Get ready to channel some serious vintage vibes with this bold and beautiful free knitting pattern. This checkerboard knit vest pattern straight from the 1980s! This sweater vest pattern is a retro throwback with timeless charm, featuring classic color blocking and rich texture that’s just as fashionable today as it was decades ago. Whether you’re a fan of vintage fashion or just love a good knit project, this vest is a standout piece you’ll love to wear and make.
A Bold Retro Statement
This 80s-inspired checkerboard vest makes a vibrant statement with alternating textured blocks in two coordinating shades. It’s the perfect layering piece to wear over collared shirts, turtlenecks, or even dresses. With its flattering boxy fit and simple construction, it’s suitable for both beginner and intermediate knitters.
Pattern Features
- Classic checkerboard design using a mix of double seed stitch and stockinette
- Worked flat in two pieces (front and back), then seamed at the shoulders
- Ribbed neckline and side bands for a polished finish
- Customizable fit with three size options: 34–36″, 38–40″, and 42–46″ chest
- Optional button band detail for a tailored, versatile look
Yarn & Supplies
To make this vest, you’ll need:
- Elena Yarn or a comparable worsted-weight yarn in two colors (Color A and Color B)
- Size 6 mm (US 10) and 4 mm (US 6) knitting needles
- 4 buttons
- Stitch markers, tapestry needle for seaming
Skill Level: Easy to Intermediate
This vest uses two stitch patterns:
- K1, P1 Rib for the hems and bands
- Double Seed Stitch to add texture to the checkerboard design
You’ll also practice color changes, working with separate yarn balls, and some simple shaping.
Styling Tips
Pair your finished vest with high-waisted jeans and a tucked-in blouse for that true vintage aesthetic. Want a more modern look? Layer it over a long sleeve fitted tee or wear it as a statement top on its own during warmer months.
Why You’ll Love This Project
- Quick knit with big impact
- Great stash-buster for leftover worsted yarns
- Easy to adapt in color or texture for a totally custom design
- Retro-inspired, but perfectly on-trend
Get the Free Pattern
The full checkerboard vest pattern is available for free below. Scroll down to see detailed instructions, yarn requirements, and sizing information.
Looking for a printable PDF version? Check out The Pattern Palace on Etsy to purchase a downloadable copy, perfect for printing or storing on your device.
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FREE PATTERN
| Size (chest) | 34–36 in. (86–91 cm) | 38–40 in. (97–102 cm) | 42–46 in. (107–117 cm) |
| Finished front and back widths | 15½ in. (40 cm) | 18½ in. (47 cm) | 21½ in. (54 cm) |
| Colour A | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Colour B | 2 | 2 | 2 |
Other Materials: 4 Buttons
NEEDLES
1 pair 4 mm (8 Cdn. – 6 U.S.)
1 pair 6 mm (4 Cdn. – 10 U.S.)
GAUGE
16 stitches in stitch patterns 1 and 2 on 6 mm (4 Cdn. – 10 U.S.) needles = 4 in. (10 cm). If necessary, to obtain correct gauge, use larger or smaller needles.
ABBREVIATIONS
K = knit
P = purl
beg = beginning
Col. = color
cont. = continue
cm = centimeters
dec. = decreasing
in. = inch(es)
mm = millimeters
pat.(s) = pattern(s)
rep. = repeat
st.(s) = stitch(es)
St.St = stockinette stitch
tog. = together
- = directions must be repeated
STITCH PATTERN 1 (K1, P1 rib)
Row 1: K1, P1. Rep. from * to end.
Row 2: P1, *K1, P1. Rep. from * to end.
Rep. rows 1 and 2.
STITCH PATTERN 2 (Double Seed Stitch)
Row 1: P1, *K1, P1. Rep. from * to end.
Row 2: K1, *P1, K1. Rep. from * to end.
Row 3: K1, *P1, K1. Rep. from * to end.
Row 4: P1, *K1, P1. Rep. from * to end.
Rep. rows 1 to 4.
SPECIAL NOTES
Use a separate ball of yarn for each color block. Do not carry yarn across back of work. When changing colors bring the new color around and in front of color being dropped. This will eliminate holes in work. Please keep in mind that this is a vintage pattern and some of the materials mentioned may no longer be available. Be sure to check your gauge!
FRONT
With smaller needles and Col. A, cast on 67 (79, 89) sts.
Row 1: P1, *K1, P1. Rep. from * to end.
Row 2: K1, *P1, K1. Rep. from * to end.
Row 3: Rep. row 1 but make buttonholes by casting off 4th st. from each end of needle.
Row 4: Rep. row 2 but cast on one st. above each cast-off st.
Next: Cont. to rib and make a second set of buttonholes after ribbing measures 2 in. (5 cm), ending on wrong side.
Next row: Rib, then transfer first 6 sts. to holder, rib 2 (2, 0) sts. tog., rib to last 6 sts. and transfer these sts. to holder. 55 (66, 77) sts.
Next row (wrong side): Change to larger needles, P11, * put marker on needle, P11. Rep. from * to end.
Next row: With Col. A, work st. pat. 1 to first marker, with Col. B, work st. pat. 2 to 2nd marker, with Col. A, work st. pat. 1 to 3rd marker. Cont. in this manner alternating the 2 pats. to end of needle.
Next: Work in established pat. blocks for 13 rows.
Row 14: With established colors, P all sts.
Row 15: With Col. B, work st. pat 2 to first marker, with Col. A, work st. pat. 1 to 2nd marker, with Col. B, work st. pat 2 to 3rd marker, and so on to end of needle.
Next: Work same number of rows as first section of blocks, P last row in established colors.
Cont. in above manner, alternating color and st. pat. blocks until vest measures 17½ (17½, 20½) in. (44, 44, 52 cm) or 2½ (6 cm) less than desired length to shoulder. End on sts. of last row as before.
Next: With Col. A, work (K1, P1) ribbing until Vest measures 20 (20, 23) in., 51 (51, 58) cm. Bind off all sts. loosely.
BACK
Same as Front, except do not make buttonholes.
SIDE BANDS
Working each band separately, transfer 6 sts. from the holders to smaller needles and cont. ribbing until bands, when slightly stretched, fit along edge to shoulder. Bind off.
FINISHING
Pin or baste shoulder edges, leaving about 10 in. (25 cm) opening for neck, then with a split length of Col. A, tightly twisted for added strength, sew. Pin or baste, then sew bands to Vest with an invisible seam (along the back of the fabric through the “eyes” or horizontal threads of the sts.)
Using matching thread, sew buttons to back band to match buttonhole placement of front bands.
