Lacy Waistcoat in Schachenmayr Catania - S7378 - Downloadable PDF

Lacy Waistcoat in Schachenmayr Catania – Pattern S7378

This free downloadable PDF knitting pattern, reference S7378, provides instructions for a beautiful lacy waistcoat (also known as a lacy vest) published by Schachenmayr. The design features an elegant openwork, or Ajour, lace pattern across the body, making it a lightweight and decorative layering piece suitable for a range of occasions. The pattern is available in three sizes: 34/36, 38/40, and 42/44, covering a broad range of women's fits.

Construction Method

One of the most notable features of this waistcoat pattern is its construction approach. The entire garment is knitted in one piece, with the direction of knitting indicated by arrows on the schematic diagram included in the PDF. This seamless, single-piece method reduces the need for extensive seaming and finishing, making it an appealing project for knitters who prefer a cleaner, more integrated construction. Working in one piece also helps maintain consistent tension across the fabric, which is particularly important when working lace patterns.

Sizes and Tension

The pattern covers three sizes, each achieved by adjusting the number of cast-on stitches and repeat counts throughout the lace chart. The three sizes begin with 97, 107, or 117 stitches respectively. Achieving the correct tension is essential for a well-fitting garment. The stated tension (Maschenprobe) for the main pattern is:

• 22 stitches and 32 rows = 10 x 10 cm in the main lace pattern

Knitters are strongly advised to work a tension swatch before beginning the project, as lace patterns in particular can vary significantly between individuals. Adjusting needle size up or down is the standard method for correcting tension.

Stitches and Techniques Used

This pattern draws on a combination of classic knitting stitches and techniques to create its elegant lacy texture:

• Rib stitch (Rippenmuster): Used for the welt/band at the lower edge, worked over approximately 5 cm (15 rows). The rib begins with a wrong-side row and an edge stitch, then 1 knit stitch, creating a neat, stretchy border that helps the waistcoat sit well at the hip.
• Lace / Openwork pattern (Grundmuster / Ajourmuster): The main body of the waistcoat is worked in a lace pattern following Strickschrift 1 (knitting chart 1). This involves a structured repeat of stitches arranged symmetrically, with the lace repeat worked multiple times across the row depending on the size being knitted.
• Yarn overs and decreases: As is standard in lace knitting, the openwork pattern is created through a combination of yarn overs (which create the decorative holes) and corresponding decreases (which maintain the stitch count). These are worked according to the chart symbols provided in the PDF.
• Sleeve shaping increases (Ärmelzunahmen): At 23.5 cm (74 rows) above the welt, stitches are cast on at both sides to shape the armhole or sleeve area. The increases are worked as follows: 1 x 3 stitches on each side, then 4 x 3 stitches in every second row, followed by 1 x 6 stitches, creating a gradual, structured shaping typical of set-in or extended shoulder construction.
• Edge stitches (Randmaschen): Selvedge stitches are maintained throughout to keep the edges neat, which is especially important in a one-piece construction.

Lace Chart Structure

The lace pattern is worked from Strickschrift 1, a knitting chart included in the PDF. The stitch arrangement across the row is carefully structured for each size:

• An edge stitch at each end
• The first stitch of the chart repeat
• The right-side 5-stitch repeat worked 9, 10, or 11 times depending on size
• A central section covering stitches 7 through 9 of the chart