The "Work-it-out-as-you-go" Vest!

Finished, and in time to wear to Stitch 'n' Bitch tomorrow night!


I am so pleased with it that I have attempted to write out the pattern should anyone like it. I haven't done it for any size other than mine but with a little maths you should be able to change the sizes. Here goes...

Sizing:

Approximately bust 95cm Waist 85 cm Length (Shoulder to Hip) 50cm (it fits me)

Gauge: 17st/10cm

Materials:

6-7 Balls Patons Jet (or substitute)

5.5 mm 60cm circular

4 stitch holders

5.5mm crochet holder

Darning needle

Pattern

CO 150 stitches preferably using a long tail cast on.

Work 6 repeats of the following lace pattern:

Rnd 1: k1, p1, k2, p1, k1 - repeat to end

Rnd 2: k1, p1, yo, ssk, p1, k1 – repeat to end

Rnd 3: as round 1

Rnd 4: k1, p1, k2tog, yo, p1, k1 – repeat to end

Knit one round

Next rnd: k82, place marker, k82

Next rnd: k4, m1, *k11, m1*; repeat from * to * until last three stitches, k3 (164 sts)

Knit 3 rounds

Decrease rounds

k1, k2tog, k to 3 sts before marker, ssk, k2, k2tog, k to last 3 sts, ssk, k1

Knit 4 rounds

Repeat the decrease rounds twice more (3 times in total) – 152 sts

Continue in st st until the garment measures 22cm in total.

Increase rounds

K2, m1, k to 2sts before marker, m1, k4, m1, k to last 2 sts, m1, k2

Knit 3 rounds

Repeat the increase rounds 6 more times (7 times in total) – 180 sts

Divide for Neckline

Next Rnd: K 45[49, 54, 58, 62], turn.

P 1 row all the way around to the turning point. You will now work back and forth in st st, beginning and ending rows at the place you just turned your work. This is the centre front of the neckline.

Next row [RS]: K1, k2tog, k to last 3 sts, ssk, k1.

P 1 row.

Repeat these 2 rows once more. Work RS row once more.

Divide Back and Front for Armholes

Next Row: P to marker and place 42 sts just worked on a holder or waste yarn, BO next 7 sts, p to marker, turn. Place rem 42 front sts on another holder or waste yarn.

Upper Back

Next Row [RS]: BO 7 sts, k to end.

P 1 row.

Next Row [RS]: K1, k2tog, k to last 3 sts, ssk, k1.

P 1 row.

Repeat these 2 rows 3 times more. 68 sts

Continue without shaping until work measures 48cm in total, ending with a WS row.

Back Neck

Next Row [RS]: K16, join new yarn, BO 36 sts, k to end.

Working both sides at the same time, continue without further shaping until work measures 53 cm in total. Place stitches on stitch holders.

Upper Fronts

Replace sts for Right Front on needle with WS facing. Reattach yarn, BO 7 sts and p to end. 35 sts rem.

Replace sts for Left Front on needle. Reattach yarn [RS]: BO 7 sts, k to last 3 sts, ssk, k1. 34 sts rem.

On right front: k1, k2tog, k to end

At this stage you are working both sides simultaneously from two balls of yarn.

Purl both sides

Left side: k to last 3 sts, ssk, k1 Right side: k1, k2tog, k to end

Continue in this fashion until 16 sts remain on both sides.

Finishing

Graft (or seam as you must) the shoulder seams together. The treatment you use on the armholes and neck are up to you. I chose to single crochet the edges. Other options could be 2x2 ribbing or the lace pattern. Weave in your ends! Hope it worked for you as well as it did for me.

This pattern is provided free for your own personal use. You may knit it for yourself, as a gift, a swap or for charity. This pattern is not intended for commercial use. Any intended commercial use requires permission in writing.