1139 Cambridge - Waistcoat Knitting Pattern for Women in Valley Yarns Taconic

Pattern Summary: Cambridge Wrap-Front Waistcoat (Pattern #1139) by Julie Turjoman for Valley Yarns

The Cambridge Waistcoat is a beautifully designed wrap-front vest created by designer Julie Turjoman and published by Valley Yarns. This knitting pattern produces an elegant, cozy layering piece that combines effortless style with luxurious warmth. The overlapping fronts can be secured with a favourite shawl pin or worn casually open, making it a versatile addition to any wardrobe. The pattern is rated Adventurous Beginner (equivalent to advanced beginner), making it an accessible yet rewarding project for knitters who are ready to move beyond the basics.

What Is Being Made

The finished garment is a women's wrap-front waistcoat (sleeveless vest) designed to be worn as a layering piece. It features a relaxed, flattering silhouette with A-line shaping and hits at mid-hip length. The design is available in eight sizes — XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, and 4XL — with finished bust measurements ranging from 36¼ inches to 66¼ inches with the fronts overlapped. The hip measurements range from 38 inches to 68¼ inches. The garment is intentionally designed with 6 to 8 inches of positive ease, giving it a relaxed, comfortable fit. Knitters who prefer a closer fit are advised to select the next smaller size.

Construction and Techniques

The Cambridge Waistcoat is constructed using a combination of techniques that make it approachable while still offering interesting details:

• Worked flat (back and forth in rows): The body pieces — back and fronts — are knitted flat, meaning each piece is worked in rows rather than in the round for the main sections.
• Bottom-up construction: Knitting begins at the hem and progresses upward toward the shoulders, which is the traditional and most intuitive direction for garment construction.
• Seamed finishing: The individual pieces are seamed together after knitting, giving the garment structure and a polished, professional finish.
• Worked in the round: Circular needles are used throughout, both for the flat sections (using the needle as a long straight needle) and for any sections requiring in-the-round construction such as the neckband or armhole bands.
• A-line shaping: Minimal but effective shaping is incorporated into the body to create a gentle A-line silhouette. Knitters can also extend the body length by beginning the A-line shaping later, though this will require additional yarn.
• Long-Tail Cast-On: The pattern specifies the Long-Tail Cast-On method for casting on stitches, a popular technique that creates a neat, stretchy, and sturdy foundation edge.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Cambridge Waistcoat features two primary stitch patterns that work together to create visual interest while keeping the knitting enjoyable and relatively straightforward:

• Cross Stitch pattern: This is the defining decorative element of the design. The hem and front bands are worked in a unique cross stitch pattern that adds texture and a handcrafted quality to the garment's edges. The cross stitch pattern is worked over a four-row repeat, with a set-up row worked on the wrong side. This textured border gives the waistcoat a distinctive, polished look without requiring complex techniques.
• Stockinette stitch: The main body of the waistcoat is worked in classic stockinette stitch (knit on the right side, purl on the wrong side), which creates a smooth, even fabric that showcases the beauty of the yarn. Stockinette is one of the most fundamental knitting stitches and is ideal for displaying the rich colour and texture of the yarn.

Gauge

Achieving the correct gauge is essential for this pattern. Two different gauges are specified, each corresponding to a different needle size and stitch pattern:

• 17 stitches and 25 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch on the smaller needles, blocked.
• 17 stitches