V Neck and Hooded Waistcoats in Sirdar Imagination Chunky - 8061 - Downloadable PDF

Sirdar Imagination Chunky V Neck & Hooded Waistcoats – Pattern 8061

Pattern 8061 from Sirdar is a downloadable PDF knitting pattern featuring two distinct sleeveless waistcoat designs: a classic V Neck Waistcoat and a contemporary Hooded Waistcoat. Both garments are worked in Sirdar Imagination Chunky, a chunky-weight yarn that creates warm, substantial fabric with a beautifully textured finish. This is an intermediate-level knitting pattern, making it an excellent project for knitters who are comfortable with basic shaping and are ready to develop their skills further.

The pattern includes an impressive range of sizes, covering bust measurements from 81/86 cm (32/34 in) through to 132/137 cm (52/54 in), with actual garment measurements spanning 97 cm to 149 cm across the chest. Full lengths range from 75 cm to 88 cm depending on size, making these generously proportioned, wearable layering pieces suitable for a wide range of body types.

Design One: V Neck Waistcoat

The V Neck Waistcoat is a timeless, versatile design featuring a neat V-shaped neckline that flatters a wide range of figures. It is worked in Sirdar Imagination Chunky shade 002, and requires 5 to 8 balls of 100g yarn depending on size. The V neck opening is finished with a neat neckband, and the front opening fastens with 4 buttons, giving it a smart, structured appearance suited to both casual and smart-casual wear.

The V Neck Waistcoat is knitted flat in pieces and features standard garment shaping including armhole and neckline decreases. A 5½mm circular needle (UK5 – USA9) in 100 cm length is used for picking up and working the neckband or front band, which is a common technique for achieving a smooth, professional finish on button bands and V necklines in chunky knitwear.

Design Two: Hooded Waistcoat

The Hooded Waistcoat offers a more relaxed, contemporary silhouette, featuring a generous attached hood in place of a traditional neckline finish. This design is worked in Sirdar Imagination Chunky shade 003 and also requires 5 to 8 balls of 100g yarn across the size range. The hood adds both visual interest and practical warmth, making this version ideal as a cosy layering piece for cooler weather.

The hood is typically constructed by picking up stitches around the neckline after the main body pieces are complete and working upward, then seaming across the top — a satisfying technique that introduces knitters to integrated hood construction without the complexity of a full hooded jacket or coat.

Techniques and Stitches Used

Both waistcoat designs are worked using classic knitting techniques appropriate for an intermediate knitter. Key techniques and stitches featured across the pattern include:

• Stocking stitch – the primary fabric stitch used throughout both garments, creating a smooth, flat knitted surface that showcases the texture of Imagination Chunky
• Rib stitch – typically used for welts, cuffs, and lower hems to provide stretch and a neat, elasticated edge
• Armhole shaping – worked through decreases to create a clean, fitted sleeveless armhole
• Neckline shaping – V-neck decreases on the V Neck Waistcoat; rounded neckline shaping on the Hooded version to accommodate the hood
• Shoulder shaping – standard cast-off shaping to create a well-fitted shoulder line
• Picking up stitches – used for the front bands, neckband, and hood attachment using the circular needle
• Stitch holders – used to hold live stitches during neckline and shoulder shaping for later finishing
• Cable needle – referenced in the materials list, suggesting a cable or textured panel detail may feature within one or both designs

Materials and Needles

Both designs are worked