Duncan Vest in Erika Knight British Blue 100 - Downloadable PDF

Duncan Vest by Erika Knight – Knitted Slim Fit Men's Slipover in British Blue 100

The Duncan Vest is a sophisticated, slim-fitting men's slipover designed by Erika Knight and knitted in her signature British Blue 100 yarn. Combining classic vertical and horizontal rib pattern stitches, this vest delivers a refined, structured silhouette that works equally well as a layering piece or a standalone garment. The pattern is available as a downloadable PDF for home printing, making it easy to access and reference at your knitting station.

Garment Overview

Duncan is a men's sleeveless vest — sometimes called a slipover or waistcoat — worked in a combination of vertical and horizontal rib patterns. The slim fit is carefully graded across five sizes, and the design incorporates short row shoulder shaping for a polished, professional finish. It is rated as an intermediate level knitting project, making it an excellent challenge for knitters who are comfortable with basic techniques and ready to develop their skills further.

Sizes and Finished Measurements

• XS: Finished chest 98cm / 38½in, length 61cm / 24in, armhole depth 21cm / 8¼in
• S: Finished chest 104cm / 41in, length 63cm / 24¾in, armhole depth 22cm / 8¾in
• M: Finished chest 110cm / 43½in, length 63cm / 24¾in, armhole depth 23cm / 9in
• L: Finished chest 116cm / 45½in, length 65cm / 25¾in, armhole depth 24cm / 9½in
• XL: Finished chest 122cm / 48in, length 67cm / 26¼in, armhole depth 25cm / 10in

Techniques Used

The Duncan Vest employs a range of knitting techniques that give it its structured, tailored appearance. The combination of vertical and horizontal rib patterning creates visual interest and natural stretch across the body of the garment. Short row shaping is used at the shoulders, a technique that allows knitters to create angled or curved sections of fabric without casting off, resulting in a neater, more comfortable shoulder seam. Short rows on both knit and purl rows are fully explained within the pattern, with clear instructions for wrapping the slipped stitch to avoid holes in the fabric.

• Vertical and horizontal rib patterning – creates texture and structure throughout the body
• Short row shoulder shaping – worked on both knit and purl rows with wrapped stitches for a smooth finish
• Decreasing – including P2tog (purl two stitches together) and working stitches through the back loop (tbl) for neat, directional shaping
• Stitch holder usage – stitches are placed on holders to be returned to later, a common technique in garment construction
• Circular needle usage – a 3.75mm circular needle is specified for picking up and working the armhole or neckband edgings
• Tension/gauge swatch – the pattern requires 23 stitches and 30 rows to 10cm / 4in measured over stocking stitch using 3.75mm needles

Stitches Used

• Stocking stitch / Stockinette stitch (St st) – the foundation stitch used for tension measurement and structural sections
• Vertical rib – columns of knit and purl stitches running lengthwise for elasticity and texture
• Horizontal rib – rows of knit and purl stitches alternating across the fabric for contrast and surface interest
• Purl (P) and Knit (K) stitches throughout
• P2tog – purl two stitches together, used in shaping
• Tbl (through back loop) – a technique used to twist stitches and create tighter, neater decreases

Materials