HERMER

HERMER Vest by Veta Romanenkova

What Is Being Made

The HERMER is a sleeveless knitted vest from the Strå Collection II, designed as a contemporary waistcoat with a flattering deep V-neckline. This intermediate-level knitting project is available in nine sizes, ranging from 38" to 70" bust circumference, making it suitable for a wide range of body types. The vest is designed to be worn with 8–12" of positive ease for comfortable layering over shirts and sweaters.

Construction Method

The HERMER vest is worked flat in separate pieces and then seamed together, rather than being knitted in the round. The front panels feature deep V-shaping that extends to the shoulder, creating an elegant neckline. Once the main body pieces are completed, neckbands are picked up from the edges and worked separately on each side, allowing for precise shaping and a refined finish at the neckline.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

This design showcases 1x1 ribbing as the primary stitch pattern, which creates vertical texture and provides natural stretch and recovery to the finished garment. The ribbed fabric is worked on two different needle sizes to achieve specific gauge requirements: the larger needles (US 7) produce a slightly looser gauge of 22 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches, while the smaller needles (US 6) create a tighter gauge of 24 stitches and 32 rows over the same measurement. Both gauges are measured after blocking, which is essential for accurate finished dimensions.

The vest construction involves picking up stitches along the neckline edges and working them as separate neckbands, a technique that ensures clean, professional edges and allows the designer to shape the neckline precisely. Seaming flat pieces together creates clean side seams and armhole edges.

Yarn and Materials

The HERMER is designed to be knitted with Woolfolk Strå, a DK-weight yarn composed of 50% Ovis 21 Ultimate Merino® and 50% linen. This blend combines the warmth and elasticity of merino wool with the breathability and structure of linen, making it ideal for a layering piece. Each skein contains 164 yards and weighs 50 grams. Depending on size, the project requires between 6 and 9 skeins of yarn.

The pattern calls for US 6 (4 mm) straight or DPN needles and a US 7 (4.5 mm) circular needle measuring 24 inches. Additional notions include a tapestry needle for seaming, stitch markers, a US E (3.5 mm) crochet hook, and removable markers for tracking pattern sections. The crochet hook is likely used for picking up stitches along the neckline edges with precision.

Sizing and Fit

The HERMER is offered in nine sizes with finished bust circumferences of 38 (42, 46, 50, 54)(58, 62, 66, 70) inches. The pattern notes recommend selecting a size with 8–12" of positive ease for a comfortable, layered fit. The sample garments shown were both knitted on a 5' 10" model, with size 2 featuring +10.5" ease and size 3 featuring +12" ease, providing clear reference points for fit expectations.

Skill Level

This project is rated as intermediate difficulty, suitable for knitters with experience in basic construction techniques, gauge adjustment, and seaming. The combination of working flat pieces, shaping a deep V-neckline, and picking up stitches for neckbands requires solid foundational skills and attention to pattern details.