Waistcoat in Sirdar No.1 - 8053 - Downloadable PDF

Waistcoat in Sirdar No.1 – Pattern 8053: A Detailed Summary

This downloadable PDF knitting pattern from Sirdar, reference 8053, provides full instructions for knitting a classic women's waistcoat — a sleeveless, tailored layer that works beautifully as a versatile wardrobe staple across all seasons. Rated as an intermediate difficulty project, this pattern is well-suited to knitters who are comfortable with standard shaping techniques and are ready to move beyond simple beginner projects.

Sizing and Fit

One of the standout features of this pattern is its generous size range, which has been specifically expanded to include larger sizes. The pattern covers six size options designed to fit bust measurements from 81/86 cm (32/34 in) through to 132/137 cm (52/54 in), making it genuinely inclusive and accessible to a wide range of knitters.

• To fit bust: 81/86, 91/97, 102/107, 112/117, 122/127, and 132/137 cm (32/34 to 52/54 in)
• Actual finished measurement: 96, 107, 118, 127, 138, and 147 cm (37¾ to 58 in)
• Full length (measured from back of neck): 65, 67, 71, 74, 76, and 78 cm (25½ to 30¾ in)

The actual measurements are generously sized relative to the bust measurements, providing a comfortable, relaxed fit with meaningful positive ease across all sizes. The length increases proportionally with size, ensuring a well-balanced silhouette throughout the range.

Techniques Used

As an intermediate knitting pattern, this waistcoat calls upon a range of standard but important knitting techniques. Knitters will work flat on straight needles for the main body pieces, with shaping achieved through increases and decreases to form the armhole and neckline. A circular knitting needle is also required for finishing work, typically used to pick up and knit neat edging around the armholes and neckline — a technique that gives a professional, clean finish to a sleeveless garment.

• Flat knitting on straight needles
• Armhole and neckline shaping using decreases
• Picking up stitches and working edging in the round on a circular needle
• Use of a stitch holder to hold live stitches during construction
• Seaming to join front and back panels

Stitches Used

The main fabric of the waistcoat is worked in stocking stitch (stockinette stitch), which creates a smooth, classic knitted fabric that drapes well and showcases the yarn's colour and texture beautifully. Edgings and borders — typically at the hem, armholes, and neckline — are commonly worked in rib stitch on the smaller needle size, which provides elasticity and a neat, structured finish.

• Stocking stitch — the primary fabric stitch throughout the body
• Rib stitch — used for borders and edgings to add structure and stretch

Tension

Achieving the correct tension is essential for this pattern. The specified tension is 22 stitches and 28 rows to 10 cm (4 in), measured over stocking stitch using 4mm needles. Knitters are always advised to work a tension swatch before beginning and to adjust needle size as necessary to match this gauge, as even small differences can significantly affect the finished dimensions of a garment.

Materials Required

Yarn

The pattern is designed for use with Sirdar No.1, a DK weight yarn, in shade 213. The yarn quantities required vary by size:

• 4 x 100g balls for sizes 81/86 cm
• 5 x 100g balls for sizes 91/97 and 102/107 cm
• 6 x 100g balls for sizes 112/117 and