Kenmare Vest in Tahki Yarns Donegal Tweed - Downloadable PDF

Kenmare Vest in Tahki Yarns Donegal Tweed — Pattern Summary

The Kenmare Vest is a classic knitted waistcoat designed by Susan Mills and published as a downloadable PDF pattern by Tahki Stacy Charles Inc. Worked in the rich, textured Tahki Yarns Donegal Tweed Fine, this vest is rated Easy, making it an excellent project for beginner to confident beginner knitters who want to build skills while producing a polished, wearable garment. The design is constructed bottom-up and seamed, following a traditional construction method that results in a well-structured, tailored fit.

What Is Being Made

The Kenmare Vest is a sleeveless pullover vest — sometimes called a waistcoat — designed to be worn as a layering piece or standalone top. It is available in six sizes ranging from XS to 2XL, with finished bust measurements spanning 34 to 54 inches (86.5 to 137 cm) and lengths ranging from 22 to 25 inches (56 to 63.5 cm). The generous size range makes this pattern accessible to a wide variety of body types.

Construction and Techniques

The Kenmare Vest is knitted flat in separate pieces using a bottom-up, seamed construction. This means the front and back are worked individually from the cast-on edge upward, then joined at the shoulders and sides using a yarn needle. This traditional approach is ideal for beginner knitters because it allows each piece to be worked in manageable sections, and seaming adds structure and durability to the finished garment.

• Bottom-up construction: Each piece begins at the lower hem and is worked upward toward the shoulder, allowing for easy length adjustments before shaping begins.
• Seamed finishing: The completed pieces are sewn together using a yarn needle, a foundational technique that gives the vest a clean, professional finish.
• Shoulder shaping: The pattern includes shaped shoulders, adding a refined, fitted silhouette rather than a simple straight cast-off.
• Incremental increases: The pattern uses a series of increase rows worked at regular intervals to shape the body, building width gradually for a smooth, even silhouette. For the 2XL size, for example, increase rows are worked in a carefully sequenced repeat to achieve 174 stitches before shoulder shaping begins.

Stitches Used

The Kenmare Vest features two primary stitch patterns that work together to create visual interest and a flattering texture:

• K2, P2 Rib: A classic two-by-two ribbing stitch worked on a multiple of 4 stitches plus 2. On right-side rows, the pattern reads K2, *p2, k2; repeat from * to end, and on wrong-side rows, P2, *k2, p2; repeat from * to end. This rib is typically used at the hem and edges to provide elasticity and a neat, structured border.
• Broken Rib: The main body fabric is worked in Broken Rib, a stitch pattern that creates a subtle, elongated texture. The gauge for this stitch is 24 stitches and 40 rows to 4 inches (as noted for the 2XL size), indicating a relatively dense, stable fabric well suited to a structured vest.

Both stitches are beginner-friendly, relying entirely on knit and purl combinations with no cables, lace, or colorwork involved. This makes the pattern approachable while still producing a fabric with visual depth and tactile interest.

Materials

Yarn: Tahki Yarns Donegal Tweed Fine

The pattern calls for Tahki Yarns Donegal Tweed Fine, a worsted weight yarn with a composition of 70% wool and 30% mohair. Each skein contains 1.75 oz / 50 g and approximately 218 yards / 199 meters. The colorway specified in the pattern is #2720 Eggplant, a deep, rich purple-toned shade that complements the rustic character of tweed.

• XS: 5 s