The Gossamer Dune Cardi Vest: A Free Knitted Openwork Vest Pattern with Shell Stitch Edges

Embrace the lightness of summer with this exquisite openwork vest, designed to drape beautifully over your favorite summer outfits. The Gossamer Dune Cardi Vest captures the essence of warm, breezy days with its delicate lace pattern and graceful shell stitch border. Knitted in a soft cotton blend, this relaxed, boxy vest features a deep V-neckline and sleeveless silhouette that leaves the shoulders bare—perfect for layering over a swimsuit, tank dress, or simple camisole. The airy mesh of diamond-shaped eyelets creates a breathable fabric that moves with you, while the scalloped crochet edging adds a feminine, bohemian touch reminiscent of ocean waves. Whether you're a seasoned knitter or looking for your next rewarding project, this pattern offers a delightful combination of lace knitting and crochet finishing that results in a truly stunning, versatile garment.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following materials to ensure a smooth knitting experience:

• Yarn: DK weight cotton or cotton-blend yarn (approximately 600-700 yards for size M). The sample uses a soft, sun-bleached sand color, but any light, breathable cotton works beautifully.
• Knitting Needles: US 6 (4.0 mm) knitting needles—straight or circular, depending on your preference.
• Crochet Hook: US 6 (4.0 mm) crochet hook for the edging.
• Notions: Stitch markers, tapestry needle for weaving in ends, and blocking pins/mat.

Gauge: 20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch (after blocking). Always knit a gauge swatch to ensure your finished vest matches the intended measurements.

Sizes and Measurements

This pattern is written for sizes XS (S, M, L, XL) with finished bust measurements of 32 (36, 40, 44, 48) inches. Choose the size that best fits your body measurements, keeping in mind the relaxed, boxy fit of this design.

Abbreviations

Familiarize yourself with these standard knitting abbreviations before starting:

• CO = cast on
• BO = bind off
• k = knit
• p = purl
• yo = yarn over
• k2tog = knit two together (right-leaning decrease)
• ssk = slip slip knit (left-leaning decrease)
• pm = place marker
• sm = slip marker
• rep = repeat
• st(s) = stitch(es)

Special Stitch Pattern

The heart of this vest is the beautiful Openwork Lace Pattern. This stitch creates the airy, diamond-shaped eyelets that make this garment so special. The pattern is a multiple of 6 + 1 stitches.

Openwork Lace Pattern:

• Row 1 (RS): k1, *yo, ssk, k1, k2tog, yo, k1; rep from * to end.
• Row 2 (WS): Purl all stitches.
• Row 3: k2, *yo, ssk, k1, k2tog, yo, k1; rep from * to last 2 sts, k2.
• Row 4: Purl all stitches.
• Repeat Rows 1-4 for the pattern.

Tip: Place a marker after the first stitch and before the last stitch on Row 1 to help you keep track of the pattern repeat, especially when shaping.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Back Panel

Cast On and Bottom Edge: CO 81 (91, 101, 111, 121) sts. Knit 4 rows of garter stitch (knit every row) to create a sturdy, non-curling bottom edge.

Body: Begin the Openwork Lace Pattern and work even until the piece measures 12 (13, 14, 15, 16) inches from the cast-on edge, ending with a WS row.

Shape Armholes: BO 4 (5, 6, 7, 8) sts at the beginning of the next 2 rows. Then, decrease 1 stitch each side every RS row 3 (4, 5, 6, 7) times as follows: k1, ssk, work to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. You will now have 67 (73, 79, 85, 91) sts remaining.

Continue: Work even in pattern until the armhole measures 7 (8, 9, 10, 11) inches. BO all stitches loosely to prevent a tight edge.

Left Front Panel

Cast On and Bottom Edge: CO 41 (46, 51, 56, 61) sts. Knit 4 rows of garter stitch.

Body: Work the Openwork Lace Pattern across all stitches, but maintain a 5-stitch garter stitch border at the center front edge (knit these 5 sts every row). This creates a clean, stable edge for the V-neckline. Work even until the piece measures the same as the back to the armhole.

Shape Armhole and Neckline Simultaneously: At the armhole edge (beginning of RS rows), BO 4 (5, 6, 7, 8) sts once, then decrease 1 st at the armhole edge every RS row 3 (4, 5, 6, 7) times. At the same time, when you begin armhole shaping, also start neckline shaping: At the center front edge (end of RS rows), decrease 1 st every 4th row 10 (11, 12, 13, 14) times as follows: work to last 7 sts, k2tog, k5 (keeping the 5-stitch garter border intact).

Continue: Work even in pattern until the armhole measures the same as the back. BO the remaining 24 (26, 28, 30, 32) sts.

Right Front Panel

Work as for Left Front, reversing all shaping. At the armhole edge, BO at the beginning of WS rows. At the neckline, decrease at the beginning of RS rows: k5, ssk, work to end. This mirrors the left front panel perfectly.

Finishing and Assembly

Blocking: This step is crucial for lace knitting. Block all pieces to the specified measurements using your preferred method (wet blocking or steam blocking). This opens up the lace pattern and ensures your vest drapes beautifully.

Sewing: Using a mattress stitch, sew the shoulder seams and side seams. Take care to match the lace pattern at the seams for a professional finish.

Crochet Shell Edging

This beautiful scalloped edge is the signature finish of the Gossamer Dune Vest.

Round 1: With the crochet hook, join yarn at the bottom right corner of the right front. Work single crochet (sc) evenly up the right front edge, around the neckline, down the left front edge, and along the bottom edge. Join with a slip stitch (sl st) to the first sc.

Round 2: Ch 1, *skip 1 sc, 5 double crochet (dc) in next sc, skip 1 sc, sc in next sc; rep from * around the entire edge. Join with a sl st to the first sc. Fasten off.

Weave in all ends with a tapestry needle to finish your garment.

Your Gossamer Dune Cardi Vest is complete! This lightweight, breezy piece is perfect for warm-weather layering and will quickly become a staple in your handmade wardrobe. The delicate openwork pattern and shell stitch edging make it a truly special garment that showcases your knitting skills. Enjoy wearing your beautiful new vest!