Square Makes - Scrap Yarn Waist Coat

 

I didn't know what I wanted to make next so I just started to crochet a square with some left over yarn I had.  First I thought, why not make a sleeveless top, then what about a lightweight jumper?  But the more I crocheted, I realised that there wouldn't be enough of the same colour to make something all in one.

So, I put the hook and yarn down and searched my way through Pinterest (as I tend to do) for inspiration.  I saw a few different versions of waist coats/sleeveless cardigans and I combined a few designs that I saw to come up with this.

This is made from 3 squares using treble crochet (UK term), DK yarn and a 6mm hook - the hook was chosen so the finished item is lighter.

Once I had made the back square, I measured this across.  I wanted a gap between the front panels so I took 5 inches from the across measurement then halved this amount:

28 inches across the back panel

28 - 5 = 23 

23 / 2 = 11.5 - this is the size of the front panels 11.5 inches wide

Next, as shown in the photos above, I sewed the front panels on to the back panel at the top to create the 'neck' of the garment.

To sew up the sides, I measured half way down the length and sewed this up - I wanted it looser around the arms so its more relaxed.

To finish this off, I did a simple row of double crochet (UK term) around each raw edge of the waist coast in a contrasting colour so it is visible and also added a tie close to the front.  The tie close is a long chain with slip stitches back along the chain and then sewed onto the front.

And that's it - really simple and done on a whim!  I will be great in the summer to go over a strap top or sleeveless t-shirt as this covers the shoulders really well.  It's comfortable and stretchy thanks to using a bigger hook.

This can be made using any technique you prefer, as many colours as you want and any size!