Ladies’ Vest in Schachenmayr Leana - S9327 - Downloadable PDF

Ladies' Vest Knitting Pattern – Schachenmayr Leana (S9327)

This free downloadable PDF knitting pattern (design reference S9327) from Schachenmayr provides full instructions for a ladies' vest (Damenweste) worked in the brand's own Leana yarn. Rated as intermediate difficulty, the design is a stylish, structured waistcoat featuring shaped armholes, raglan-style front panels, and a combination of classic knitted stitch patterns. The pattern covers five sizes: XS, S, M, L, and XL, making it a versatile project for a wide range of knitters.

Design Overview

The vest is constructed in separate pieces that are then joined together. The back piece is the starting point, and the cut-in sleeves (angeschnittene Ärmel) are knitted directly onto the back rather than worked separately and sewn on — a neat construction technique that reduces finishing work and creates a clean, integrated look. The front panels feature raglan-style shaping (Raglanschrägen), which are then joined to the shoulder edges of the back piece. This combination of techniques gives the vest a tailored, fitted silhouette.

Stitch Patterns Used

Rib Pattern (Rippenmuster)

The rib pattern is worked by alternating one knit stitch and one purl stitch across right-side rows, then working stitches as they appear on wrong-side rows. This classic 1×1 ribbing creates a stretchy, structured fabric that is commonly used for hems, cuffs, and body sections to provide shape and elasticity. In this vest, it forms a key structural element of the garment body.

Seed Stitch / Pearl Pattern (Perlmuster)

The pearl or seed stitch pattern adds textural interest and visual contrast to the vest. Like the rib pattern, it is based on alternating knit and purl stitches, but arranged so that knits sit over purls and vice versa on subsequent rows, creating a bumpy, non-curling fabric with a refined, classic appearance. This stitch is well suited to garments like vests and waistcoats where flat, stable fabric is desirable.

Emphasised Decreases (Betonte Abnahme)

A specific decorative decrease technique is used throughout the shaping of this vest. On the right front panel, stitches are decreased by knitting two stitches together at the end of right-side rows. On the left front panel, a slip, knit, pass slipped stitch over method (rechts überzogen zusammenstricken) is used to mirror the shaping. These paired, symmetrical decreases create neat, visible decrease lines that form an intentional design feature along the raglan edges — a hallmark of well-crafted knitwear construction.

Tension and Gauge

Achieving the correct tension is essential for a well-fitting finished vest. The pattern specifies two separate tension swatches:

• Rib pattern: 16 stitches and 24 rows = 10 × 10 cm
• Pearl/seed stitch pattern: 16 stitches and 22 rows = 10 × 10 cm

Knitters are advised to check their tension carefully before beginning, as even small differences can significantly affect the finished size of a garment.

Materials Required

Yarn

The pattern is designed specifically for Schachenmayr Leana, an aran weight yarn. The colourway used in the original sample is Herbst color (an autumnal, variegated shade). Yarn quantities vary by size:

• XS: 250 g
• S: 300 g
• M: 350 g
• L: 400 g
• XL: 450 g

Schachenmayr Leana is a well-regarded yarn choice for structured garments, offering good stitch