Waistcoat in Sirdar Harrap Tweed Chunky - 7849 - Downloadable PDF

Sirdar Harrap Tweed Chunky Ladies Waistcoat – Knitting Pattern 7849

Pattern 7849 from Sirdar is a ladies' knitted waistcoat worked in the richly textured Sirdar Harrap Tweed Chunky yarn. Designed for the intermediate knitter, this downloadable PDF pattern covers six sizes ranging from a 32/34 inch to a 52/54 inch bust, making it an inclusive and versatile project for a wide range of figures. The finished waistcoat features a classic, structured silhouette with a full length ranging from approximately 26¾ to 33½ inches measured from the back of the neck, depending on the size chosen.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a sleeveless ladies' waistcoat — a timeless layering piece ideal for cooler seasons. The design combines decorative cable panels with a tactile tuck stitch body, giving the finished garment a rich, heritage feel that is well complemented by the tweed character of the yarn. A single button fastening adds a neat, understated finish at the front.

Sizes and Measurements

• To fit bust: 81/86, 91/97, 102/107, 112/117, 122/127, and 132/137 cm (32/34 to 52/54 in)
• Actual measurement: 92 to 140 cm (36¼ to 55¼ in)
• Full length: 68 to 85 cm (26¾ to 33½ in), measured from back of neck

Techniques Used

This pattern calls on a satisfying combination of knitting techniques that make it well suited to an intermediate skill level. Key techniques include:

• Cable knitting — a 20-stitch cable panel runs through the design, worked using a cable needle. The cables include C4B (cable 4 back: slip 2 stitches to the back on a cable needle, knit 2, then knit 2 from the cable needle) and C4F (cable 4 front: slip 2 stitches to the front on a cable needle, knit 2, then knit 2 from the cable needle). These crossed stitches create the classic rope-like cable texture.
• Tuck stitch — the main body fabric is worked in tuck stitch, which involves knitting into the stitch one row below (k1below) to create a dense, cushioned fabric with excellent drape and warmth.
• Garter stitch (g-st) — used for borders and edging details, garter stitch is formed by knitting every row, producing a flat, reversible ridged fabric.
• Shaping — the pattern includes armhole shaping worked through casting off and decreasing stitches at set intervals, as well as armhole border construction.
• Thumb method cast on — specified for casting on stitches at the beginning of the back section.

Stitches Used

• Tuck stitch — the primary body stitch, adding texture and warmth
• Cable stitches: C4B and C4F — creating the decorative cable panel
• Garter stitch — knit every row, used for borders
• Knit (k) and purl (p) — standard knit and purl stitches throughout
• k1below — knitting into the stitch one row below, central to the tuck stitch pattern

Tension

Achieving the correct tension is essential for this pattern. The cable panel of 20 stitches measures 11 cm (4¼ in), and the tuck stitch body works to 12 stitches and 20 rows to 10 cm (4 in) on 6½mm needles. Knitters are advised to check their tension carefully and adjust needle size accordingly — fewer stitches than stated requires a thinner needle, while more stitches requires a thicker needle.

Materials Required