Mildred

Mildred Knit Waistcoat by Deb Hoss

What Is Being Made

Mildred is a fitted knit waistcoat (also called a sweater vest) designed by Deb Hoss. This classic garment features a slim, shapely silhouette that extends to mid-hip length, making it versatile for layering over long sleeves, short sleeves, or worn alone. The design includes an extra deep v-neckline for a modern, flattering look. Available in seven sizes ranging from 31" to 55" bust circumference (78.7 to 139.7 cm), Mildred offers year-round wearability and can be styled across multiple seasons.

Design Features and Visual Interest

The waistcoat incorporates horizontal stripes as a key design element, with narrow stripes positioned below the waist and wider stripes above. This strategic stripe placement adds visual interest and creates a flattering proportion that draws attention to the upper body while defining the waistline.

Construction Method

Mildred is worked bottom-up and in the round, a construction technique that creates seamless fabric and allows for easy adjustments during knitting. The garment features 1x1 rib trimming at the neckline and armholes, providing structure, elasticity, and a polished finish to these key edges.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

This intermediate-level design requires proficiency in several essential knitting techniques:

• Long-tail cast on – the foundation method for beginning the waistcoat
• Circular knitting – the primary construction method for creating the seamless body
• Decreases – including ssk (slip, slip, knit) and k2tog (knit two together) for shaping and creating the fitted silhouette
• Increases – m1L (make one left) and m1R (make one right) for adding stitches where needed
• Stitch pick up – around the neckline and armholes to create the ribbed trim
• Short row shaping – for tailoring the fit across the shoulders and creating a custom silhouette
• 3-needle bind off – at the shoulders for a secure, seamless shoulder closure
• Blocking – finishing technique to set stitches and achieve final measurements

Yarn and Materials

Mildred is designed to be worked in DK or worsted weight yarn, offering flexibility in yarn choice depending on desired drape and finished fabric weight. The pattern requires circular needles appropriate to the chosen yarn weight, enabling the bottom-up, in-the-round construction method that defines this design.

Skill Level

Rated as intermediate difficulty, Mildred is suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle shaping techniques, circular knitting, and finishing methods. The combination of decreases, increases, short row shaping, and pick-up stitches makes this an excellent project for developing advanced knitting competencies.