Long Fluffy vest Kiwi

Long Fluffy Vest Kiwi by Maria Sycheva

What is Being Made

The Long Fluffy Vest Kiwi is a knitted waistcoat designed by Maria Sycheva. This intermediate-level garment features a generous length of approximately 90 cm measured along the back, making it a substantial layering piece. The vest is available in sizes S through L and showcases the distinctive texture of bouclé yarn throughout, creating a fluffy, dimensional appearance ideal for adding visual interest and warmth to any outfit.

Knitting Techniques Used

This vest employs fundamental knitting techniques suitable for intermediate crafters. The primary construction method uses circular needles worked in the round, which allows for seamless construction and efficient stitch management. The garment begins with a cast-on of 126 stitches distributed across the left front (32 sts), back (62 sts), and right front (32 sts) sections. The pattern incorporates both stockinette stitch for the main body and garter stitch for edge definition, demonstrating the interplay between different stitch textures. Proper gauge swatching and blocking are emphasized as essential steps, with specific guidance for adjusting needle sizes based on individual knitting tension to achieve the correct finished dimensions.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette Stitch: The primary stitch throughout the vest body, created by knitting all stitches on right-side rows and purling all stitches on wrong-side rows. This creates the smooth, classic knit fabric that serves as the foundation for the bouclé texture.
• Garter Stitch: Applied to 5 stitches at the beginning and end of each row (both right-side and wrong-side rows), this stitch is knitted consistently on all rows to create a defined, textured edge that frames the vest opening and provides structural definition.

Materials and Tools

The Long Fluffy Vest Kiwi is constructed using Pekhorka bouclé yarn in a chunky weight classification. The pattern specifies 2.5 balls totaling 500–550 grams of yarn, with the Pekhorka bouclé offering approximately 220 meters per 200-gram ball. Designers may substitute any bouclé yarn of corresponding thickness if Pekhorka is unavailable. Circular needles in 8mm (US size 11) are required for construction. The recommended gauge is 10 stitches by 14 rows per 10 centimeters (4 inches) when worked in stockinette stitch, measured after knitting and blocking a gauge swatch. Knitters who consistently work tighter stitches should use thicker needles to achieve proper gauge, while those with looser tension may require thinner needles.