Curlew Vest in Valley Yarn Southwick - 979 - Downloadable PDF

Curlew Vest in Valley Yarns Southwick – Pattern #979 by Julie Turjoman

The Curlew Vest is a beautifully designed knitted camisole-style waistcoat created by designer Julie Turjoman and published as pattern #979 in the Valley Yarns collection. This intermediate-level knitting pattern produces a lightweight, breathable layering piece with a flattering square neckline and a graceful A-line silhouette. Designed to be worn over a tee shirt in spring or as a standalone top through summer, the Curlew Vest strikes the perfect balance between casual comfort and stylish, contemporary design.

What Is Being Made

This pattern creates a sleeveless vest (waistcoat) with a relaxed, casual aesthetic. The garment features a deep hem adorned with floral eyelet stripes, which add both visual texture and extra breathability — ideal for warm-weather wear. The A-line shape provides a universally flattering fit, and the square neck gives the piece a modern, on-trend finish. The sample shown in the pattern is knitted in Purple and photographed in Size S.

The vest is available in a wide range of sizes to suit many body types:

• Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, and 4XL
• Finished Bust Measurements: 32 (35½, 40¼, 44, 48½) (52¼, 56, 60½) inches, with approximately 1–2 inches of positive ease for a comfortable, relaxed fit

Yarn and Materials

The pattern is specifically designed for Valley Yarns Southwick, a worsted weight yarn composed of a 52% Pima Cotton / 48% Bamboo blend. This fiber combination is what makes the Curlew Vest so well-suited to warmer seasons — Pima cotton is known for its softness and breathability, while bamboo adds a subtle sheen, drape, and moisture-wicking quality. Together, they create a cool, lightweight fabric that is comfortable against the skin.

• Yarn: Valley Yarns Southwick (52% Pima Cotton / 48% Bamboo)
• Yarn Weight: Worsted
• Yardage per Ball: 105 yards / 50g
• Yarn Requirements: 8 (9, 11, 12, 13) (14, 16, 17) balls depending on size
• Color Shown: Purple

Additional materials required include stitch markers, stitch holders, and a tapestry needle for finishing.

Needles

Two needle sizes are used in this pattern, both in circular form to accommodate the construction method:

• US size 7 (4.5 mm) circular needles in both 16-inch and 32–40-inch lengths — used for the main body and to achieve gauge
• US size 5 (3.75 mm) circular needles in both 16-inch and 32–40-inch lengths — used for ribbing or finishing details

Knitters are advised to use whatever needle size is necessary to achieve the correct gauge, as fit will depend on it.

Gauge

• 20 stitches and 30 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch on the larger (US 7) needles, measured after blocking

Blocking is particularly important with cotton and bamboo blends, as these fibers relax and bloom with washing, and the finished measurements are calculated based on the blocked gauge.

Techniques Used

This pattern is rated Intermediate in skill level, making it an excellent project for knitters who are comfortable with basic techniques and ready to expand their skills. The construction involves a combination of methods:

• Worked in the round — circular needle construction is used for portions of the vest, taking advantage of seamless knitting for