Chamomile Waiscoat in Rowan Cotton Wool (EN) - RB001-00001-ENP - Downloadable PDF

Chamomile Waistcoat by Erika Knight in Rowan Cotton Wool – Pattern Summary

What You Are Making

The Chamomile Waistcoat is a knitted waistcoat designed by Erika Knight and published by Rowan under pattern reference RB001-00001-ENP. Part of the Bloom collection, this is a fitted, sleeveless garment featuring a distinctive textured stitch pattern that gives it a beautifully tactile, contemporary finish. The waistcoat is constructed in separate sections — including a lower left back section and a lower right back section — which are then cleverly joined together, adding an interesting structural and design detail to the making process. Armhole extensions are shaped with increases, and cast-on stitches at each side create neat, structured armhole edges. This intermediate-level project is a rewarding make for knitters who are comfortable working beyond basic techniques.

Sizing

The pattern is written to fit the following bust measurements:

• 81–86 cm (32–34 in)
• 91–97 cm (36–38 in)
• 102–107 cm (40–42 in)
• 112–117 cm (44–46 in)
• 122–127 cm (48–50 in)

The actual garment measurement at the lower edge ranges from 108 cm to 152 cm (42½ in to 59¾ in) across the size range, indicating a relaxed, comfortable fit with ease built in.

Yarn and Materials

The Chamomile Waistcoat is knitted in Rowan Cotton Wool, a DK weight yarn, shown in the photographed sample in the colourway Pickles 208. Cotton Wool is a blend that combines the softness and breathability of cotton with the elasticity and warmth of wool, making it ideal for a waistcoat intended to be worn across seasons. The quantity required ranges from 9 to 13 x 50g balls depending on the size being made.

Needles Required

• 1 pair 4mm (no 8 / US 6) needles
• 1 pair 4½mm (no 7 / US 7) needles
• One additional 4½mm (no 7 / US 7) needle for casting off at the shoulders

Tension

Achieving the correct tension is essential for this pattern. The stated tension is 18 stitches and 32 rows to 10 cm, measured over the pattern stitch using 4½mm (US 7) needles. Knitters are advised to swatch carefully, as the brioche-based stitch pattern can behave differently from standard stocking stitch, and tension directly affects the final garment measurements.

Techniques and Construction

The Chamomile Waistcoat uses a combination of construction and shaping techniques that make it a satisfying intermediate project. Key techniques include:

• Separate section construction: The lower back is worked in two separate sections — a lower right back and a lower left back — which are then joined on a single needle row by purling the last stitch of one section together with the first stitch of the other. This creates a seamless centre-back join.
• Armhole extension shaping: Increases are worked at each end of the armhole rows using the brKinc2 technique, and additional stitches are cast on at each side to form structured armhole extensions.
• Markers: Stitch markers are placed at each end of a row to denote the beginning of the armhole shaping, a useful reference point as the garment grows.
• Brioche knitting: The main fabric is worked in a brioche-based stitch pattern, a technique that creates a deeply textured, squishy, double-layered fabric with a beautiful ribbed appearance. Brioche knitting involves working stitches together with their paired yarn-overs from the previous row.

Stitches and Stitch Pattern

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