Stonybrooke Vest

Stonybrooke Vest by Valerie Hobbs

Project Overview

The Stonybrooke Vest is a versatile layering piece designed by Valerie Hobbs as a transitional waistcoat perfect for wearing between seasons—ideal when winter warms or summer cools. This knitted vest features an open front design where the fronts lie slightly open rather than meeting, creating a sophisticated silhouette suitable for layering over long-sleeve shirts or lightweight sweaters.

What Is Being Made

This is a sleeveless knitted waistcoat available in five finished bust sizes: 32, 36, 40, 44, and 48 inches. The corresponding lengths range from 20¾ inches to 24½ inches, accommodating various body proportions. The vest is intended to be worn with 0 to 2 inches of ease, allowing for comfortable movement while maintaining a tailored appearance.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

The Stonybrooke Vest employs intermediate-level knitting techniques suitable for knitters with foundational skills. The pattern incorporates cable stitches, which are worked using a cable needle to create textured, dimensional details throughout the design. The construction includes I-cord work for finishing the armholes and neckline, adding a polished, professional edge to the garment.

The pattern utilizes stitch markers to track pattern repeats and shaping increases or decreases, and stitch holders to temporarily secure stitches during construction. The use of knitter's symbols fonts in the charted sections follows standard knitting notation conventions, making the pattern accessible to intermediate knitters who read symbol charts.

Yarn and Needles

This pattern calls for DK weight yarn in quantities ranging from 645 yards for the smallest size to 1135 yards for the largest size. The sample garment shown was knitted in String Theory Merino DK, a 100% superwash merino wool yarn in the colorway Black Tulip, which provides durability, softness, and easy care through machine washing.

Knitters should use U.S. size 5 (3.75mm) needles in straight or circular format for the main fabric. A 32-inch (80cm) circular needle in the same size is required for working the armhole and neckline I-cord finishing. Needle size should be adjusted as needed to achieve the correct gauge specified in the pattern.

Additional Materials

• Stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping
• Cable needle for working cable stitches
• Stitch holders for securing stitches during construction
• Tapestry needle for weaving in ends and seaming

Pattern format: This is a downloadable PDF pattern by independent designer Valerie Hobbs, published by laughingstar knits. The pattern is for personal use only and includes detailed schematic measurements and symbol charts for intermediate knitters seeking a refined layering garment.