This crochet pattern is for a waistcoat designed to be embellished with beads to create a striking look, whether worn alone or layered. The waistcoat is designed to sit just below the belly button.

The pattern gives a brief introduction to attaching beads as there is more than one way.

You also get plenty of options to adjust the fit, whether it is changing the neckline, the overall length or the fit around the midriff.

Neckline: 17.5cm (7”) - 25cm (10”)
Midriff: 91cm/33” – 130cm/51”
Length: 52.5cm (21”) – 67.5cm (27”)

The waistcoat was made using a Double Knit (DK, 8 ply, light worsted) cotton and a 5.5 mm crochet hook. You will also need at least 140 20mm beads

I have included some suggestions for decorating the back and a blank grid so you can design your own bead pattern.

I have listed this pattern as “intermediate” because of pattern techniques.