Trellis Rib Vest

Trellis Rib Vest by Sharon Slarke

What Is Being Made

The Trellis Rib Vest is a sleeveless lace rib waistcoat designed by Sharon Slarke as a beginner-friendly knitting project. This cotton vest features an elegant openwork stitch pattern combined with ribbed texture, creating a sophisticated garment suitable for layering or wearing as a standalone piece. The vest is available in three sizes with chest measurements of 84cm (33 inches), 90cm (35½ inches), and 96cm (37¾ inches).

Design and Construction

The Trellis Rib Vest showcases minimal shaping, making it an excellent choice for knitters new to garment construction. The only shaping element involves casting off for a square neckline, which simplifies the overall construction process. This straightforward approach allows knitters to focus on mastering the stitch pattern rather than managing complex decreases or increases throughout the body of the garment.

Stitch Pattern and Techniques

The signature stitch pattern is called Trellis Rib Stitch, which originates from volume three of a 1980s English knitting series titled Creative Knitting. This stitch pattern works over a multiple of 8 stitches plus 3 additional stitches and combines several fundamental knitting techniques:

• Yarn Forward (yf) – Creates openwork lace elements by increasing stitches
• Slip Stitch and Pass Slip Stitch Over (psso) – Decreases stitches to balance the yarn forwards and create the characteristic trellis openwork effect
• Knit Stitches (k) – Form the ribbed structure between lace sections
• Double Decreases (sl 1, k2tog, psso) – Central decreases that shape the lace pattern

The pattern requires careful attention to stitch counts, as yarn forwards and pass slip stitch over decreases can easily be miscounted or forgotten during knitting. The designer recommends counting stitches frequently throughout the project to maintain pattern accuracy.

Materials and Gauge

The Trellis Rib Vest is constructed using DK weight yarn (also called 8ply), with the original design calling for Heirloom 8ply cotton. This 100% cotton yarn is supplied in 50-gram balls, with each ball containing approximately 120 meters (131 yards). The pattern requires 5 balls for the smallest size, 6 balls for the two larger sizes.

Knitters should use 4mm needles or whatever needle size is required to achieve the specified gauge. The pattern includes a stitch holder for managing stitches during construction. The recommended gauge is 26.5 stitches and 30 rows to 10 centimeters (4 inches) when working the Trellis Rib Stitch on 4mm needles, measured slightly stretched in unwashed fabric. Checking gauge before beginning is essential to ensure the finished vest meets the intended measurements.

Yarn Alternatives

While the pattern specifies Heirloom 8ply cotton, any DK weight or 8ply yarn can be substituted, provided the knitter adjusts needle size as needed to achieve the specified gauge. This flexibility allows knitters to choose yarn based on personal preference, budget, and desired drape characteristics.

Difficulty Level

The Trellis Rib Vest is rated as a beginner knitting project, making it accessible to knitters with basic skills in casting on, knitting, purling, and binding off. The straightforward construction with minimal shaping, combined with a repeating stitch pattern, provides an ideal project for developing competency with lace techniques and garment assembly.