Drops Of Ivory Simple Crochet Gilet
Crochet Gilet Pattern
Drops of Ivory Crochet Gilet Pattern
A beautifully textured Alpine stitch crochet gilet pattern, written in sizes 12 months to adult XXXXLarge, with a loose breathable fit and high ribbed neckline.
The Drops of Ivory Crochet Gilet is a cosy, textured layering piece with that lovely “throw it on and somehow look put together” feel. It is loose fitting, breathable and wearable across the seasons, making it a practical handmade wardrobe staple.
This design was born after I started making a sweater and wandered completely off the beaten track — as crocheters do when left unsupervised with yarn and ideas. The result became this simple, stylish gilet worked in the Alpine stitch, with a high ribbed neck added afterwards for a polished finish.
The full PDF pattern includes sizes 12 months, 2/3 years, 4/5 years, 6/8 years, 10/12 years, XSmall, Small, Medium, Large, XLarge, XXLarge, XXXLarge and XXXXLarge.
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Quick Pattern Info
Skill level: Easy / medium
Sizes: 12 months to adult XXXXLarge
Yarn: Aran weight yarn
Original yarn: Hayfield Bonus Aran in cream
Hook: 7mm crochet hook
Main stitch: Alpine stitch
Construction: Made in one piece with high ribbed neck added after
Terms: US crochet terms
What’s Included
The ad-free PDF includes the full Drops of Ivory Crochet Gilet pattern, size options from baby to adult XXXXLarge, Alpine stitch support, written instructions, construction guidance and a clean printable layout.
Yarn and Materials
I used Hayfield Bonus Aran in cream for the original gilet. It is affordable, lovely to work with and gives the Alpine stitch a clean, defined finish. The cream shade also works beautifully with the simple shape of the design.
Aran yarn is a great choice for this project because it gives the gilet enough structure to hold the texture, while still keeping the finished fabric breathable and wearable. This is especially useful for a sleeveless garment that you may want to layer over different outfits.
I always recommend choosing a soft aran yarn with good stitch definition for this pattern. The Alpine stitch is the main feature, so you want the texture to stand out clearly without the fabric feeling too stiff.
Recommended Yarn Alternatives
- Budget option: Aran yarn from LoveCrafts — ideal for affordable, practical yarns in wearable colours.
- Premium option: Merino yarn from LoveCrafts — lovely if you want a softer, warmer gilet with a more premium feel.
- Structure/fibre alternative: Acrylic yarn from LoveCrafts — a practical option for larger sizes, everyday wear and budget-friendly making.
Materials Checklist
- Aran weight yarn
- 7mm crochet hook
- 2 stitch markers
- 5 to 11 buttons, depending on size
- Yarn needle
- Scissors
- Measuring tape
Shop Your Crochet Supplies
I always recommend LoveCrafts for yarn because it makes it easy to compare aran yarns, fibres, colours and prices before starting a wearable crochet project.
Why You’ll Love This Crochet Gilet
The Drops of Ivory Crochet Gilet is simple, textured and easy to wear. It gives you warmth and style without sleeves, which makes it perfect for layering over long-sleeved tops, dresses, shirts or lightweight jumpers.
The shape is loose fitting and breathable, so it works across different seasons. Wear it as a cosy extra layer in colder months, or as a statement handmade piece over lighter outfits when the weather is milder.
- Beautiful Alpine stitch texture
- Made in one piece
- High ribbed neck added after
- Loose, breathable fit
- Sizes from 12 months to adult XXXXLarge
- Great layering piece for all seasons
Tip: because this gilet is sleeveless, it is a brilliant garment project if you want to practise shaping and texture without committing to full sleeves. A small mercy for anyone still recovering from sleeve island.
The Alpine Stitch
The Alpine stitch is what gives this gilet its gorgeous raised texture. I first fell in love with it while designing the Azalea Alpine Beanie, and it was too good not to use again in a wearable garment.
The stitch looks beautifully defined, but once you understand the repeat it becomes much easier than it first appears. It uses a combination of simple stitches and front post double crochet to create that raised, textured finish.
How the Alpine stitch works: plain rows are alternated with front post stitches, which pull selected stitches forward and create the textured pattern. It gives the fabric a cosy, structured look without needing complicated cables.
Stitch Tutorial with Video
If you have not used the Alpine stitch before, the tutorial below will help you get comfortable with the technique before starting the gilet.
Stitches and Abbreviations
- SC: Single crochet
- DC: Double crochet
- FPDC: Front post double crochet
- BPDC: Back post double crochet
- Ch: Chain
- Alpine stitch: Main textured stitch pattern
Single crochet: creates a firm, neat stitch that helps stabilise the fabric.
Double crochet: adds height and helps create the base rows used within the Alpine stitch pattern.
Front post double crochet: worked around the post of the stitch below rather than into the top loops. This pulls the stitch forward and creates the raised Alpine texture.
Back post double crochet: worked around the post from the back, often used with front post stitches to create ribbing and stretch.
Skill Level
I would describe this pattern as easy to medium. Once you have mastered the Alpine stitch, the gilet is simple to follow and works up quickly.
This is a lovely project for confident beginners who want to try a wearable crochet garment, and for intermediate crocheters who enjoy textured stitches and practical layering pieces.
Skill builder: this pattern helps you practise Alpine stitch texture, post stitches, garment shaping, button placement, ribbed edging and wearable crochet construction.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the Alpine stitch tutorial before starting
- Working front post stitches into the top loops instead of around the post
- Using a yarn that hides the stitch texture
- Not checking size and length before adding the neck ribbing
- Placing buttons before checking the finished fit
Yarn Tips for This Gilet
The yarn you choose will affect how structured or drapey your gilet feels. A firm aran yarn will make the Alpine stitch stand out strongly, while a softer aran yarn will create a more relaxed fabric.
If you substitute yarn, keep close to aran weight and check your gauge before starting. This is especially important for larger sizes, as small gauge differences can add up quickly across a garment.
Bonus PDF Guides Included
When you purchase Peanut & Plum PDF patterns, you’ll also receive helpful bonus guides designed to make your crochet projects easier to follow and more enjoyable.
- Pattern Reading Guide: understand abbreviations, repeats, brackets, sizing and pattern layout.
- Yarn Guide: learn how yarn weight, fibre, stretch, texture and drape affect your finished project.
Need extra help?
Stuck on your gilet?
If you get stuck with the Alpine stitch, sizing, button placement, ribbed neck, gauge or reading the instructions, you can book a 30 minute 1:1 crochet help session and work through it properly.
Buy the Pattern
The ad-free printable PDF includes sizes 12 months to adult XXXXLarge, with full written instructions and a cleaner layout so you can follow the pattern without distractions.
Bundle and Save
Building your crochet pattern library? Save when you buy more than one pattern.
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Want More Textured Crochet Patterns?
Try another Alpine stitch project or build your confidence with the crochet pattern reading guide.
Ready to Get Started?
Everything you need to start your Drops of Ivory Crochet Gilet is linked below so you can grab the pattern, choose your yarn and get your tools ready.
I would love to see your makes — please share with me using #PeanutandPlum
