Sidney Two-Way Vest in Tahki Yarns Donegal Tweed Fine - Downloadable PDF

Sidney Two-Way Vest in Tahki Yarns Donegal Tweed Fine – Pattern Summary

About This Design

The Sidney Two-Way Vest is an intermediate-level knitting pattern designed by Susan Haviland and published by Tahki Stacy Charles. As the name suggests, this is a versatile, wearable-both-ways waistcoat — a sleeveless, tailored vest that can be worn in two orientations, making it a clever and practical wardrobe addition. The pattern is available as a downloadable PDF and is sized to fit a range of figures, covering Small, Medium, Large, and XL, with finished bust measurements spanning 37 to 53 inches (94–134.5 cm) and a finished length of 21 to 22½ inches (53.5–57 cm).

Construction and Techniques

The Sidney Two-Way Vest is worked flat, meaning the back and front pieces are knitted back and forth in rows rather than in the round, and then seamed together. This traditional construction method gives the finished garment clean, structured edges and a polished, tailored appearance well suited to the classic vest silhouette. Shaping is incorporated at the armholes, with bound-off stitches worked at the beginning of rows to create a neat, fitted armhole curve.

A circular needle (size 7 / 4.5mm, 29 inches or longer) is used for the flat knitting of the main body pieces — a common approach that accommodates the full stitch count comfortably without the strain of a short straight needle. Double pointed needles (also size 7 / 4.5mm) are specified for working the edging, which is a detail that contributes to the vest's refined, finished look.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch pattern used throughout the body of the Sidney Two-Way Vest is the Open Basketweave. This is a textured stitch pattern that creates a woven, grid-like appearance on the fabric surface, adding visual interest and depth without being overly complex. It is worked over a repeating sequence of knit and purl stitches arranged to mimic the over-and-under structure of a woven basket. The gauge for this pattern is 18 stitches and 28 rows to 4 inches (10 cm) in Open Basketweave, making it important for knitters to swatch carefully before casting on.

The pattern also references the following special techniques and increase methods:

• K1-f/b (Knit 1 Front and Back): A simple one-stitch increase worked by knitting into the front and then the back loop of the same stitch, resulting in one additional stitch.
• M1 (Make 1): A lifted increase worked by picking up the bar between two stitches and knitting into it, creating a nearly invisible increase — commonly used in garment shaping.
• Armhole shaping: Achieved through a series of bound-off stitches at the beginning of rows, tapering from larger to smaller bind-offs to create a smooth, curved armhole.

Materials

The yarn specified for this pattern is Tahki Donegal Tweed Fine, a 4-ply weight yarn with a fiber composition of 70% Wool and 30% Mohair. Each ball weighs 1.75 oz (50g) and contains approximately 218 yards (199m). The colorway used in the original sample is #2704 light gray. Depending on size, the pattern calls for 5 to 7 balls of yarn. The wool-mohair blend gives the fabric a characteristic softness and a subtle halo, while the Donegal character of the yarn introduces flecks of color typical of traditional Irish tweed, lending the vest a timeless, artisan quality.

Additional notions required include stitch holders, stitch markers, and a yarn needle for finishing and seaming.

Who Is This Pattern For?

Rated as intermediate in difficulty, the Sidney Two-Way Vest is well suited to knitters who are comfortable with flat knitting, basic garment shaping, and working textured stitch patterns. The combination of the