Another free pattern from The Wee Sheep!
This pattern was created entirely as an experiment. I saw a technique (knitting on the diagonal), knew my kids could always use quick and easy layers and I was off! This pattern is completely customizable. All dimensions are based on the wearer’s body measurements. It is easy, straight- forward, adjustable to multiple sizes and makes a cute finished product! Personalize it, be creative, have some fun!
ETA Errata in bold.
Materials
Yardage required will vary depending on the size vest you are making. You can determine how much you might need using the wraps-per-inch method found at Wool Festival. You could also make a 1×1 inch garter stitch swatch, unravel and measure your yardage. Then multiply that yardage by your total number of inches in the longest side of each piece. Of course, it is always best to buy more than you think you might need and return any unused skeins. I used two skeins of Sensations Bellezza Dolcetto in peach, which has been discontinued. However, any bulky yarn will work. Be aware that striped or varigated yarn will produce a very different looking product. Buy enough to match stripes or color patterns as desired!
Size US9 (5.5mm) straight needles
Size US5 (3.75 mm) DPN’s
Tapestry needle
Stitch markers if desired
Tape measure
Button
Sizes
My sweater is a child size 2T. It measures 14 inches wide x 15 inches long with an armhole depth of 5 inches. Determine the size you desire by measuring the length, width and arm hole depth of a favorite sweater or by using general clothing size dimensions.
Tension/Gauge
20 sts per 4 in/10 cm over garter stitch on the diagonal.
Abbreviations
CO- cast on
k- knit
k2tog- knit two stitches together
sts- stitches
m1- make 1
dc- decrease
BO-bind off
To make I-cord: CO 3 sts using size 5 DPNs. K 1 row. Without turning the needle, slide sts to the opposite end of the needle. K the next row using the working yarn brought from the bottom st. Repeat until you have reached your desired cord length. BO by k2tog twice, sliding sts to the opposite end. K2tog. Cut yarn and pull through the last st.
Back
Determine your desired measurements for length and width of the back. This is most easily determined by measuring a well-fitting sweater belonging to the intended wearer. You want to have a few inches of positive ease as this is an outside layer.
CO 3 sts using long tail cast on. Turn.
Row 2: K1, m1, k1, m1, k1.
Row 3 and all subsequent rows: K1, m1, k to last st, m1, k1.
Repeat until your edges measure your desired width (mine measured 14 inches).
If your back will be a square, begin dc 1 st each side as follows: k1, k2tog, k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1.
If your back will be a rectangle, begin dc 1 st on one edge only as follows until you piece measures your desired length:
k1, k2tog, k to last st, m1, k1
k1, m1, k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1
When you reach your desired length, begin dc on each edge as written for square. Continue dc pattern until you have 3 sts on your needle. BO.
Fronts
Make 2 pieces, one should be 1 inch wider than the other for overlap at the front closure (mine measure 7×15 and 6×15 inches).
CO and knit as written for back.
Finishing
Sew shoulder seams and side seams using mattress stitch. Sew side seams leaving room for armholes (mine measure 5 inches).
Make 4-6 inch long I-cord (mine is 4 inches) over 3 sts using size 5 DPN’s and attach inside the smaller front in desired location for closure (mine is about half way between top and bottom). Sew button on larger front (mine is sewed 2 inches in from the center edge).
Tack down lapels if desired.
Block and enjoy! If you find errors, please let me know!
**This is a free pattern. You may use it for al the non-commercial purposes you like. You may not reproduce this pattern to sell, and you may not sell what you make with it.
I am curious as to what technique you learned that you used in the design of the vest????
Can’t wait to try this really cute pattern Phyllis
[...] the woman I have been working with is really excited to have me teach, so she scheduled my Snuggle vest for another class in Nov. I’ve been trying to promote it as much as possible (so any [...]
I love the look of this vest. However, when I followed the instructions, the shape was not a square, but an elongated diamond.
So I had to alter the pattern to get a true square. This is what I did:
Cast on 2.
k1, m1 at the beginning of every row only, k remaining stiches
(Increase is only at the beginning of every row.)
To decrease,
k1, k2 together at beginning of every row only.
I would like to figure out how to turn this pattern into a rectangle, but haven’t tried that yet.
I am using Red Heart worsted weight yarn for a vest for my grand daughter.
I am sorry about that! I did find that mistake last month when I taught a class using the vest but hadn’t updated the pattern online yet. Thank you for pointing that out to me. To make a rectangle you need to increase on both sides until you get the width, then increase on one side and decrease on the other until you reach the desired length. Then decrease on both ends to make the top. Hope this helps- can’t wait to see the finished product!
I am a beginner knitter and while this vest is adorable, I don’t think I could tackle it. I am looking for a plain knitted pattern for an open front vest for my granddaughter who is 6 and wears a size 6. I had found a pattern but it is not available now on the internet. The vest was made with size 11 circular needles and had a slight vee shape at the front neckline. There was no ribbing at the bottom edge … just a stockinette stitch from top to bottom. I would appreciate any help I can get in finding this pattern or a similiar one. Thank you.
I am a beginner and love the vest but not sure how to make the rectangles for the fronts. How do you create the sleeves?…and I’m a bit confused with the original instructions vs the altered ones Earlene mentioned. Can you put up an updated version?
Thanks!