Bonnie Waistcoat in Rowan Baby Cashsoft Merino (EN) - RB002-00007-ENP - Downloadable PDF

Bonnie Waistcoat by Erika Knight in Rowan Baby Cashsoft Merino – Pattern Summary

About This Pattern

The Bonnie Waistcoat is a charming baby knitting pattern designed by Erika Knight and published by Rowan (pattern reference RB002-00007-ENP). This pattern produces a neat, fitted waistcoat (sleeveless vest) sized for babies from 0–3 months up to 9–12 months, with actual chest measurements ranging from 38.5 cm to 43.5 cm (approximately 15¼ to 17 inches). It is rated as an intermediate skill level project, making it an ideal next step for knitters who are comfortable with basic techniques and ready to tackle simple shaping and neck finishing.

What Is Being Made

The finished garment is a classic baby waistcoat — a sleeveless, close-fitting upper-body garment designed to layer over babygrows, bodysuits, or long-sleeved tops. Its clean, structured silhouette and ribbed texture give it a timeless, elegant look. The pattern is photographed in two colourways: Puddle 126 and Duckling 124, showcasing how the design works beautifully in both cool and warm tones.

Yarn and Materials

The pattern offers two yarn options from the Rowan range:

• Rowan Baby Cashsoft Merino – a luxuriously soft 4-ply weight yarn, blending the natural warmth of merino wool with the gentle softness of cashmere, making it ideal for delicate baby skin. Photographed in Puddle 126 and Duckling 124. Quantity required: 1 x 50g ball for sizes 0–3, 3–6, and 6–9 months; 2 x 50g balls for 9–12 months.
• Rowan Summerlite DK – an alternative yarn option photographed in Moon 478. Note that while this is a DK-weight yarn, it is listed as a substitute option within the pattern. Quantity required: 1 x 50g ball for sizes 0–3, 3–6, and 6–9 months; 2 x 50g balls for 9–12 months.

Knitters should select appropriate needles suited to the chosen yarn and gauge requirements as specified in the full pattern instructions.

Techniques Used

The Bonnie Waistcoat employs a range of shaping and construction techniques that make it a rewarding intermediate project:

• Back neck shaping – stitches are divided and worked separately on each side of the neck, creating a neat, shaped neckline. Decreases are worked over several rows to achieve a smooth curve.
• Shoulder seam finishing – remaining shoulder stitches are left on holders and joined using a seaming technique, giving the garment a tidy, professional finish.
• Stitch holder usage – stitches are placed on holders at key shaping points, a standard intermediate technique for managing live stitches during construction.
• Decreasing – both sl 1, K1, psso (slip 1, knit 1, pass slipped stitch over) and K2tog (knit two together) are used to create paired, symmetrical decreases at armhole and neck edges, giving the shaping a neat, mirrored appearance.
• Working in the round or flat – sections are worked flat, turning at the end of each row, with right-side (RS) and wrong-side (WS) rows clearly distinguished throughout.

Stitches Used

The construction of the Bonnie Waistcoat relies primarily on the following stitches and stitch patterns:

• Rib stitch – the main body fabric of the waistcoat is worked in a rib pattern, which creates a stretchy, textured fabric with excellent recovery. Ribbing is maintained throughout the body and into