Dyvest

Dyvest Unisex Knit Waistcoat by Affiknity

What is Being Made

The Dyvest is a unisex knit waistcoat designed by independent designer affiknity. This intermediate-level knitting project features a sophisticated cable stitch pattern down the front, with finished chest sizes ranging from 17.5 to 29.5 inches, making it suitable for various body sizes. The vest showcases an attractive V-neck design and is constructed using a bottom-up knitting method.

Key Design Features

• Unisex fit with cable stitch detailing down the front
• Staghorn cable pattern that branches seamlessly into half-staghorn stitch on either side of the V-neck
• V-neck construction highlighted by the half-staghorn stitch transition
• Seven size options with finished chest measurements: 17.5, 19.5, 21.5, 23.5, 25.5, 27.5, and 29.5 inches

Knitting Techniques Used

The Dyvest employs several intermediate knitting techniques. The primary method is bottom-up construction, where the garment is knit from the lower edge upward until the armhole. At the armhole, the front and back pieces are split and worked separately to create the vest shape. The cable stitches featured in this pattern are designed to be straightforward and can be executed without cable needles when needed, using plain rows without decreases for easier execution.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette Stitch – used for body sections with a gauge of 16 stitches x 22 rows over 4 inches after blocking
• Staghorn Cable Stitch – the featured decorative pattern down the front with a gauge of 20 stitches x 20 rows over 3.5 inches
• Half-Staghorn Stitch – used on either side of the V-neck as a seamless branch from the main staghorn cable

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Dyvest pattern calls for Bessie May Nettle yarn in the Aran weight (10 Ply classification). This yarn is a blend of 70% wool and 30% plant fiber, offering both durability and natural texture. Yardage requirements vary by size: 300 yards for the smallest size (17.5"), increasing to 450 yards for the largest size (29.5"). The yarn provides 87 yards per 50-gram skein.

Needles and Notions

Knitters should use US #7 (4.5 mm) needles, or the size required to obtain the specified gauge. The pattern accommodates different needle preferences, allowing for either circular needles or double-pointed needles (DPNs). Additional notions required include stitch markers, split stitch markers or safety pins for marking sections, a darning needle for weaving in ends, and stitch holders or waste yarn for holding stitches during construction.

Gauge and Blocking

Achieving proper gauge is essential for this project. The stockinette stitch sections should measure 16 stitches x 22 rows over 4 inches after blocking, while the Staghorn Cable Stitch areas should measure 20 stitches x 20 rows over 3.5 inches. Post-blocking measurements ensure accurate finished dimensions and proper drape of the completed waistcoat.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters with some experience. While the cable stitches are described as simple and can be worked without cable needles, the combination of multiple stitch patterns, V-neck shaping, and the split construction at the armhole require intermediate-level skills and attention to pattern details.