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If you’ve been loving the coastal cowgirl trend, you’re going to adore the Coastal Waves Vest. This free crochet top pattern is light, breezy, and made for layering—whether you’re pairing it with denim cutoffs and boots for that effortless coastal cowgirl outfit, or slipping it over a sundress for a relaxed beach-day look. Designed with an easy, modern stitch pattern, this vest is the perfect modern crochet top pattern to add to your summer wardrobe. Best of all, you can make it in neutral shades for a classic vibe or in fun, bright colors for festival season.
Want to make this pattern on the go? Grab the ad-free, printable PDF from my Etsy store.
Materials & Skill Level for this Crochet Top
This top is designed to be easy. If you’re an adventurous beginner I think this top is doable! It’s constructed using 2 “cups” that are then connected and a body is added on with an open front to create the vest style and the stitches used are simple to follow along with.
To crochet this top, you’ll need the following materials:
- Yarn: This top was designed to be able to be made in either fingering weight or worsted weight yarn.
- for my 2 samples I used yarn from Sewrella yarn (fingering weight) and Lion Brand’s Color Theory (worsted weight).
- Hook size: For the fingering weight version, I’d recommend a 3.25mm hook. For the worsted weight version, I’d recommend a 5mm hook. Since there is no specific gauge for this, you can switch to a hook size that works for you. You want to make sure your cups have enough coverage (very little gapping between stitches) but that your rows don’t curl inward too much as that would indicate your hook size may be too small.
- Other materials: scissors, 2 stitch markers, tapestry needle, and measuring tape.
About the Design
The Coastal Waves Vest was created with the coastal cowgirl aesthetic in mind—easy, breezy, and just a little bit flirty. This is a made-to-measure crochet pattern, so you can customize it for the perfect fit every time. The design features a halter-style tie around the neck and a tie-front closure, giving it that airy, open-vest vibe that layers beautifully over just about anything. Constructed in three simple pieces—two cups and a ruffled bottom—the vest comes together quickly, with the ties added later for that adjustable, comfortable fit. The ruffle detail at the hem adds a playful, feminine touch, making it just as perfect with cutoffs and boots as it is over a sundress or bikini. Whether you’re going for festival-ready or beachy chic, this versatile crochet top pattern is a piece you’ll reach for all summer long.
Coastal Waves Vest – Free Crochet Pattern
Looking for even more fun crochet tops to make? Check out the Ember V Neck and the Eucalyptus Crop patterns.
Stitch Abbreviations
Ch – chain
Sp – space
St – Stitch
Sl st – slip stitch
Sc – single crochet
Hdc – half double crochet
3rd lp – third loop
Dc – double crochet
Pattern Notes
- Pattern is written with 2 options for the weight of yarn used – “regular” as referred to throughout the pattern uses worsted weight 4 yarn and “lite” referred to throughout the pattern uses fingering weight 1 yarn.
- Pattern is made of 2 “cups” or breast pieces that are then added on to for the rest of the body. There is no seaming as each piece is crocheted together.
- A, B, and C in the schematic refer to the A: bust measurement, B: waist measurement and C: under waist (length) measurement
- each ch 3 at the start of a row counts as a stitch for that row
Gauge Information
Since this pattern is made to measure, there is no specific gauge! I’d recommend not having large gaps between the stitches of the 2 “cups”.
Pattern Schematic
Yardage Estimate
| Waist | Yardage |
| 24” | ~550 |
| 27” | ~650 |
| 30” | ~700 |
| 33” | ~770 |
| 36” | ~830 |
| 39” | ~900 |
| 42” | ~970 |
| 45” | ~1,050 |
| 48” | ~1,100 |
| 51” | ~1,170 |
| 54” | ~1,250 |
| 57” | ~1,320 |
| 60” | ~1,400 |
** yardage listed is an estimate based off sample size. This pattern is made to measure so actual yardage will vary
Cups (make 2):
Ch 5, then sl st into the first ch to make a loop. Place a stitch marker in this loop. This will mark where the center of your bust should be.
Row 1: Ch 3 (counts as a dc for all rows). Then work 4 dc into the loop created [5 sts]
Row 2: Ch 3 and turn. Work 1 dc into the first st (counts as 2 dc when including the turning ch). Then work 2 dc into each st across the row, making sure your last 2 dc are in the turning ch from the row below. [10 sts]
Row 3: Ch 3 and turn. Work 1 dc into the first st (2 dc). *Work 1 dc into the next st then 2 dc in the st after that*; repeat from * across until the end. You should end with 1 dc. [15 sts]
Row 4: Ch 3 and turn. Work 1 dc into the first st. Work a dc in each st across the row until the last st. In the last st, work 2 dc (on top of the turning chain from the previous row) [17 sts]Continue to repeat row 4 until the bra cup has the coverage you desire (The bottom of each cup should be about ¼ of measurement B and the 2 cups should cover about ½ of measurement A across your chest so they cover your bust). Then cut & tie off, weaving in all ends. For cup #2, do not cut & tie off, instead, move on to the Body portion.
Body:
After completing the cups, we will work a chain that will go around your back to connect the two cups [note: the cups will NOT be attached all the way around – the front will be left open and we will later create a tie to tie them together]. The chain plus the width of the 2 cups should equal measurement B (waist). Attaching your yarn to the bottom corner of your cup that does not have a stitch marker, work a chain long enough to be your measurement B. To attach the chain you make from one cup to the other, sl st into the bottom corner of the 2nd cup that is opposite to the stitch marker from the starting ch of the 2nd. It should resemble the diagram below;
Row 1: Once the cups are joined, cut & tie off. Attach your yarn into the beginning chain (where your stitch marker is) on one of your cups. Ch 3 and turn (counts as a stitch). Work a dc into the next st. (Here and throughout the pattern, chs in the middle of the row count as sts). *Ch 1, skip next st, work a dc in the next st, ch 1, skip next st, then work 2 dc in next st*; repeat from * across until the end (if you end with 3 sts left instead of 2, work a dc into the last 3 sts). [Note: you will be working in flat rows from one stitch marker to the next stitch marker, then turning. The cups should not be connected where the stitch markers are, only around the chain that goes around your back]
Row 2: Ch 1 and turn (does not count as a stitch). *Work 2 hdc into the next st, then work 1 hdc in the next st*; repeat from * across until the end.
Row 3: Ch 1 and turn (does not count as a stitch). Work a sl st 3rd lp in each st across the row.
Row 4: Ch 1 and turn (does not count as a stitch). Work a sc in each st across the row.
Rows 5-8: Repeat rows 1-4.
Row 9: Ch 3 and turn (counts as a dc). Work a dc into the next st. *Ch 1, skip next st, work a dc in the next st, ch 1, skip next st, then work 2 dc in next st*; repeat from * across until the end (if you end with 3 sts left instead of 2, work a dc into the last 3 sts).
Row 10: Ch 1 and turn (does not count as a stitch). Hdc in each st across the row.
Row 11: Ch 1 and turn (does not count as a stitch). Sl st 3rd lp in each st across the row.
Row 12: Ch 1 and turn (does not count as a stitch). Sc in each st across the row.
Continue to repeat rows 9-12 until you reach your desired measurement C (under bust length). You can choose to have a more cropped look or a longer top with more coverage.
Straps:
Row 1: Attach your yarn to the top of the first cup (this will be the only side of the triangle without a stitch marker or an attached chain already). Chain until you have enough length to go over your shoulder and a few extra inches so that it can be tied with another strap behind your neck like a halter. Once you have the length you need, cut & tie off. Repeat for the 2nd cup as well.
Underwaist Tie:
Row 1: Chain until you have a measurement that goes all the way around your waist and is comfortably able to be tied in a bow. You’ll probably want to add another 3-4” beyond this measurement.
Row 2: Ch 1 and turn. Sl st in each st across, then cut & tie off, weaving in all ends.
Once your tie is made, we will thread it around the under-bust as shown below. Thread the tie over and under through each “hole” (chain space in the pattern), shown circled in red below. The ends of the tie should hang out from the beginning chain loop (where your stitch markers are) so they can be tied together in the front of the bust like a vest.
Finishing:
Once you’ve completed all sections, make sure to weave in all ends. I also recommend blocking your projects in accordance with the material you used.
Bonus: How to style your Coastal Waves Vest
🌊 Coastal Cowgirl Vibes
- Pair your vest with high-waisted denim shorts, a white tank, and cowboy boots for the ultimate coastal cowgirl outfit.
- Add layered necklaces and a wide-brim hat for that laid-back, country-meets-beach aesthetic.
🎶 Festival Ready
- Wear it over a bright bikini top or bralette with flowy pants or a maxi skirt.
- Go bold with colorful yarns or variegated cotton for a statement-making crochet festival top.
🌸 Everyday Boho Chic
- Layer it over a sundress for a casual, breezy look.
- Style with strappy sandals and a woven bag for an effortless summer vibe.
🎨 Customization Ideas
- Color Choices: Neutral shades (cream, tan, sand) for classic coastal cowgirl, or pastels and brights for a playful festival feel.
- Length Adjustments: Add extra rows to the ruffle bottom for a longer vest or keep it cropped for a trendy top.
- Tie Variations: Add beaded ends for a boho touch.
No matter how you style it, this modern crochet top pattern is designed to be a versatile layering piece you’ll wear again and again.
Share Your Coastal Waves Vest
I can’t wait to see how you make the Coastal Waves Vest your own! Whether you go full-on coastal cowgirl, festival-ready, or keep it simple and beachy, every version will have its own unique vibe. If you crochet this pattern, be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me @yarnthrift or use the hashtag #CoastalWavesVest so I can cheer you on.
Would you style this vest with denim and boots, or as a breezy summer layer? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear your take!
✨ Pin this free crochet top pattern for later! Save the Coastal Waves Vest to your crochet board so you can come back to it whenever you’re ready to make your own.