Petra Waistcoat in Rowan Kid Classic (DE) - Downloadable PDF

Petra Waistcoat by Erika Knight in Rowan Kid Classic – Pattern Summary

The Petra Waistcoat is a knitted waistcoat (sleeveless vest) designed by Erika Knight and published by Rowan. The pattern is available as a downloadable PDF and is written in German (DE), making it ideal for German-speaking knitters looking for a stylish, contemporary layering piece. The design is rated as intermediate in difficulty, making it well-suited to knitters who are comfortable with shaping techniques but may not yet have tackled highly complex construction methods.

What Is Being Made

The Petra Waistcoat is a sleeveless, fitted waistcoat — a versatile wardrobe staple that can be worn over blouses, shirts, or knitwear. The garment is worked in an aran weight yarn, giving it a substantial, cosy feel while remaining a relatively quick knit compared to finer-weight projects. The waistcoat features careful shaping at the armholes and a defined neckline with structured neck shaping, resulting in a polished, wearable silhouette.

Sizing and Fit

The pattern is offered in nine sizes, designed to fit the following bust measurements:

• 71–76 cm
• 81–86 cm
• 91–97 cm
• 102–107 cm
• 112–117 cm
• 122–127 cm
• 132–137 cm
• 142–147 cm
• 152–157 cm

The actual knitted bust measurements range from 93.5 cm to 176.5 cm, providing positive ease across all sizes for a comfortable, relaxed fit. This wide size range makes the Petra Waistcoat an inclusive pattern suitable for a broad range of body types.

Yarn and Materials

The pattern calls for Rowan Kid Classic, a luxurious aran weight yarn sold in 50 g balls. Rowan Kid Classic is a beautifully soft blend that combines the warmth and lightness of mohair with the durability and stitch definition of wool, making it an excellent choice for a structured yet lightweight waistcoat. The sample garment shown in the pattern photography is knitted in Champagne 898, a warm, neutral shade that highlights the texture and drape of the fabric beautifully.

• Yarn: Rowan Kid Classic (50 g per ball)
• Yarn Weight: Aran
• Photographed Colourway: Champagne 898

Knitters will also need appropriately sized knitting needles to achieve the correct tension, as well as a stitch holder or spare needle for placing stitches on hold during the neck and shoulder shaping stages.

Techniques and Construction

The Petra Waistcoat is constructed using classic flat knitting techniques, with separate pieces worked back and forth in rows before being seamed together. The pattern involves several key shaping techniques that place it firmly in the intermediate skill category:

• Armhole shaping – achieved through structured decreases to create a clean, fitted armhole opening
• Shoulder shaping – worked using cast-off sequences at the beginning of right-side and wrong-side rows to create a neat, angled shoulder line
• Neckline shaping – the front neck is shaped by placing a central group of stitches on a stitch holder, then working both sides of the neck separately, with decreases worked over several rows to create a smooth, curved neckline
• Working both sides separately – after dividing for the neck, each side is completed independently, a technique that requires careful attention to mirroring decreases correctly
• Picking up held stitches