Son of Perun

Son of Perun Knit Waistcoat by Sara Elizabeth Schmidt

What Is Being Made

The Son of Perun is a children's knit waistcoat designed by Sara Elizabeth Schmidt, available in sizes 8, 10, 12, and 14 years (corresponding to 28, 30, 32, and 34 inches in circumference). This intermediate-level knitting project creates a fitted, zippered vest suitable for layering over long-sleeved shirts. The waistcoat features a classic ribbed construction and is designed to be worn as a versatile piece in a child's wardrobe.

Construction Techniques

The Son of Perun employs a practical bottom-up construction method. The garment is worked in the round from the hem up to the armhole shaping, which creates a seamless body and ensures consistent gauge throughout the main piece. Once the armholes are established, the front and back sections are separated and worked flat to accommodate shaping and the zipper insertion. The shoulders are joined using a three-needle bind-off technique, which creates a strong, neat seam ideal for a garment that will receive regular wear.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch pattern used throughout this waistcoat is 6x2 ribbing, which alternates six knit stitches with two purl stitches. This ribbing is worked lightly stretched to achieve the specified gauge of 20 stitches and 24 rows over 4 inches. The ribbed texture provides both visual interest and functional stretch, allowing the waistcoat to fit comfortably over layers.

Additional stitches employed in the pattern include:

• Knit (K) and Purl (P) stitches forming the foundation of the ribbed pattern
• Knit through back loop (K1tbl) for creating twisted stitches that add definition
• Knit two together (K2tog) and Knit two together through back loops (K2togtbl) for right-leaning decreases during shaping
• Slip, slip, knit (SSK) for left-leaning decreases that balance the shaping
• Wrap and turn (W&T) for short-row shaping, allowing for contoured fit at the armholes and neckline
• Slip stitches (Sl) for joining rounds and creating clean edges

Materials and Tools

The Son of Perun calls for Wool of the Andes Tweed yarn in the colorway Farmhouse Heather. This yarn is composed of 80% Peruvian highland wool and 20% Donegal tweed, offering both warmth and subtle texture. Each skein provides 110 yards and weighs 50 grams, with yardage requirements ranging from 5 skeins for the smallest size to 7 skeins for the largest sizes.

The pattern requires two circular needles: a US 7 (4.5mm) needle and a US 5 (3.75mm) needle, both 24 inches in length. The larger needle is used for the main body knitting, while the smaller needle accommodates ribbed sections where tighter gauge is needed. Additional notions include a zipper measuring 20 to 24 inches depending on size, waste yarn for holding stitches, stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points, a yarn needle for weaving in ends, and a sewing needle with thread for attaching the zipper securely to the finished fabric.

Skill Level and Suitability

Rated as an intermediate project, the Son of Perun is suitable for knitters who have mastered basic techniques and are ready to tackle garment construction. The pattern requires competency with circular needle knitting, decreases, short-row shaping, and zipper insertion. The combination of in-the-round and flat knitting, along with the three-needle bind-off shoulder seaming, makes this an excellent project for developing garment-finishing skills.