Brioche Mesh Vest

Brioche Mesh Vest by Dejana Knezevic

What is Being Made

This is a women's sweater vest designed by Dejana Knezevic featuring a two-color brioche mesh pattern. The vest is a customizable garment that can be adjusted for length (cropped or longer), fit (fitted or oversized), and construction method (lacing-up or sewn sides). The pattern is also adaptable to children's sizes, making it versatile for different body types and preferences. The mesh pattern creates an elastic, breathable fabric ideal for layering or wearing as a standalone piece.

Construction Method

The Brioche Mesh Vest is constructed sideways from the bottom up, which allows for easy customization and fit adjustments. This construction technique gives knitters flexibility in shaping and sizing the garment as they work. The sideways construction method also simplifies the process of achieving consistent stitch patterns and managing increases and decreases throughout the piece.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

This pattern uses two-color brioche knitting, an advanced intermediate technique that creates a distinctive textured and elastic fabric. The mesh effect is achieved through strategic increasing and decreasing stitches worked in the brioche method across two colors. Brioche knitting is known for its reversible appearance and exceptional elasticity, making it ideal for garments that require stretch and recovery.

The pattern includes detailed guidance with:

• Row-by-row written instructions in English
• Stitch-by-stitch breakdown
• Charted pattern sections for visual reference
• Photo and video tutorials for important stitches and techniques

These comprehensive instructional materials support knitters working at the advanced beginner to intermediate skill level in mastering brioche knitting methods.

Materials Required

Needles: A set of circular needles in US size 7 (4.5mm) with a minimum 24-inch (60cm) cable length is required. Circular needles are essential for this construction method, and the cable length accommodates the width of the vest as it's worked sideways. A tapestry needle is also needed for weaving in ends.

Yarn: The pattern accommodates multiple yarn weights including 3-ply, 4-ply, DK, and sport weight yarns. The sample vest shown (size M/L, designed for chest circumference 92–102cm or 36.8"–40.8") is made with approximately 1⅔ balls of fingering weight yarn in the main color, using budget-friendly Alize Superlana. The two-color brioche technique requires yarn in two contrasting colors to create the distinctive mesh pattern effect.

Skill Level

This pattern is rated for advanced beginner to intermediate knitters. Prior knowledge of two-color brioche knitting is essential, as the pattern assumes familiarity with brioche stitches and color changes. The comprehensive video tutorials and detailed written instructions support knitters in executing this specialized technique successfully.

Pattern Format

The Brioche Mesh Vest is available as a downloadable PDF pattern, making it accessible for immediate use. The digital format includes all necessary written instructions, charts, and references to accompanying photo and video tutorials for learning important stitches.