flat in two panels (front and back) from the bottom up, then seamed at the shoulders and sides. The lace pattern is a 12-row repeat that creates the cascading vine effect. Take your time with the lace rows and use stitch markers to help keep track of your repeats.
The Cascading Vine Lace Pattern (multiple of 8 + 3 stitches)
Row 1 (RS): k3, *yo, ssk, k3, k2tog, yo, k1; repeat from * to last 0 sts.
Row 2 and all WS rows: Purl all stitches.
Row 3: k2, *yo, ssk, k1, k2tog, yo, k3; repeat from * to last 1 st, k1.
Row 5: k1, *yo, ssk, k3, k2tog, yo, k1; repeat from * to last 2 sts, k2.
Row 7: k2, *k2tog, yo, k1, yo, ssk, k3; repeat from * to last 1 st, k1.
Row 9: k1, *k2tog, yo, k3, yo, ssk, k1; repeat from * to last 2 sts, k2.
Row 11: k2, *yo, ssk, k1, k2tog, yo, k3; repeat from * to last 1 st, k1.
Row 12: Purl.
Tip: Place a marker after every repeat (8 stitches) to help you catch mistakes early. The yarn overs and decreases should always align vertically to form the vine-like columns.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Back Panel
Step 1: CO 83 (91, 99) sts.
Step 2: Work in stockinette stitch (knit on RS, purl on WS) for 6 rows to create a neat garter edge.
Step 3: Begin the lace pattern. Work in the Cascading Vine Lace Pattern until the piece measures 12 (13, 14) inches from the CO edge, ending with a WS row.
Armhole Shaping:
Step 4: BO 4 (5, 6) sts at the beginning of the next 2 rows.
Step 5: Decrease 1 stitch on each side every RS row 3 times as follows: k1, ssk, work to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1.
Step 6: Continue in pattern (without further decreases) until the armhole measures 7 (8, 9) inches. BO all stitches loosely.
Front Panel
Step 1: CO 83 (91, 99) sts.
Step 2: Work the same as the back panel until the piece measures 10 (11, 12) inches from the CO edge, ending with a WS row.
Neck Shaping:
Step 3: Work across the first 34 (37, 40) sts, place the next 15 (17, 19) sts on a stitch holder, join a second ball of yarn and work the remaining 34 (37, 40) sts.
Step 4: Work both sides simultaneously. Decrease 1 stitch at the neck edge every RS row 6 times. On the left side (as worn), work: k1, ssk, work to end. On the right side, work: work to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1.
Step 5: Continue in pattern until the armhole measures the same as the back panel. BO the remaining 28 (31, 34) sts for each shoulder.
Finishing and Assembly
Step 1: Block both pieces to the specified measurements. This is crucial for lace patterns—it opens up the yarn overs and gives the vest its beautiful drape. Pin the pieces to a blocking mat and spray with water, then allow to dry completely.
Step 2: Sew the shoulder seams using a mattress stitch or your preferred seaming method.
Step 3: Sew the side seams, leaving a 7 (8, 9) inch opening at the top for the armholes.
Edging:
Step 4: With the RS facing and using your straight needles, pick up and knit stitches evenly around the armholes and front edges (including the neck). The number of stitches should be divisible by 2 for a clean garter edge.
Step 5: Work 3 rows of garter stitch (knit every row). BO loosely.
Step 6: Weave in all ends with a tapestry needle. Give the finished vest a final gentle steam block to even out the edging.
Wearing Your Cascading Vine Lace Vest
This open-front vest is designed to be worn without buttons, allowing the flowing A-line silhouette to drape beautifully over your outfit. The deep V-neckline creates a flattering vertical line, while the garter stitch edging in a contrasting color adds a polished, finished look. Pair it with a simple camisole and wide-leg trousers for a boho-chic vibe, or layer it over a long-sleeve top for cooler days.
We hope you enjoy knitting this botanical beauty! The rhythmic repetition of the lace pattern is meditative, and the finished result is a timeless piece you'll reach for season after season. Happy knitting!
