Zipped Up

Zipped Up Waistcoat by Sarah Ronchetti

What is Being Made

The Zipped Up is a sleeveless knitted waistcoat designed for children, ranging from 6 months to 8 years old. This casual garment features a zip closure and is specifically engineered for active play while providing coverage that minimizes direct skin contact. The pattern offers two distinct construction options: a cabled version with textured surface interest and a simple non-cabled version for those preferring a streamlined aesthetic.

Design Inspiration and Features

Created by independent designer Sarah Ronchetti, this waistcoat was inspired by the desire to craft comfortable knits for children who prefer garments that don't cling to the skin, regardless of yarn softness. The sleeveless construction makes it ideal for layering and active wear, while the zip feature adds practical functionality for easy dressing and temperature regulation. The pattern accommodates approximately 2 inches of ease, allowing for comfortable movement and growth.

Sizing Range

The Zipped Up pattern includes eight size options with corresponding chest measurements:

• 6 months: 17 inches
• 9 months: 18 inches
• 12 months: 19 inches
• 18 months: 20 inches
• 2 years: 21 inches
• 3 years: 22 inches
• 4 years: 23 inches
• 5 years: 24 inches
• 6 years: 25 inches
• 7 years: 26 inches
• 8 years: 27 inches

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

This intermediate-level knitting project employs fundamental knitting techniques suitable for crafters with basic experience. The pattern utilizes knit and purl stitches as foundational elements. For the cabled version, knitters will work cable stitches to create raised textured patterns across the garment surface. Additional techniques include purl two stitches together (p2tog) for decreasing, slip marker (sm) and place marker (PM) for tracking pattern sections, and awareness of right side (rs) and wrong side (ws) orientation throughout construction.

Yarn and Materials

The Zipped Up pattern is designed for aran weight yarn, a medium-weight option that creates fabric with good drape and durability suitable for children's wear. Yarn requirements vary by size and version selected. The cabled version requires approximately 305 to 333 meters or yards for the smallest size (6 months), with yardage increasing for larger sizes. Knitters will need appropriate needles sized for aran weight yarn, though specific needle size recommendations are referenced within the full pattern documentation.

Pattern Format

The Zipped Up is available as a downloadable PDF, making it accessible for immediate digital access. This format allows knitters to view instructions on screens or print for convenient reference at the knitting table.