Bigelow Vest

Bigelow Vest by Valerie Hobbs

What Is Being Made

The Bigelow Vest is a casual and sporty layering piece designed by Valerie Hobbs for transitioning between seasons. This unisex waistcoat features straightforward construction combined with satisfying texture, making it an accessible project for intermediate knitters. The vest is available in eight sizes, with finished bust measurements ranging from 37 inches to 61 inches, and is intended to be worn with 2 to 4 inches of ease for comfortable layering over long-sleeved shirts or base layers.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

The Bigelow Vest employs fundamental knitting techniques suitable for intermediate-level crafters. The design features ribbed edges and a ribbed collar band that overlap approximately 1¼ inches, providing structure and a polished finish to the garment. The straightforward construction method makes this an ideal project for knitters looking to expand their skills without overwhelming complexity. The use of a circular needle accommodates the large number of stitches required for the vest's body, even though the project is worked in pieces rather than in the round.

Stitches Used

The pattern incorporates ribbed stitch work throughout, particularly in the edges and collar band. Ribbing provides elasticity and helps the vest maintain its shape while creating the satisfying texture that defines this design. The ribbed construction contributes to the vest's wearability and comfortable fit against the body.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

Yarn: The Bigelow Vest requires DK weight yarn in quantities ranging from 840 yards for the smallest size to 1,390 yards for the largest size. The pattern is shown knitted in Kelbourne Woolens "Scout," a 100% wool yarn available in the colorway Blue Heather #425. This yarn yields 274 yards per 100-gram skein, requiring 4 to 6 skeins depending on the chosen size. Wool or wool-blend DK weight yarns are suitable alternatives for this project.

Needles: The pattern calls for U.S. size 5 (3.75mm) circular needles measuring 32 inches (80 centimeters) or longer. The circular needle format is used to accommodate the large number of stitches in the vest's construction, though knitters should adjust needle size as needed to obtain the correct gauge for their chosen yarn.

Finished Dimensions

• Bust: 37 (41, 45, 49)(53, 57, 61) inches
• Length: 24½ (25, 25½, 26)(26½, 27, 27½) inches
• Collar band overlap: Approximately 1¼ inches

This is a downloadable PDF pattern for personal use only, designed by Valerie Hobbs of Laughing Star Knits.