This pattern has been updated as of July 25th, 2025. The update includes a correction to the schematic measurements (Body Length & Armhole Depth) and meterage, as well as some additional images to illustrate certain steps in the pattern. Enjoy!

This vest is designed to be super easy, and super quick to knit, making it a great project for beginner garment knitters. With it’s relaxed and comfortable fit you will find yourself reaching for this vest often, and it’s simplicity makes it a fantastic wardrobe staple.

The pattern includes detailed instructions with some handy extra tips for newbies. Starting at the back shoulders, it is knit top-down on circular needles, which is a great method to check the fit as you go, and is very easy to add or subtract length. There are also some handy hints for picking up stitches for the neck and armbands, which you can apply any time you need to pick stitches up in future!

MATERIALS & SIZING

Sizes: XS (S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL, 5XL)

To Fit Bust:
71-76 (81-86, 91-96, 101-106, 111-117, 122-127, 132-137, 142-147, 152-158)cm
28-30 (32-34, 36-38, 40-42, 44-46, 48-50, 52-54, 56-58, 60-62) inches

Finished Bust:
74 (86, 96, 106, 115, 125, 138, 147, 157) cm
29 (34, 38, 41.5, 45.5, 49, 54.5, 58, 62) inches

Designed to fit with between 0-3cm / 0-1.5” of positive ease depending on preferred fit.

Sample pictured is size M, worn with zero ease at full bust.

Yarn: 14ply / Chunky weight yarn.
We used Spinning Yarns Weaving Tales’ Donegal Chunky (125m/100g), in col 6541 Caillin

Quantity: Approximately 219 (271, 318, 351, 385, 438, 492, 534, 580) metres.

If adding length to body, you will need approximately 14 (16, 18, 20, 22, 23, 26, 28, 29) extra metres of yarn for every 2.5cm of length added.

Needles:
Body: 7.00mm 60-100cm circular needles depending on pattern size.
Edging: 6.00mm 40cm (optional), 60cm, and 80-100cm circular needles.

If you don’t mind the Magic Loop Technique, you can just use the longer needles.

Adjust needle size as necessary to match pattern gauge.

Gauge: 12.5 sts x 18.5 rows to 10cm in stocking stitch on larger needles.

Extras: 1-2 stitch markers; a stitch holder, spare circular needles or scrap yarn for holding stitches.

NOTES

Construction
This vest is worked seamlessly from the top down. It starts by casting on stitches for the upper back, and working flat down to the underarm. You will then put those stitches on hold, and pick up separate stitches for the front shoulders to then shape the neckline. Next you will continue the front down to match the back, and then join in the round to work the body. Once the body is finished, stitches will be picked up for the neckline and armholes to work the ribbed edges in the round.