Striped Vest

Striped Vest by Sian Brown

What is Being Made

The Striped Vest is a sleeveless knitted garment designed to fit bust measurements ranging from 82cm to 112cm (32 to 44 inches). This intermediate-level knitting project creates a fitted vest with a length to shoulder of approximately 49 to 55cm (19¼ to 21½ inches), making it suitable for layering or wearing as a standalone piece.

Knitting Techniques Used

This pattern employs several fundamental knitting techniques appropriate for intermediate crafters. The construction begins with a cast-on edge and uses stockinette stitch as the primary fabric base. The design incorporates strategic increases worked at regular intervals to create shaping, with increases placed 5 stitches in from each edge using the make-one (m1) method. The pattern requires understanding armhole shaping through casting off techniques. The vest is constructed using a striped colorwork method, alternating between three colors in repeating 4-row stripes, which adds visual interest while remaining accessible for intermediate knitters.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch used throughout the Striped Vest is stockinette stitch (st st), created by alternating knit rows and purl rows. This creates a smooth, classic fabric with a distinctive V-shaped texture on the right side. The pattern uses make-one increases (m1) for shaping the side seams, which creates nearly invisible increases within the fabric. The striped pattern is achieved through color changes every 4 rows, creating horizontal stripes of consistent width throughout the garment.

Materials and Specifications

The Striped Vest is designed to be knitted using sport weight yarn. The pattern calls for Debbie Bliss Baby Eco Baby yarn in three colors: Ecru (A), Blue (B), and Green (C). Yardage requirements vary by size, ranging from 2 to 4 balls of 50g each depending on the finished bust measurement selected. The pattern specifies 3mm (US 2) and 3.25mm (US 3) knitting needles, with the 3.25mm needles used for the main fabric. The tension is established at 25 stitches and 34 rows to a 10cm (4-inch) square worked in stockinette stitch using the 3.25mm needles, making accurate gauge essential for proper fit across the seven available sizes.

Pattern Structure

The pattern provides detailed instructions for constructing the back piece first, with the cast-on ranging from 95 to 141 stitches depending on the chosen size. Increases are worked systematically every 10 rows over a series of 7 repeats, followed by a final increase row, building the stitches to between 111 and 157 stitches. The back piece is worked straight in stockinette stitch with continuous striping until reaching the specified length before armhole shaping begins.