Woman’s Waistcoats in Sirdar Wild - 7995 - Downloadable PDF

Woman's Waistcoats in Sirdar Wild – Pattern 7995: Full Summary

This downloadable PDF knitting pattern from Sirdar provides instructions for two stylish women's waistcoats — a Short Waistcoat and a Long Waistcoat — both knitted in Sirdar Wild, a super chunky yarn. The pattern is rated intermediate in difficulty and includes a generous size range, making it accessible to a wide range of knitters. Sizes span from a 32/34 inch bust up to a 52/54 inch bust (81/86 cm to 132/137 cm), with actual finished measurements ranging from approximately 90 cm to 142 cm around the body.

About the Two Designs

Short Waistcoat

The Short Waistcoat is a neat, contemporary layering piece with a finished length ranging from approximately 55 cm to 68 cm (21¾ to 26¾ inches) depending on size. It is knitted in Sirdar Wild shade 401 and requires between 5 and 8 balls of 50g yarn depending on the size being made. A single button is used as a fastening, giving the design a clean, minimalist finish. This waistcoat is ideal as a versatile over-layer for everyday wear.

Long Waistcoat

The Long Waistcoat offers a more dramatic silhouette, with a finished length ranging from approximately 70 cm to 83 cm (27½ to 32¾ inches). It is worked in Sirdar Wild shade 403 and requires between 6 and 10 balls of 50g yarn. Like the short version, it uses a single button as a closure. The longer length makes it a striking statement piece that works beautifully over knitwear or casual outfits during cooler months.

Yarn and Materials

Both waistcoats are designed specifically for use with Sirdar Wild, a super chunky weight yarn sold in 50g balls. The two colourways featured in this pattern are shade 401 (Short Waistcoat) and shade 403 (Long Waistcoat). Super chunky yarns like Sirdar Wild knit up quickly and produce a beautifully textured, cosy fabric with excellent stitch definition, making them particularly satisfying for intermediate knitters who want visible results in a shorter timeframe.

• Yarn: Sirdar Wild (super chunky, 50g balls)
• Short Waistcoat colour: Shade 401 — 5 to 8 balls required
• Long Waistcoat colour: Shade 403 — 6 to 10 balls required
• Needles: 1 pair of 8mm knitting needles (UK 0 / USA 11)
• Notions: 1 button per waistcoat

Tension

The stated tension for this pattern is 20 stitches and 29 rows to 20 cm (8 inches) measured over stocking stitch on 8mm needles. As with all knitting patterns, checking your tension swatch before beginning is strongly recommended. If you achieve fewer stitches than stated, switch to a thinner needle; if you achieve more stitches, move to a thicker needle. Getting tension right is especially important with garments like waistcoats, where fit and drape depend on accurate measurements.

Techniques and Stitches Used

Both waistcoats are constructed using classic knitting techniques well-suited to an intermediate skill level. The primary fabric stitch is stocking stitch (also known as stockinette stitch), which is formed by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side. This produces a smooth, flat fabric on the right side — perfect for showcasing the texture and colour of a super chunky yarn like Sirdar Wild.

• Stocking stitch: The main body fabric throughout both waistcoats
• Shaping techniques: Increases and decreases are used to shape the armholes, neckline, and side seams,