V-Neck Tank & Waistcoat in Stylecraft Soft Pastels 10156

V-Neck Tank & Waistcoat in Stylecraft Soft Pastels 10156 – Pattern Summary

Pattern number 10156 from Stylecraft presents two distinct knitwear designs worked in Stylecraft Soft Pastels aran-weight yarn: a V-Neck Tank and a Waistcoat. Both garments are sized to fit bust measurements ranging from 81/86 cm (32/34 in) through to 122/127 cm (48/50 in), making this an inclusive pattern that explicitly covers larger sizes. The pattern is rated intermediate in difficulty, making it well suited to knitters who are comfortable with shaping techniques and reading multi-size instructions.

Design 1: V-Neck Tank

What Is Being Made

The V-Neck Tank is a sleeveless, fitted top designed to sit close to the body. The V-neckline gives it a flattering, classic silhouette that works equally well as a standalone warm-weather top or as a layering piece over a shirt or blouse. The garment is constructed in separate back and front pieces that are seamed together.

Construction & Techniques

• Flat knitting on straight needles, working the back and front as separate panels
• Thumb cast-on method used to begin both the back and front pieces
• V-neck shaping achieved through systematic decreases worked on right-side rows, dividing the front at the centre to create the characteristic angled neckline
• Armhole shaping using cast-off and decrease rows to form neat, fitted armhole curves
• Seaming the finished pieces together using mattress stitch or a preferred join method
• Specific shaping rows are noted for the 1st and 3rd sizes only, reflecting careful multi-size construction throughout

Stitches Used

• Knit (k) and purl (p) stitches forming the main fabric
• A textured rib or moss-stitch-style pattern is indicated in the row instructions, with sequences such as p1, k1 repeats combined with knit stitches (e.g. k5, (p1, k1)) creating surface interest
• Standard decrease stitches for neck and armhole shaping

Materials

• Yarn: Stylecraft Soft Pastels, aran weight
• Needles: 5 mm knitting needles as specified for the main fabric

Design 2: Waistcoat

What Is Being Made

The Waistcoat is a sleeveless, tailored over-layer designed to be worn on top of other garments. Unlike the tank, a waistcoat typically features an open front with button or edge finishing, giving it a smart, structured appearance. Worked in the same Stylecraft Soft Pastels aran yarn, it shares the same size range as the tank, from 81/86 cm to 122/127 cm bust, ensuring a consistent and versatile offering across both designs in the pattern booklet.

Construction & Techniques

• Flat knitting worked in separate back and front panels
• Thumb cast-on used to begin sections, consistent with the tank construction
• Armhole and neck shaping using decrease and cast-off sequences to form the open front and fitted armholes characteristic of a waistcoat silhouette
• Front bands or edgings typically worked to finish the open fronts neatly, a standard feature of waistcoat construction in aran-weight knitting
• Seaming back and front panels together at shoulders and side seams

Stitches Used

• Knit and purl combinations forming the main body fabric