Univers Vest in Berroco Renew - Downloadable PDF

Univers Vest in Berroco Renew

What Is Being Made

The Univers Vest is an intermediate-level knitted vest designed by Mel Kennelly. This garment is available in nine sizes ranging from 36" to 72" bust circumference, offering versatility for various body types. The vest features a finished length ranging from approximately 18¼" to 24" depending on size, making it suitable as a layering piece or standalone garment. The design is shown in a 40" bust size and incorporates a three-color colorwork pattern using Berroco Renew yarn.

Techniques Used

This vest employs colorwork knitting as its primary design technique, utilizing three distinct colors throughout the garment. The pattern requires knitters to work with multiple yarn colors simultaneously, which is characteristic of intermediate-level projects. Blocking is an essential finishing technique for this project, as gauge measurements are taken after the garment has been blocked to ensure accurate finished dimensions. The construction involves working with both smaller and larger needles to create different fabric densities, with ribbed edging worked on the smaller needle size for structure and body sections worked on the larger needle size for the main fabric.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch used in the Univers Vest is Stockinette Stitch (St st), which creates a smooth, classic knitted fabric. Ribbing, likely knit-purl combinations, is used for the edgings to provide elasticity and a finished appearance. The colorwork pattern is integrated into the stockinette stitch base, requiring knitters to carry yarn colors and manage multiple strands while maintaining consistent tension.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Univers Vest is designed to be knitted with Berroco Renew, a worsted-weight yarn. The pattern calls for three colors from the Berroco Renew line: #1373 Galah (C1), #1310 Axolotis (C2), and #1368 Grasshopper (C3). Yarn requirements vary by size, ranging from 2 to 6 balls of each color depending on the finished bust measurement selected. Each ball of Berroco Renew weighs 50 grams.

Knitting needles required include US size 4 / 3.5 mm needles for ribbed edgings and a 16" / 40 cm circular needle in size 4 / 3.5 mm for working the neckline and other circular sections. The main body is worked on US size 6 / 4 mm needles. Knitters should select needle size based on achieving the required gauge of 21 stitches and 29 rows per 4" / 10 cm in Stockinette Stitch using the larger needle. Additional notions include 2 stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points, and a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends and seaming if necessary.

Sizing and Fit

The Univers Vest accommodates a wide range of sizes with nine options: (36, 40, 44) inches in the smallest range, [48, 52, 56, 60] inches in the medium range, and {64, 68, 72} inches in the largest range. The pattern recommends approximately 2–4" / 5–10 cm of positive ease for comfortable wear. Length options range from 18¼" for smaller sizes to 24" for the largest size, allowing customization for different proportions.