Roxie - ladies vest in 2 styles

Roxie – Ladies Vest in Two Styles by Jennifer Lee

What Is Being Made

Roxie is a beginner-friendly ladies vest pattern offering two distinct styling options. Style A features a deep, round neckline for a classic, modest silhouette. Style B presents a V-neck design with button closure, providing a more tailored and adjustable fit. Both versions are designed to flatter a range of bust sizes from small (31½ inches) to extra-large (43¼ inches), with finished garment widths ranging from 35½ to 47¼ inches and lengths between 19¾ and 21 inches.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

This vest pattern employs fundamental knitting techniques suitable for crafters developing their skills. The primary fabric is created using stocking stitch, a basic and widely-used knit stitch that produces a smooth, uniform surface ideal for showcasing yarn color and texture. The pattern incorporates 2x2 rib bands at key edges—these ribbed sections provide structure, elasticity, and a professional finish to the neckline, armholes, and hem areas. The construction method involves knitting individual pieces (front and back panels, plus armhole bands) that are then sewn together using a wool needle, a standard finishing technique in garment knitting.

Stitches Used

• Stocking Stitch (Stockinette Stitch) – Forms the main body of the vest, creating a smooth, flat fabric with a distinctive V-pattern appearance on the knit side
• 2x2 Rib – Applied to neckbands, armhole edges, and hem for elasticity and a neat, fitted finish
• Knit (K) and Purl (P) stitches – The fundamental stitches that combine to create both stocking stitch and rib patterns

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Roxie vest is designed to be knitted in worsted-weight yarn, specifically using Lincraft Prism in 50-gram balls with a yardage of 65 meters per ball. Yarn requirements vary by size and style: sizes S, M, L, and XL require 7, 8, 9, and 10 balls respectively for either style. The pattern acknowledges that actual yardage consumption may vary depending on individual knitter tension and the specific yarn selected, making it adaptable to similar worsted-weight alternatives.

Needles and Notions

The pattern calls for 6.00mm (UK size 4, US size 10) knitting needles, which are standard straight needles suitable for flat knitting. A wool needle is required for seaming the finished pieces together. Additional notions include stitch holders to temporarily secure stitches during construction (2 holders for Style A, 1 for Style B) and 3 buttons for Style B's V-neck closure.

Tension and Sizing

Achieving the correct tension is essential for proper fit. The pattern specifies 16 stitches and 20 rows to 10 centimeters (4 inches) over stocking stitch using 6.00mm needles. Maintaining this tension ensures that the finished garment matches the intended dimensions across all four sizes, from the smallest bust measurement of 80 centimeters to the largest at 110 centimeters.

Difficulty Level

Rated as Easy, this pattern is ideal for beginner knitters. The straightforward stitch combinations, simple shaping, and clear construction method make Roxie an excellent project for those new to garment knitting who wish to create a wearable, polished piece.