Avorio Waistcoat in Adriafil Memphis - Downloadable PDF

Avorio Waistcoat in Adriafil Memphis

What is Being Made

The Avorio Waistcoat is a child-sized knitted sleeveless garment designed for ages 8 years and up. This downloadable PDF pattern provides complete instructions for creating a classic waistcoat featuring a sophisticated color-blocking design using the dovetail intarsia technique. The garment combines a structured silhouette with playful color combinations, making it suitable for both everyday wear and special occasions.

Techniques Used

Intarsia (Dovetail Pattern): The primary decorative technique employed in this waistcoat is the dovetail intarsia method. This technique involves working with multiple colored yarn sections simultaneously, with each color managed by a separate ball of yarn. The yarns are crossed together on the back of the work at every color change to prevent creating holes and ensure a neat, professional finish on both sides of the fabric.

Ribbed Border: The waistcoat features a k3/p1 rib stitch border that provides elasticity and a polished edge. This rib stitch creates vertical columns of alternating knit and purl stitches, which help the garment maintain its shape and sit comfortably against the body.

Stockinette Stitch Base: The main body of the waistcoat is worked in knitted stitch (stockinette stitch), which creates a smooth, flat fabric ideal for displaying the color-blocking design.

Stitches Used

• K3/P1 Rib Stitch: Used for the border sections, this creates a 2.5 cm ribbed edge that provides structure and prevents curling
• Knitted Stitch (Stockinette Stitch): Forms the main body fabric, providing a smooth canvas for the intarsia color work
• Dovetail Pattern: A charted intarsia design worked entirely in knit stitch, creating geometric color blocks throughout the waistcoat

Materials and Specifications

Yarn: Memphis yarn by Adriafil Yarns in aran weight (medium weight). The pattern requires 150 grams of cream (color no. 11) and 50 grams each of lilac (no. 30), pearl grey (no. 29), and orange (no. 70). The cream yarn serves as the primary color for the base and border, while the accent colors create the distinctive dovetail pattern.

Needles and Tools: Knitting needles size 4½ (US size) are used throughout the pattern. A tapestry needle is required for weaving in yarn ends and finishing the garment.

Gauge: The pattern specifies a gauge of 20 stitches and 27 rows over a 10 x 10 cm swatch worked in knit stitch on size 4½ needles. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for proper fit, particularly important when knitting for children.

Pattern Construction

The back panel begins with casting on 83 stitches in cream yarn and working an 8-row k3/p1 rib border. The main body then continues in knit stitch with carefully planned color changes: 6 rows cream, 6 rows lilac, 2 rows cream, 4 rows pearl grey, 4 rows orange, 8 rows cream, followed by additional color sequences as charted. This structured color rotation, combined with the intarsia technique, creates the distinctive dovetail visual effect while maintaining consistent fabric quality throughout the garment.