Vest in Hayfield Soft Twist - 10332 - Downloadable PDF

Hayfield Soft Twist DK Waistcoat – Knitting Pattern 10332 by Sirdar

This downloadable PDF knitting pattern from Sirdar (pattern number 10332) guides knitters through creating a classic waistcoat — also known as a vest — using Hayfield Soft Twist Double Knitting yarn. Rated as a beginner-friendly project, this pattern is an excellent introduction to garment knitting, offering a satisfying finished piece without requiring advanced techniques. The waistcoat is a timeless wardrobe staple, providing warmth and style while being versatile enough to layer over shirts, blouses, or lightweight tops across multiple seasons.

Sizes and Finished Measurements

The pattern is written to accommodate a wide range of body sizes, making it suitable for many knitters. Six sizes are available, covering chest measurements from 32/34 inches up to 52/54 inches (81/86 cm to 132/137 cm). The finished garment measurements are as follows:

• Small (S): To fit 81/86 cm (32/34") chest — finished width 108 cm (42½"), full length 65 cm (25½")
• Medium (M): To fit 91/97 cm (36/38") chest — finished width 119 cm (47"), full length 67 cm (26½")
• Large (L): To fit 102/107 cm (40/42") chest — finished width 128 cm (50½"), full length 69 cm (27¼")
• XL: To fit 112/117 cm (44/46") chest — finished width 139 cm (54¾"), full length 71 cm (28")
• XXL: To fit 122/127 cm (48/50") chest — finished width 148 cm (58¼"), full length 73 cm (28¾")
• XXXL: To fit 132/137 cm (52/54") chest — finished width 159 cm (62¾"), full length 75 cm (29½")

The generous range of sizes means this pattern can be knitted for a variety of wearers, and the ease built into the finished measurements ensures a comfortable, relaxed fit.

Yarn and Materials Required

The specified yarn for this pattern is Hayfield Soft Twist Double Knitting, a DK weight yarn sold in 100g balls. The colourway used in the pattern is shade 259 Claret, a rich, deep red tone that gives the finished waistcoat a classic and elegant appearance. The number of balls required varies by size:

• Small and Medium: 4 balls
• Large and XL: 5 balls
• XXL and XXXL: 6 balls

In addition to yarn, the pattern calls for four buttons, with the recommended button being the Sirdar Elegant Button, code B5611-0456, which complements the finished garment beautifully. Knitters will also need stitch holders to hold live stitches during construction — a standard tool for garment knitting that allows sections of the work to be set aside and returned to later.

Knitting Needles

Two pairs of knitting needles are required to complete this waistcoat:

• 4mm needles (UK size 8 / USA size 6) — used for the main body of the waistcoat, worked in stocking stitch
• 3¼mm needles (UK size 10 / USA size 3) — typically used for ribbed edgings, borders, and button bands, where a tighter tension creates a neat, structured finish

Using two needle sizes is a common technique in garment knitting. The smaller needle produces a firmer fabric for the ribbing sections, which helps the edges hold their shape and prevents them from flaring or stretching over time.

Tension

Achieving the correct tension is essential in garment knitting to ensure the finished piece matches the stated measurements. The tension for this pattern, measured over stocking stitch on 4mm need