Waistcoat in Sirdar Alpine - 8279 - Downloadable PDF

Waistcoat in Sirdar Alpine 8279 – Knitting Pattern Summary

This intermediate-level knitting pattern, published by Sirdar under pattern number 8279 (style reference S6787), provides full instructions for knitting a classic sleeveless waistcoat. Designed to be worked entirely in stocking stitch, this is a versatile, wardrobe-friendly piece that suits a wide range of sizes and is an excellent project for knitters who are comfortable with basic shaping techniques and ready to move beyond beginner-level garments.

What Is Being Made

The pattern produces a knitted waistcoat — a sleeveless, tailored upper-body garment worked in separate pieces (Back and Left Front are referenced in the pattern, indicating a classic construction with separate front and back panels). The finished garment features shaped armholes and is designed to sit comfortably over the bust with a neat, structured silhouette. It is suitable for everyday wear and can be layered over shirts, blouses, or knitwear.

The waistcoat is available in six sizes, fitting bust measurements from 81/86 cm (32/34 in) through to 132/137 cm (52/54 in). Actual finished measurements range from 92 cm (36¼ in) to 141 cm (55½ in) at the chest, providing a comfortable, relaxed fit across all sizes. Full lengths range from 50 cm (19¾ in) to 63 cm (24¾ in) depending on the size chosen, making this a mid-length waistcoat that sits at or just below the hip.

Materials Required

The pattern is designed specifically for Sirdar Alpine yarn, used in shade 406. Sirdar Alpine is a DK weight yarn, and the pattern calls for between 6 and 11 balls of 50g depending on the size being knitted — specifically:

• 6 balls for size 32/34 in
• 7 balls for size 36/38 in
• 8 balls for size 40/42 in
• 9 balls for size 44/46 in
• 10 balls for size 48/50 in
• 11 balls for size 52/54 in

The pattern notes that yarn quantities are based on average requirements when the specified tension and yarn are used. Only one pair of 10mm (UK 000 / USA 15) knitting needles is required, making this a straightforward project in terms of equipment.

Note: Although Sirdar Alpine is classified as a DK weight yarn, the use of 10mm needles — significantly larger than those typically associated with DK yarn — suggests the yarn may be worked held multiple strands together or that Alpine has a particularly lofty, chunky character that benefits from larger needles to achieve the correct drape and tension. Always check the ball band and tension swatch before beginning.

Tension

The stated tension is 17 stitches and 24 rows to 20 cm (8 in) measured over stocking stitch on 10mm needles. The pattern strongly emphasises the importance of achieving this tension before beginning, advising knitters to switch to a thinner needle if fewer stitches are produced and a thicker needle if more stitches result. Achieving the correct tension is essential to ensure the finished waistcoat matches the stated measurements.

Techniques Used

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, and the construction involves a number of shaping and knitting techniques that go beyond basic knit-and-purl work:

• Thumb method cast on — used for casting on stitches at the beginning of the back and front pieces, this is a stretchy and popular cast-on method well suited to garment edges
• Armhole shaping — the pattern includes decreasing at each end of rows to shape the armholes, with specific instructions varying by size (for example, working decrease rows on every row or every alternate row depending on the size)
• Decreasing — worked by knitting or purling stitches together (tog), with decreases applied