Instil Joy

Instil Joy Vest by Sharon Slarke

What is Being Made

The Instil Joy Vest is a vintage-style, fitted knitted waistcoat designed by Sharon Slarke. This intermediate-level knitting project features a boat neckline and strategic shaping that creates definition from the waist to the bust. The vest is constructed in a textured stitch pattern using Rowan Hemp Tweed yarn, a wool and hemp blend that provides both structure and visual interest. The finished garment is available in five sizes, with bust measurements ranging from 74cm to 114cm (29 to 45 inches) and lengths from 50cm to 53cm (19¾ to 21 inches).

Techniques Used

This knitting project employs several fundamental and intermediate techniques to achieve its fitted silhouette and textured appearance. The vest incorporates strategic increases and shaping between the waist and bust to create a tailored fit. Increased stitches are worked in reverse stockinette stitch, which provides a smooth transition within the textured pattern. The use of both straight needles and a circular needle allows for different construction methods depending on the knitter's preference and the specific sections being worked. The boat neckline requires careful edge finishing and attention to neckline shaping to achieve the vintage aesthetic.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch pattern is the Textured Stitch, which repeats over a multiple of 4 stitches across 4 rows. This stitch is created through a combination of techniques:

• Row 1 (Wrong Side): Into the next stitch, work one knit, one purl, and one knit stitch, then purl three stitches together. Repeat from the beginning to the end of the row.
• Row 2: Purl across the entire row.
• Row 3: Purl three stitches together, then into the next stitch work one knit, one purl, and one knit stitch. Repeat from the beginning to the end of the row.
• Row 4: Purl across the entire row.

These four rows form the complete pattern repeat. The textured stitch creates a dimensional, bumpy fabric surface that adds visual depth and vintage character to the finished vest. Additionally, reverse stockinette stitch is used for increased stitches, providing a contrasting smooth texture that blends seamlessly into the textured pattern areas.

Materials and Yarn

The Instil Joy Vest is designed to be knitted with Rowan Hemp Tweed yarn, a premium yarn blend consisting of 75% wool and 25% true hemp. Each 50-gram ball yields approximately 95 meters (104 yards) of yarn. The pattern requires between 6 and 10 skeins depending on the size being knitted, with larger sizes requiring more yardage. The wool and hemp blend provides durability, structure, and a subtle texture that complements the textured stitch pattern beautifully.

The pattern specifies that any Aran weight or 10-ply yarn may be substituted for Rowan Hemp Tweed, allowing knitters flexibility in fiber choice while maintaining the intended gauge and finished dimensions. The recommended needle size is 4.5mm, used for both the straight needles and the 40cm (16-inch) circular needle. The gauge is 24 stitches and 24 rows to 10cm (4 inches) when working the textured stitch pattern on 4.5mm needles, or the size required to obtain this gauge. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for the vest to fit properly and maintain its intended finished measurements.