Vest in Hayfield Soft Twist - 10327 - Downloadable PDF

Hayfield Soft Twist Vest – Pattern 10327 by Sirdar: A Detailed Summary

This downloadable PDF knitting pattern, numbered 10327 and published by Sirdar, provides full instructions for knitting a classic sleeveless vest (also known as a slipover) using Hayfield Soft Twist Double Knitting yarn. Designed with a clean, timeless silhouette, this vest is an ideal project for beginner knitters looking to build confidence with garment construction while producing a wearable, everyday wardrobe staple.

What Is Being Made

The pattern produces a sleeveless vest worked in a straightforward style suited to casual or smart-casual wear. The garment features a classic shaped body with armhole and neckline shaping, making it an excellent introduction to garment knitting beyond simple flat pieces. The vest is designed to be worn over shirts or on its own, offering versatility across seasons.

The pattern covers six sizes, ranging from Small through to XXXL, accommodating chest measurements from 81/86 cm (32/34 inches) up to 132/137 cm (52/54 inches). Finished garment widths range from 109 cm (43 inches) to 160 cm (63¼ inches), and full lengths range from 57 cm (22½ inches) to 67 cm (26½ inches), ensuring an inclusive and comfortable fit across a wide range of body types.

Yarn and Materials

The specified yarn is Hayfield Soft Twist Double Knitting, shade 251 Ivory, product code F121, available in 100g balls. The quantity required depends on size:

• Small and Medium: 3 balls
• Large and XL: 4 balls
• XXL and XXXL: 5 balls

Hayfield Soft Twist DK is a popular double knitting weight yarn known for its gentle, soft texture and smooth finish, making it comfortable against the skin and easy to work with — particularly well-suited to beginner knitters. The Ivory shade gives the finished vest a clean, neutral appearance that pairs easily with a wide range of outfits.

In addition to yarn, the following materials are required:

• One pair of 4mm knitting needles (UK size 8 / USA size 6) — used for the main body fabric
• One pair of 3¼mm knitting needles (UK size 10 / USA size 3) — used for ribbing and borders
• A stitch holder — used to hold stitches during neckline shaping

Tension

The pattern specifies a tension of 22 stitches and 28 rows to 10 cm (4 inches) measured over stocking stitch using 4mm needles. Achieving the correct tension is important in garment knitting, as it directly affects the finished dimensions of the vest. Knitters are encouraged to work a tension swatch before beginning and to adjust needle size if necessary to match the stated gauge.

Techniques and Construction

The vest is constructed using standard flat knitting techniques, meaning the front and back pieces are worked separately and then seamed together. This method is well-suited to beginners as it avoids the complexity of working in the round and allows each piece to be managed independently.

Key construction techniques featured in this pattern include:

• Flat knitting — working back and forth in rows on straight needles
• Seaming — joining the front and back pieces at the shoulders and side seams upon completion
• Armhole shaping — using increases and decreases to create a neat, fitted armhole opening
• Neckline shaping — working decreases and using a stitch holder to shape the neck opening symmetrically
• Ribbed borders — worked on the smaller 3¼mm needles to create neat, elasticated edges at the hem, armholes, and neckline

Stitches