Erin

Erin Sweater Vest by Sara Elizabeth Schmidt

What is Being Made

Erin is a cozy knitted sweater vest designed by Sara Elizabeth Schmidt, featuring a glamorous cowl collar. This versatile garment works beautifully as a standalone piece during the first cool days of fall or as a layering piece on blustery days. The design combines comfort with sophistication, making it suitable for transitional seasons.

Yarn and Materials

This project uses Knit Picks Gloss DK, a luxurious blend of 70% Merino Wool and 30% Silk. The yarn weight is DK (double knit), which provides a soft, refined drape ideal for fitted garments. Yardage requirements vary by size: XS requires 600 yards, S requires 650 yards, M requires 750 yards, L requires 830 yards, and 1XL requires 910 yards. The pattern calls for 5, 6, 6, 7, and 8 skeins respectively depending on size selected.

Needles and Tools

The pattern requires a US #8 (5mm) 16-inch circular needle. Knitters should adjust needle size if necessary to obtain the correct gauge. Additional tools include a tapestry needle for finishing and stitch markers for tracking pattern sections.

Gauge and Sizing

The correct gauge is 17 stitches and 24 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch. The sweater vest is available in five sizes: XS with a 30-inch chest, S with a 34-inch chest, M with a 38-inch chest, L with a 42-inch chest, and 1XL with a 46-inch chest.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

Erin employs fundamental knitting techniques suitable for beginner-level knitters. The construction begins with a cast-on and incorporates several essential stitches and techniques:

• 1x1 Ribbing: The front section starts with 2 inches of 1x1 ribbing, alternating knit and purl stitches to create elasticity and structure at the lower edge
• Stockinette Stitch: The primary fabric structure uses knit stitches on right-side rows and purl stitches on wrong-side rows
• Increases: The pattern uses M1 (make one stitch) bar increases to shape the garment strategically
• Decreases: K2tog (knit 2 stitches together) and ssk (slip, slip, knit) decreases are employed for shaping
• Bind Off: Stitches are secured using the bind-off technique

The front section is set up with placed markers dividing the work into distinct sections, allowing for structured shaping. The cowl collar, a signature design element, adds a glamorous finishing touch to this versatile layering piece.

Difficulty Level

This project is rated as beginner difficulty, making it an excellent choice for knitters new to garment construction. The straightforward stitch patterns and clear structure provide an accessible introduction to shaping and finishing techniques.