The Design
“Schoolgirl chic.”
With simple styling that lends itself to the classroom, workplace or weekend, this vest is so classic, so quintessential, it could become your uniform. The jumper length has a certain schoolgirl chic. The abridged, hip-length version is a flattering layer without the bulk of a sweater. Either way, it’s a nice little primer of techniques you’ll use again and again.
TECHNIQUE WALKTHROUGHS IN THIS PATTERN: • Clip & turn short-row shaping. • Customizing body length.
PHOTO TUTORIALS IN THIS PATTERN: • Picking up stitches for bands. • Adding selvedge stitches for a pocket band. • Sewing down pocket bands.
The Details
SIZES
Finished bust: 39 (43, 47, 51, 55)"/ 99 (109, 119.5, 129.5, 140)cm, after seaming.
To fit bust: 32–34 (36–38, 40–42, 44–46, 48–50)"/81–86 (91–96, 102–107, 112–117, 122–127)cm.
With ease of: Approx. 5–7"/ 12.5-18cm; for more ease, choose a larger size.
LENGTHS
Finished body length:
Measured from high shoulder (where shoulder meets neck) to hem.
Shorter version: 24 (24½, 25, 25½, 26)"/61 (62, 63, 65, 66)cm.
Longer version: 32 (32½, 33, 33½, 34)"/81 (83, 84, 85, 86)cm.
YARN
Choose a DK-weight yarn that typically knits at 22 sts to 4"/10cm, or a combination of yarns that results in a soft fabric with some body when knit at that gauge.
Shorter version: Approx. 855 (960, 1065, 1170, 1295) yds/782 (878, 974, 1070, 1184)m.
Shown in orange (191yds/175m per skein); Color 154. Model is wearing 39"/99cm finished size with 6"/15cm of ease.
Longer version: Approx. 1125 (1265, 1395, 1530, 1675) yds/1029 (1157, 1276, 1400, 1532)m.
Shown in grey in Baa Ram Ewe Dovestone DK (252 yds/230m per skein); Color 8, Coal. Model is wearing 43"/109cm finished size with 8"/20cm of ease.
For custom lengths: To lengthen or shorten body, add or subtract approx. 35 (39, 42, 45, 49) yds/32 (36, 39, 42, 45)m of yarn per 1"/2.5cm of knitted length.
NEEDLES & NOTIONS
US 6 (4mm) needles, or size to obtain gauge.
US 4 (3.5mm) 24"/60cm and 16"/40cm circular needles, or 2 US sizes/.5mm smaller than gauge needle.
Locking markers or coiless safety pins for ‘clip-and-turn’ and for button placement.
Stitch holders.
Darning needle to finish.
⅝"/16mm buttons: 7 for shorter version, 9 for longer version. Needle; thread or yarn.
GAUGE
22 sts/30 rows = 4"/10cm in stockinette stitch on larger needle, after blocking.
KNITTER'S NOTES
To be sure your garment turns out the right size, it's important to swatch until you get the correct gauge. Stitch gauge determines the fit; row gauge affects the length.
This vest is knitted at 22 sts/30 rows = 4"/10cm. Cast on enough sts for a 6"/15cm-wide swatch; work in St St for 6"/15cm; bind off loosely. Measure and note unblocked gauge for reference when knitting.
Wet block your swatch; let rest for a day or two—gauge can change after it relaxes. Measure again.
If you have more sts or rows per "/cm, your gauge is a little tight; try swatching again on larger needle.
If you have fewer sts or rows per "/cm, your gauge is a little loose; try again on smaller needle.
