Boys Waistcoat in Bergere de France Coton Fifty - 67531-16 - Downloadable PDF

Boys Waistcoat Knitting Pattern – Bergere de France Coton Fifty (Pattern 67531-16)

This intermediate-level knitting pattern produces a classic boys' waistcoat (vest), available in five children's sizes: 4 years, 6 years, 8 years, 10 years, and 12 years, with finished chest measurements ranging from 48 cm to 72 cm (19 in to 28¼ in). The pattern is published by Bergere de France and is available as a downloadable PDF, making it easy to access and print at home. The finished garment is a neat, structured waistcoat suitable for everyday wear or smarter occasions, featuring toggle fastenings and a ribbon lining detail for a polished, traditional look.

Yarn and Materials

The pattern is worked in Bergere de France Coton Fifty, a 4-ply weight cotton blend yarn, in the shade Ficelle (colourway 23906). A key construction detail is that two strands of yarn are held together throughout the entire project, which creates a denser, more structured fabric than a single strand would produce, and gives the waistcoat its body and durability. Depending on the size being knitted, between 4 and 7 balls of Coton Fifty are required.

• Yarn: Bergere de France Coton Fifty, shade Ficelle (ref. 23906)
• Yarn weight: 4-ply, worked double throughout
• Balls required: 4 balls (4 yrs) up to 7 balls (12 yrs)
• Needle size: 4.5 mm knitting needles
• Toggles: 4 beige toggles, 20 mm, ref. 42544 (sold in packs of 6)
• Ribbon: Linen taffeta ribbon, 15 mm wide, ref. 33278 (sold in 1.5 m lengths)
• Thread: Gutermann ecru sewing thread, ref. 32905

Techniques and Construction

The waistcoat is knitted flat using 4.5 mm needles and is constructed in separate pieces that are seamed together during finishing. The use of two strands of 4-ply yarn held together is a classic technique that effectively mimics a heavier yarn weight while retaining the softness and breathability of the cotton fibre — ideal for a children's garment worn close to the skin or over a shirt.

Stitches Used

• Moss Stitch (Seed Stitch): The primary stitch pattern used throughout the waistcoat body. Moss stitch is created by alternating knit and purl stitches across each row, then offsetting them on the following row so that knit stitches sit above purl stitches and vice versa. This produces a beautifully textured, non-curling fabric that is particularly well suited to a waistcoat, as it lies flat at the edges without the need for a separate border.

Shaping Details

The pattern includes detailed shaping instructions for a well-fitted finish across all five sizes. Armhole shaping begins when the work reaches between 22 cm and 34 cm (depending on size), at which point stitches are cast off at the beginning of right-side rows, followed by a straight row. Subsequent decreases are worked using k3tog or p3tog (knitting or purling three stitches together) to maintain the moss stitch pattern while reducing stitches neatly. These double decreases are repeated on every fourth row to create a smooth, gradual armhole curve.

Shoulder shaping is worked once the piece reaches between 34 cm and 50 cm in total length, with stitches cast off at the beginning of wrong-side rows in a stepped sequence to create a sloped shoulder line. The precise stitch counts for each step vary by size and are clearly set out in the pattern.

Finishing

The finishing of this waistcoat is a notable feature that elevates it beyond a simple knitted garment. The linen taffeta ribbon (ref. 33278, 15