Bubble Gum Vest in Valley Yarns Brodie - 1032 - Downloadable PDF

Bubble Gum Vest in Valley Yarns Brodie – Pattern #1032 by Susan Baron

The Bubble Gum Vest, pattern #1032, is an original design by Susan Baron and is worked in the luxuriously soft Valley Yarns Brodie yarn. This downloadable PDF pattern produces a classic, everyday knitted vest (waistcoat) with a relaxed, wearable silhouette that layers beautifully over almost any outfit. With overlapping front bands and generous positive ease of 6–8 inches, this vest is designed for comfort and versatility across a wide range of body types and styling preferences.

Garment Overview

The Bubble Gum Vest is a seamed, flat-knit vest featuring a clean neckline and neat armhole bands. It is available in a generous size range — XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL, and 5XL — with finished bust measurements spanning from 39 inches to 69 inches. The sample shown in the pattern is knitted in size S in Valley Yarns Brodie color #223 Lt. Grey, which beautifully showcases the subtle textural stitch patterns used throughout the body and bands.

As a project rated Adventurous Beginner, this vest is an ideal next step for knitters who have mastered the basics and are ready to tackle simple shaping, seaming, and a knit-bound neckline finish. The construction is approachable and well-structured, making it a rewarding project without being overwhelming.

Techniques Used

• Worked flat: The body pieces are knitted back and forth in rows rather than in the round, producing separate front and back panels that are later joined.
• Seamed construction: Once the individual pieces are complete, they are sewn together using a tapestry needle, a foundational finishing technique that gives the vest a clean, structured shape.
• Knit-bound neckline: The neckline is finished using a knit bind-off method, creating a tidy, professional edge that lies flat and frames the neckline neatly.
• Armhole band finishing: A short circular needle or double-pointed needles are used to pick up and work the armhole bands in the round, adding a polished finish to the sleeveless openings.

Stitches Used

• Seeded Rib pattern: Used for the main body of the vest, this stitch creates a subtly textured fabric with excellent drape and elasticity. The gauge for this section is 18 stitches and 30 rows = 4 inches, gently blocked.
• K1/P1 Rib pattern: Used for the ribbing sections, including bands and edges, this classic alternating knit-and-purl rib creates a stretchy, form-fitting border. The gauge for this section is 24 stitches and 30 rows = 4 inches, gently blocked.

The combination of Seeded Rib for the body and K1/P1 Rib for the bands gives the finished vest a refined, intentional look, with the textural contrast between the two stitch patterns adding visual interest without complexity.

Materials and Yarn

The pattern calls for Valley Yarns Brodie, a sumptuous DK weight yarn composed of 95% Cashmere and 5% Extra Fine Merino, sold in 50g/154-yard balls. This fiber blend delivers exceptional softness, warmth, and a beautiful drape that makes the vest feel indulgent against the skin. Depending on the size being knitted, the pattern requires between 6 and 11 balls of yarn.

• US 9 (5.5mm) 40-inch circular needle — for knitting the body in Seeded Rib
• US 8 (5mm) 40-inch circular needle — for the ribbing sections
• US 8 (5mm) 16-inch circular needle or double-pointed needles — for the armhole bands
• Stitch