Laemmin

Laemmin Vest by Renate Kamm

What is Being Made

The Laemmin Vest is a knitted waistcoat designed by Renate Kamm and originally published in Laine Magazine, Issue 7. This is a classic sleeveless garment that layers beautifully over long-sleeved shirts and sweaters. The vest is available in five sizes ranging from Small to 2X-Large, with finished bust circumferences from 35.5 inches (89 cm) to 48 inches (120 cm). The design features a flattering fit with 2–3 inches (5–7.5 cm) of positive ease for comfortable wear over other garments.

Garment Specifications

The Laemmin Vest is engineered with precise measurements to ensure a professional fit across all size ranges. The cross back measurement ranges from 17 inches (42 cm) in size Small to 22.25 inches (55.5 cm) in size 2X-Large. Total length at the armhole edge varies from 21.5 inches (54 cm) to 23.5 inches (59 cm), providing coverage that works for various body proportions. Each front panel measures between 12 inches (30 cm) and 14.75 inches (36.5 cm) in width. The armhole depth ranges from 7.5 inches (18.5 cm) to 9.5 inches (23.5 cm), while shoulder width increases from 3 inches (7 cm) to 4.5 inches (11 cm) across the size range.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

This intermediate-level knitting project employs fundamental knitting techniques suitable for experienced beginners and intermediate knitters. The construction utilizes circular needles worked in the round, a technique that eliminates seaming and creates seamless garment pieces. Stitch markers are essential notions used throughout the project to track pattern repeats and structural shaping points.

Yarn and Materials

The Laemmin Vest is designed to be knitted with worsted weight yarn, a medium-weight category that creates fabric with good drape and durability. The pattern specifies Owl by Quince & Co in the colorway Elf, a yarn blend composed of 50% American wool and 50% alpaca. This fiber combination provides warmth, softness, and a subtle sheen characteristic of alpaca. Yardage requirements range from 656 yards (600 meters) for size Small to 973 yards (890 meters) for size 2X-Large, translating to approximately 6 to 9 skeins of the specified yarn, with each skein containing 120 yards (110 meters).

Needles and Tools

The project requires two sizes of US circular needles measuring 32 inches (80 cm) in length. US 7 / 4.5 mm needles are used for ribbed edgings and cuffs, which create the elastic, fitted borders typical of waistcoat construction. US 8 / 5 mm needles are used for the main body of the vest, allowing the worsted weight yarn to knit at a slightly looser gauge that creates the desired fabric drape. Removable stitch markers are essential notions for tracking pattern sections and shaping decreases throughout the project.