Cabled Vest in Caron Simply Soft - Downloadable PDF

Cabled Vest in Caron Simply Soft

What Is Being Made

The Cabled Vest is a stylish v-neck sleeveless garment designed by Lisa Gentry, perfect for layering over favorite work outfits. This slipover vest features decorative cables and lace detailing throughout, offering a polished, professional look. The vest is available in six sizes ranging from Small (34" finished bust) to 3XL (54" finished bust), with lengths varying from 23 3/4" to 26 3/4" depending on size.

Craft and Techniques

This is a knitting project classified as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters with some experience beyond basic techniques. The vest construction incorporates cable work and lace patterning, which are hallmark techniques that add visual interest and texture to the finished garment. The v-neck design requires shaping and finishing at the neckline, and the sleeveless construction means careful attention to armhole shaping and edge finishing.

Stitches Used

• 2x2 Rib: A foundational ribbed stitch worked over a multiple of 4 stitches, alternating knit and purl stitches (K2, P2) to create vertical columns of texture. This stitch is used for edging and provides elasticity and structure to the garment.
• Basic Pattern: A stitch pattern worked over a multiple of 6 stitches plus 2 additional stitches, which forms the main fabric of the vest and incorporates the cable and lace elements characteristic of this design.

Materials and Tools

This pattern calls for Caron Simply Soft yarn in the Aran weight category, specifically in Chocolate (color 9750). Yardage requirements vary by size: Small and Medium require 2 skeins (576 meters/630 yards total), Large and XL require 3 skeins (864 meters/945 yards total), and 2XL and 3XL require 4 skeins (1,152 meters/1,260 yards total). Each skein contains 170 grams and 288 meters (315 yards).

Knitting needles required include one pair of US size 8 (5 mm) straight needles for flat knitting sections and one 24-inch circular US size 8 (5 mm) needle for working in the round or managing larger stitch counts. Additional tools needed are a stitch holder for managing stitches during construction and a yarn needle for weaving in ends and seaming.

Gauge

Achieving proper gauge is essential for this project. In the Basic pattern (slightly stretched) using the larger needles, the gauge is 19 stitches and 23 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters). In 2x2 Rib (unstretched) using the smaller needles, the gauge is 21 stitches and 25 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters). Checking gauge before beginning ensures the finished vest will meet the intended measurements and fit properly.