Lisbet Vest in MODE at Rowan Cotton DK

Lisbet Vest in Mode at Rowan Cotton DK – Pattern Summary

The Lisbet Vest is a knitted vest designed by Quail Studio, worked in Mode at Rowan Cotton DK yarn. This is an intermediate-level knitting pattern available as a downloadable PDF (pattern reference MIP51-ENPLISBET). The design is a classic button-front vest featuring a structured textured stitch pattern, making it a versatile layering piece suitable for a wide range of sizes.

Sizing and Fit

The Lisbet Vest is offered in nine sizes, designed to fit chest measurements ranging from 71–76 cm (28–30 in) up to 152–157 cm (60–62 in). The garment is worked with positive ease; actual finished chest measurements range from 86 cm (33¾ in) to 166 cm (65¼ in), ensuring a comfortable, relaxed fit across all sizes.

Design and Construction

The Lisbet Vest is constructed in separate pieces — a back, a left front, and a right front — which are then seamed together. The pattern includes shoulder shaping and references to matching front piece lengths to the back at the start of shoulder shaping, indicating a traditionally assembled garment structure. A button band is worked using a long circular needle, finishing the front opening neatly.

• Back: Cast on ranges from 90 to 174 stitches depending on size, worked without shaping until the piece reaches the shoulder shaping point.
• Fronts: Each front is worked to match the back length before shoulder shaping begins, ensuring symmetry.
• Button band: Worked in the round or flat using 4mm circular needles measuring at least 100 cm, accommodating the full front opening.

Stitch Patterns and Techniques

The Lisbet Vest uses a two-row repeating stitch pattern that creates a subtle texture across the body of the vest:

• Row 1 (RS): K1, P1 repeated across — a classic moss stitch or seed stitch setup row.
• Row 2: Purl across.

This combination of a knit-purl rib-like right-side row followed by a purl wrong-side row creates a textured, slightly raised fabric that holds its shape well in cotton yarn. The alternating knit and purl stitches on the right side give the vest visual interest without complex colorwork or cable techniques, making it approachable for intermediate knitters who are comfortable with basic stitch manipulation and garment construction.

Key Techniques Used

• Moss/seed stitch variation for the main body pattern
• Stitch holder usage for managing live stitches during shaping
• Stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points
• Shoulder shaping worked at the top of both back and front pieces
• Button band construction using circular needles
• Seaming to join front and back pieces

Materials and Tools

The pattern calls for Mode at Rowan Cotton DK, a DK weight yarn sold in 50g balls. The sample shown in the pattern photography is worked in Sapphire 015. Yarn quantities range from 7 balls for the smallest size up to 16 balls for the largest size. Cotton DK yarn is well suited to a vest like this — it is breathable, has excellent stitch definition to showcase the textured pattern, and provides a crisp, structured drape ideal for a layering garment.

Needles and Notions

• 4mm (US 6 / UK No. 8) straight needles — used for the main body pieces
• 4mm (US 6 / UK No. 8) circular needles at least 100 cm long