Waistcoat in Sirdar Harrap Tweed DK - 7394 - Downloadable PDF

Sirdar Harrap Tweed DK Waistcoat Knitting Pattern (7394) – Full Pattern Summary

This downloadable PDF knitting pattern from Sirdar provides complete instructions for knitting a classic waistcoat (also known as a vest) in Sirdar Harrap Tweed DK yarn. The pattern is designed to suit a wide range of sizes, making it an excellent choice for knitters looking to create a versatile, timeless layering piece for both children and adults. The finished waistcoat features a neat, structured silhouette with button fastenings, making it suitable for casual and smart-casual occasions alike.

Sizing and Fit

The pattern covers six sizes, ranging from a chest measurement of 61/66 cm (24/26 in) up to 112/117 cm (44/46 in), accommodating children through to larger adult sizes. The actual finished measurements range from 67 cm (26½ in) to 118 cm (46½ in) across the chest, providing a comfortable, slightly eased fit. Full lengths range from 36 cm (14 in) for the smallest size up to 62 cm (24½ in) for the largest, giving the garment well-proportioned coverage across all sizes.

What Is Being Made

The finished project is a knitted waistcoat — a sleeveless, button-front garment worked in the round and flat knitting techniques. It features shaped armholes and a structured body, with neat edges created using garter stitch borders before transitioning to the main body fabric. The button band and finishing details give the waistcoat a polished, ready-to-wear appearance. The design is clean and unfussy, allowing the natural texture and colour of the tweed yarn to take centre stage.

Techniques Used

• Thumb method cast on — used to begin the back and front sections, creating a neat, elastic edge well suited to the garter stitch border
• Garter stitch borders — worked at the lower edges to provide a firm, non-curling hem before the main body begins
• Stocking stitch (st-st) — the primary fabric of the waistcoat body, worked throughout on the larger needles to create a smooth, classic knitted surface
• Armhole shaping — achieved through decreasing stitches at each end of rows, including decreases on every row and on alternate rows, to create a neat, fitted armhole
• Decreasing (dec) — used throughout for shaping at armholes and other structural points, worked by knitting or purling stitches together (tog)
• Needle changes — the pattern moves from smaller 3¼ mm needles for the border to larger 4 mm needles for the main body, a standard technique for achieving correct tension and a professional finish

Stitches Used

• Garter stitch (g-st) — every row knitted, forming a ridged, reversible fabric used for the hem borders and edgings
• Stocking stitch (st-st) — alternating knit and purl rows to produce a smooth, flat fabric on the right side; this is the main body stitch throughout the pattern
• Knit (k) and purl (p) — the two fundamental stitches from which all fabric in this pattern is constructed
• Yarn forward (yfwd) — referenced in the abbreviations, typically used to create a small eyelet, often employed in buttonhole construction

Materials Required

The pattern calls for Sirdar Harrap Tweed DK yarn, available in shades 102 and 103, in 50g balls. The quantity required varies by size: 2 balls for the smallest size up to 6 balls for the two largest sizes. Harrap Tweed DK is a characterful double knitting weight yarn with a tweedy, rustic texture that adds visual interest and depth to simple stitch patterns such as stocking stitch.

The pattern also notes that it is suitable for alternative Sirdar yarns, including Country