Puffover

Puffover Knitted Waistcoat by Loose Loop Patterns

What is Being Made

The Puffover is a knitted waistcoat designed by Raimonda Bagdoniene and published by Loose Loop Patterns. This vest features a simple, elegant design that is worked seamlessly from the hem upward in the round, with only the shoulder seams requiring joining. The waistcoat is available in multiple sizes and is suitable for intermediate-level knitters seeking a straightforward project with visual impact.

Construction Method and Techniques

The Puffover is constructed using a bottom-up circular knitting method, meaning you begin at the hem and work upward in continuous rounds. This approach minimizes seaming work, as the garment is knitted almost entirely in the round—only the shoulder seams need to be joined together at the end. The pattern is presented in both charted format and written instructions, allowing knitters to choose their preferred method of following the pattern. The design emphasizes fundamental knitting techniques executed with precision and attention to shaping.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques Used

The Puffover uses basic knitting stitches suitable for intermediate knitters. The stitch abbreviations included in the pattern are:

• K – Knit stitch
• P – Purl stitch
• SSK – Slip, slip, knit (a left-leaning decrease)
• K2tog – Knit two stitches together (a right-leaning decrease)
• P2tog – Purl two stitches together
• CDD – Central double decrease (a centered decrease technique)

The pattern includes complete abbreviations and stitch explanations within the PDF, ensuring knitters understand each technique required. The decrease stitches are essential for shaping the waistcoat's armholes and neckline.

Yarn and Materials

The Puffover pattern calls for Drops Air yarn in yellow shade 22, worked with two strands held together throughout the project. This creates a chunky yarn weight suitable for the design. Yardage requirements vary by size:

• Size 1: 7 balls (1050 m / 1148 yds)
• Size 2: 8 balls (1200 m / 1312 yds)
• Size 3: 10 balls (1500 m / 1640 yds)
• Size 4: 12 balls (1800 m / 1968 yds)

The pattern specifies that if substituting alternative yarn, knitters must verify both tension and total yardage to ensure proper fit and finished dimensions.

Equipment Required

To knit the Puffover, you will need one circular needle measuring 6.00 mm (US size 10) with a 50 cm cable length. The circular needle accommodates the in-the-round construction method used throughout the project.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as Intermediate, making it appropriate for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle garment construction. The straightforward stitch palette and minimal seaming requirements make it an accessible introduction to waistcoat knitting, while the shaping techniques using decreases provide skill-building opportunities.