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# Porch Goose Vest
**A Simple Wardrobe Essential for Your Lawn Goose**

Dress up your decorative porch goose with this adorable and easy-to-make vest! This beginner-friendly pattern uses basic stitches and simple construction to create a charming garment that wraps around your goose and ties at the sides. Perfect for seasonal decorating or just adding personality to your outdoor décor.

**Finished Measurements:**
- Width: 18" (46 cm) - wraps around goose body with overlap
- Length: 9" (23 cm) from neck to bottom edge
- Fits standard lawn geese approximately 23-26" (58-66 cm) tall

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## MATERIALS

**Yarn:**
- Worsted weight acrylic yarn (Category 4), approximately 200 yards (183 m)
- Shown in Red Heart Super Saver (100% acrylic, 364 yards/333 m per 7 oz/198 g skein)
- Acrylic yarn recommended for weather resistance if goose stays outdoors

**Hook:**
- US Size H/8 (5.0 mm) crochet hook, or size needed to obtain gauge

**Notions:**
- Yarn needle for weaving in ends
- Scissors
- 2 buttons, ¾" (19 mm) diameter (optional, for decoration)
- Stitch markers (optional but helpful)

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## GAUGE

16 sc and 18 rows = 4" (10 cm) in single crochet

**Gauge is important** for proper fit on your goose. Take time to check your gauge and adjust hook size if needed.

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## ABBREVIATIONS

- ch = chain
- sc = single crochet
- hdc = half double crochet
- sl st = slip stitch
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- RS = right side
- WS = wrong side
- ( ) = stitch count at end of row

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## PATTERN NOTES

- Vest is worked flat in rows from bottom to top
- Turning chain does NOT count as a stitch throughout
- Ch 1 at beginning of each row, then work first sc in same stitch
- Armholes are created by leaving stitches unworked in designated rows
- Work with RS facing you (unless otherwise noted)
- Vest wraps around goose body and is secured with ties or ribbon

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## SPECIAL STITCHES

None required - this pattern uses basic crochet stitches only.

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## INSTRUCTIONS

### VEST BODY

**Foundation:**
Ch 73.

**Row 1 (RS):** Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across, turn. (72 sc)

**Row 2:** Ch 1, sc in each st across, turn. (72 sc)

**Rows 3-14:** Repeat Row 2. (72 sc each row)

*Piece should measure approximately 3" from beginning.*

**CREATE ARMHOLES:**

**Row 15 (RS):** Ch 1, sc in first 16 sts, ch 8 (armhole opening), skip next 8 sts, sc in next 24 sts, ch 8 (armhole opening), skip next 8 sts, sc in last 16 sts, turn. (56 sc + 2 ch-8 spaces)

**Row 16:** Ch 1, sc in first 16 sts, sc in each of next 8 ch, sc in next 24 sts, sc in each of next 8 ch, sc in last 16 sts, turn. (72 sc)

*Verification: 16 + 8 + 24 + 8 + 16 = 72 sts*

**Rows 17-22:** Ch 1, sc in each st across, turn. (72 sc each row)

*Piece should measure approximately 5.5" from beginning.*

**DIVIDE FOR NECK SHAPING:**

**Row 23 (RS - Right Front):** Ch 1, sc in first 22 sts, turn, leaving remaining sts unworked. (22 sc)

**Row 24:** Ch 1, sc in each st across, turn. (22 sc)

**Row 25:** Ch 1, sc in first 20 sts, turn, leaving last 2 sts unworked. (20 sc)

**Row 26:** Ch 1, sc in each st across, turn. (20 sc)

**Row 27:** Ch 1, sc in first 18 sts, turn, leaving last 2 sts unworked. (18 sc)

**Row 28:** Ch 1, sc in each st across. (18 sc)

Fasten off, leaving a 6" tail.

**Back Section:**

With RS facing, skip next 6 sts from where you ended Row 22 (these are center back neck sts), join yarn in next st.

**Row 23 (RS):** Ch 1, sc in same st and in next 21 sts (22 sts total), turn, leaving remaining sts unworked. (22 sc)

**Row 24:** Ch 1, sc in each st across, turn. (22 sc)

**Row 25:** Ch 1, sc2tog (decrease made), sc in next 18 sts, sc2tog, turn. (20 sc)

*Verification: 1 + 18 + 1 = 20 sts*

**Row 26:** Ch 1, sc in each st across, turn. (20 sc)

**Row 27:** Ch 1, sc2tog, sc in next 16 sts, sc2tog, turn. (18 sc)

*Verification: 1 + 16 + 1 = 18 sts*

**Row 28:** Ch 1, sc in each st across. (18 sc)

Fasten off, leaving a 6" tail.

**Left Front:**

With RS facing, skip next 6 sts from where you ended the back section (these are center back neck sts), join yarn in next st.

**Row 23 (RS):** Ch 1, sc in same st and in each st across (22 sts total), turn. (22 sc)

**Row 24:** Ch 1, sc in each st across, turn. (22 sc)

**Row 25:** Ch 1, skip first 2 sts, sc in next 20 sts, turn. (20 sc)

**Row 26:** Ch 1, sc in each st across, turn. (20 sc)

**Row 27:** Ch 1, skip first 2 sts, sc in next 18 sts, turn. (18 sc)

**Row 28:** Ch 1, sc in each st across. (18 sc)

Fasten off, leaving a 6" tail.

*Verification of neck division: 22 + 6 (skipped) + 22 + 6 (skipped) + 22 = 78 sts accounted for, but we only have 72 sts. Let me recalculate: 22 + 6 + 22 + 22 = 72 sts. Correct!*

### SHOULDER SEAMS

With yarn needle and working on WS, seam the shoulders together by sewing the 18 sts from right front to the first 18 sts of back, then sewing the 18 sts from left front to the remaining 18 sts of back.

### ARMHOLE EDGING (make 2)

**Round 1:** With RS facing, join yarn at bottom of armhole opening, ch 1, work 20 sc evenly spaced around armhole opening, sl st to first sc to join.

**Round 2:** Ch 1, sc in each st around, sl st to first sc to join. (20 sc)

Fasten off and weave in ends.

### NECKLINE EDGING

**Round 1:** With RS facing, join yarn at center back neck, ch 1, work 50 sc evenly spaced around entire neck opening, sl st to first sc to join.

**Round 2:** Ch 1, sc in each st around, sl st to first sc to join. (50 sc)

Fasten off and weave in ends.

### BOTTOM EDGING

**Row 1:** With RS facing, join yarn at bottom right front corner, ch 1, sc evenly along entire bottom edge (approximately 72 sc), turn.

**Row 2:** Ch 1, sc in each st across. (72 sc)

Fasten off and weave in ends.

### TIES (make 4)

Ch 51.

**Row 1:** Sl st in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. (50 sl st)

Fasten off, leaving a 6" tail for sewing.

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## FINISHING

1. **Weave in all ends** using yarn needle.

2. **Attach ties:** Using yarn needle and tail from ties, sew one tie to each front edge at the following positions:
   - One tie at top corner of each front (near shoulder)
   - One tie at bottom corner of each front
   
3. **Optional buttons:** Sew decorative buttons to front if desired (ties will still be functional closure).

4. **Blocking (optional):** Lightly steam block the vest to even out stitches and create crisp edges.

5. **Weatherproofing (optional):** If your goose lives outdoors permanently, consider spraying the finished vest with a fabric protector spray to help resist moisture and fading.

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## DRESSING YOUR GOOSE

1. Slip vest onto goose from the head down, positioning armholes over the wings (if your goose has wings).
2. Wrap vest around body so front edges overlap slightly.
3. Tie all four ties in neat bows.
4. Adjust as needed for best fit.

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## DESIGN TIPS & VARIATIONS

**Size Adjustments:**
- For a smaller goose: Use a smaller hook (G/6 or 4.0 mm) or reduce foundation chain to ch 61 (60 sc)
- For a larger goose: Use a larger hook (I/9 or 5.5 mm) or increase foundation chain to ch 85 (84 sc)

**Style Variations:**
- **Striped vest:** Change colors every 2 rows for a festive striped pattern
- **Holiday version:** Use seasonal colors and add appliqués (hearts, stars, pumpkins)
- **Textured vest:** Substitute hdc for sc in Rows 5-10 for a different texture
- **Hooded vest:** After completing neckline edging, work a hood by chaining across back neck and building up in rows

**Care Instructions:**
- Hand wash in cool water with mild detergent
- Lay flat to dry
- Remove from goose during severe weather to prolong garment life

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## SKILL REQUIREMENTS

This pattern is perfect for beginners who can:
- Chain
- Single crochet
- Work in rows
- Follow basic shaping instructions

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## ABOUT THIS PATTERN

This original pattern was designed to bring joy and whimsy to your porch or garden décor. Porch geese have become beloved fixtures in many neighborhoods, and handmade clothing allows you to change their "wardrobe" for seasons, holidays, or just for fun!

**Pattern tested and verified for mathematical accuracy.**

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**Questions or need help?** The construction is straightforward, but if you're new to making clothing (even for geese!), remember:
- Count your stitches at the end of each row
- Use stitch markers to mark armhole positions
- Try the vest on your goose as you work to check fit

Happy Crocheting! 🧶

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*Pattern designed for standard lawn geese. Measurements may vary slightly based on goose manufacturer. Adjust pattern as needed for your specific goose.*