Kiss Of North

Kiss Of North Knit Vest by Melissa Schaschwary

What Is Being Made

Kiss Of North is a laid-back knit vest designed for a relaxed, weekend lifestyle aesthetic. This downloadable knitting pattern creates a sleeveless garment that works across multiple sizes, from extra small through 2X-large, with bust measurements ranging from 28 to 50 inches. The vest is designed as a casual layering piece suitable for intermediate knitters.

Knitting Techniques Used

This pattern employs fundamental knitting techniques appropriate for intermediate-level crafters. The vest is constructed by working back and forth on circular needles, a common method for creating flat pieces in knitting. The pattern uses stockinette stitch as the primary fabric structure, which creates the classic smooth, V-shaped knit texture on the right side and horizontal bumps on the wrong side. Shaping is achieved through basic decreasing methods to form the garment's silhouette.

Stitches and Abbreviations

The pattern utilizes essential knitting stitches and techniques:

• Cast on (C/O): The foundation method for creating initial stitches
• Knit (K): The primary stitch forming the main fabric
• Purl (P): The reverse stitch used for texture and pattern variation
• Knit two together (K2tog): A right-leaning decrease used for shaping
• Purl two together (P2tog): A decrease worked on purl rows
• Bind off (B/O): The finishing technique to secure final stitches

Materials and Yarn Specifications

Kiss Of North is designed to work with Cascade Ecological Wool yarn in heavy worsted or light bulky weight. Yardage requirements vary by size: sizes XS through L require 2 skeins totaling 478 yards, while sizes XL and 2XL require 3 skeins (though the third skein may only be partially used). The pattern calls for US size 13 (9mm) circular needles measuring 24 inches in length, which accommodate the flat working method. Additional materials include a darning needle for weaving in yarn ends and 6 optional buttons (1.25 inch size) for decorative closure, as the pattern does not include button holes.

Gauge and Sizing

Achieving proper gauge is essential for this project. The pattern specifies a gauge of 3 stitches and 4 rows over 1 inch in stockinette stitch. This gauge measurement ensures the finished vest will fit to the intended measurements. The pattern provides six size options with cast-on stitch counts ranging from 64 to 78 stitches, allowing customization for different body measurements.