Chunky Monkey Baby/Toddler Vest

Chunky Monkey Baby/Toddler Vest by Elizabeth Smith

What is Being Made

The Chunky Monkey is a cardigan vest designed for babies and toddlers, available in seven sizes ranging from 3–6 months through 4T. This knitted waistcoat features a finished chest circumference ranging from 19.75 inches (50 cm) for the smallest size up to 25.5 inches (65 cm) for the largest size, making it a versatile layering piece for growing children.

Knitting Techniques Used

This beginner-friendly pattern incorporates several fundamental knitting techniques suitable for crafters new to the craft. The vest utilizes slip, slip, knit (ssk) decreasing technique, where two stitches are slipped individually from the left needle to the right needle as if to knit, then the left needle is inserted into the fronts of these two stitches and knitted together to create a single decreased stitch. The pattern also employs the knit two together (k2tog) decrease method for additional shaping. Increases are created using the yarn-over (YO) technique, which involves bringing the yarn from the back of the work to the front under the needle, then over the top of the right needle to the back, creating a new stitch with a decorative eyelet effect. The pattern concludes with the 3 Needle Bind-Off technique, a professional seaming method where right sides of two pieces face each other and a third needle simultaneously binds off stitches from both needles, creating a seamless join.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette Stitch (St st) – the primary stitch throughout the garment, creating a smooth, classic fabric
• Slip, Slip, Knit (ssk) – left-leaning decrease
• Knit Two Together (k2tog) – right-leaning decrease
• Yarn-Over (YO) – increase stitch creating decorative holes

Materials and Specifications

This vest is worked in bulky-weight yarn, specifically shown in 128 Superwash by Cascade, which is composed of 100% superwash merino wool. Each 100-gram ball provides 128 yards of yardage. The pattern is worked at a gauge of 14 stitches and 22 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch. The downloadable PDF pattern format from designer Elizabeth Smith includes complete yardage breakdowns for each of the seven available sizes.

Pattern Difficulty

Rated as a beginner-level project, the Chunky Monkey vest is an excellent introduction to garment construction. The straightforward stitch patterns and essential shaping techniques make this an accessible pattern for knitters developing their foundational skills while creating a practical, wearable piece for babies and toddlers.