Kinsley consists of diagonal lines created by pairs of twisted stitches centered around purl bands, and crossing with cables. The resulting shapes are diamonds. The strong lines suggested a v-neck. The resulting vest is gender neutral with wide appeal.
Time: 60-100 Hour Project
Skill Level: Advanced
Size:
Finished Bust Size 33.6 (39.2, 44.8, 50.4) (56, 61.6, 67.2)” [85.3 (99.6, 113.8, 128) (142.2, 156.5, 170.7) cm], to fit bust 32 (37.5, 43, 48) (53.5, 58, 64)” [81.3 (95.3, 109.2, 121.9) (136, 147.3, 162.6) cm]
Finished Length 19.5 (19.5, 21.5, 21.5) (22.5, 22.5, 22.5)” [49.5 (49.5, 54.5, 54.5) (57.2, 57.2, 57.2) cm]
1.5-3” [3.8-7.6 cm] positive ease recommended.
Shown in size 33.6” [85.3 cm]
Gauge:
20 sts and 29 rows = 4” [10 cm] in St st after wet blocking
16 sts and 24 rows pattern repeat = 2.8″ and 3.25″ [7.1 cm and 8.3 cm] after wet blocking
Materials
Yarn: Knit Picks Wool of the Andes Tweed (80% wool, 20% other; 110 yards [100.6 meters]/50 grams): 25455 Rabbit Heather 6 (7, 8, 9) (11, 12, 13) skeins
Needles:
US 6 (4.0 mm): 16″ [40.5 cm] and 24-32″ [61-81.5 cm] circular needle
US 7 (4.5 mm): 24-32″ [61-81.5 cm] circular needle
Adjust needle size if necessary to obtain the correct gauge.
Notions: Markers, a removable stitch marker, stitch holders or waste yarn, cable needle, tapestry needle.
Downloads:
- Kinsley Diamonds Vest – Repeat Chart
- Kinsley Diamonds Vest – Neck Edge Chart
- Kinsley Diamonds Vest – Legend
Abbreviations
BOR – beginning of round
Special Stitches
RLI (Right lifted increase): Lift first leg of st below the next st on left needle onto the left needle and knit this st.
LLI (Left lifted increase): Lift last leg below last knitted st on right needle onto left needle and knit this st.
CL[k1, k1tbl]: Sl 1 st to cn, hold in front, k1, k1tbl from cn.
CL[k1tbl, k1tbl]: Sl 1 st to cn, hold in front, k1tbl, k1tbl from cn.
CL[p1, k1tbl]: Sl 1 st to cn, hold in front, p1, k1tbl from cn.
CL[p1tbl, p1tbl]: Sl 1 st to cn, hold in front, p1tbl, p1tbl from cn.
CR[k1tbl, k1]: Sl 1 st to cn, hold in back, k1tbl, k1 from cn.
CR[k1tbl, k1tbl]: Sl 1 st to cn, hold in back, k1tbl, k1tbl from cn.
CR[k1tbl, p1]: Sl 1 st to cn, hold in back, k1tbl, p1 from cn.
CR[p1tbl, p1tbl]: Sl 1 st to cn, hold in back, p1tbl, p1tbl from cn.
STk2tog: Sl1p, sl1k, sl2 back to left needle, k2tog. (1 st decreased)
TSkp2tog: Sl1k, sl1p, sl2 back to left needle, p2tog. (1 st decreased)
TCDD (Twisted Center Double Decrease): Sl1p, sl1k, sl2 back to left needle, sl 2 sts together as if to knit, knit next, pass 2 slipped sts over. (2 sts decreased)
This project is much easier and faster to work if you work the cables without a cable needle by rearranging stitches while briefly dangling a stitch:
CL[a, b]: From the back, skipping the first stitch, insert the right needle pwise into the second stitch. Carefully slide first 2 stitches off of left needle. Insert left needle into first (dangling) stitch. Slip stitch from right needle to left. Stitches are now rearranged; work [a, b] according to pattern instructions.
CR[a, b]: From the front, skipping the first stitch, insert the right needle pwise into the second stitch. Carefully slide first 2 stitches off of left needle. Insert left into first (dangling) stitch. Slip stitch from right needle to left. Stitches are now rearranged; work [a, b] according to pattern instructions.
Standard Repeat (worked in the round over 16 sts):
Rnd 1 (RS): P1, CR[k1tbl, k1tbl], k10, CR[k1tbl, k1tbl], p1.
Rnd 2: CR[k1tbl, p1], CL[p1, k1tbl], k8, CR[k1tbl, p1], CL[p1, k1tbl].
Rnd 3: CL[k1tbl, k1tbl], p2, k1tbl, k8, k1tbl, p2.
Rnd 4: CL[k1, k1tbl], p1, CL[p1, k1tbl], k6, CR[k1tbl, p1], p1, CR[k1tbl, k1].
Rnd 5: K1, k1tbl, p2, k1tbl, k6, k1tbl, p2, k1tbl, k1.
Rnd 6: K1, CL[k1, k1tbl], p1, CL[p1, k1tbl], k4, CR[k1tbl, p1], p1, CR[k1tbl, k1], k1.
Rnd 7: K2, k1tbl, p2, k1tbl, k4, k1tbl, p2, k1tbl, k2.
Rnd 8: K2, CL[k1, k1tbl], p1, CL[p1, k1tbl], k2, CR[k1tbl, p1], p1, CR[k1tbl, k1], k2.
Rnd 9: K3, k1tbl, p2, k1tbl, k2, k1tbl, p2, k1tbl, k3.
Rnd 10: K3, CL[k1, k1tbl], p1, CL[p1, k1tbl], CR[k1tbl, p1], p1, CR[k1tbl, k1], k3.
Rnd 11: K4, k1tbl, p2, CL[k1tbl, k1tbl], p2, k1tbl, k4.
Rnd 12: K4, CL[k1, k1tbl], CR[k1tbl, p1], CL[p1, k1tbl], CR[k1tbl, k1], k4.
Rnd 13: K5, CR[k1tbl, k1tbl], p2, CR[k1tbl, k1tbl], k5.
Rnd 14: K4, CR[k1tbl, p1], CL[p1, k1tbl], CR[k1tbl, p1], CL[p1, k1tbl], k4.
Rnd 15: K4, k1tbl, p2, CL[k1tbl, k1tbl], p2, k1tbl, k4.
Rnd 16: K3, CR[k1tbl, p1], p1, CR[k1tbl, k1], CL[k1, k1tbl], p1, CL[p1, k1tbl], k3.
Rnd 17: K3, k1tbl, p2, k1tbl, k2, k1tbl, p2, k1tbl, k3.
Rnd 18: K2, CR[k1tbl, p1], p1, CR[k1tbl, k1], k2, CL[k1, k1tbl], p1, CL[p1, k1tbl], k2.
Rnd 19: K2, k1tbl, p2, k1tbl, k4, k1tbl, p2, k1tbl, k2.
Rnd 20: K1, CR[k1tbl, p1], p1, CR[k1tbl, k1], k4, CL[k1, k1tbl], p1, CL[p1, k1tbl], k1.
Rnd 21: K1, k1tbl, p2, k1tbl, k6, k1tbl, p2, k1tbl, k1.
Rnd 22: CR[k1tbl, p1], p1, CR[k1tbl, k1], k6, CL[k1, k1tbl], p1, CL[p1, k1tbl].
Rnd 23: CL[k1tbl, k1tbl], p2, k1tbl, k8, k1tbl, p2.
Rnd 24: CL[p1, k1tbl], CR[k1tbl, k1], k8, CL[k1, k1tbl], CR[k1tbl, p1].
Final Repeat (worked in the round over 16/15/17 sts to accommodate movement of BOR marker):
Rnd 1 (RS): P1, CR[k1tbl, k1tbl], k9, CR[k1tbl, p1], CL[p1, k1tbl]. (16 sts worked)
Rnd 2: CR[k1tbl, p1], CL[p1, k1tbl], k8, k1tbl, p2. (15 sts worked)
Rnd 3: CL[k1tbl, k1tbl], p2, k1tbl, k7, CR[k1tbl, p1], p1, CR[k1tbl, k1]. (17 sts worked)
Rnd 4: CL[k1, k1tbl], p1, CL[p1, k1tbl], k6, k1tbl, p2, k1tbl, k1. (back to 16 sts worked)
Rnds 5-20: Same as Standard Repeat.
Rnd 21: K1, k1tbl, p2, k1tbl, k6, CL[k1, k1tbl], p1, CL[p1, k1tbl]. (16 sts worked)
Rnd 22: CR[k1tbl, p1], p1, CR[k1tbl, k1], k7, k1tbl, p2. (15 sts worked)
Rnd 23: CL[k1tbl, k1tbl], p2, k1tbl, k8, CL[k1, k1tbl], CR[k1tbl, p1]. (17 sts worked)
Rnd 24: CL[p1, k1tbl], CR[k1tbl, k1], k9, CR[k1tbl, k1tbl], p1. (back to 16 sts worked)
Standard Repeat (worked flat over 16 sts):
Row 1 (WS): K1, CR[p1tbl, p1tbl], p10, CR[p1tbl, p1tbl], k1.
Row 2 (RS): CR[k1tbl, p1], CL[p1, k1tbl], k8, CR[k1tbl, p1], CL[p1, k1tbl].
Row 3: K2, p1tbl, p8, p1tbl, k2, CL[p1tbl, p1tbl].
Row 4: CL[k1, k1tbl], p1, CL[p1, k1tbl], k6, CR[k1tbl, p1], p1, CR[k1tbl, k1].
Row 5: P1, p1tbl, k2, p1tbl, p6, p1tbl, k2, p1tbl, p1.
Row 6: K1, CL[k1, k1tbl], p1, CL[p1, k1tbl], k4, CR[k1tbl, p1], p1, CR[k1tbl, k1], k1.
Row 7: P2, p1tbl, k2, p1tbl, p4, p1tbl, k2, p1tbl, p2.
Row 8: K2, CL[k1, k1tbl], p1, CL[p1, k1tbl], k2, CR[k1tbl, p1], p1, CR[k1tbl, k1], k2.
Row 9: P3, p1tbl, k2, p1tbl, p2, p1tbl, k2, p1tbl, p3.
Row 10: K3, CL[k1, k1tbl], p1, CL[p1, k1tbl], CR[k1tbl, p1], p1, CR[k1tbl, k1], k3.
Row 11: P4, p1tbl, k2, CL[p1tbl, p1tbl], k2, p1tbl, p4.
Row 12: K4, CL[k1, k1tbl], CR[k1tbl, p1], CL[p1, k1tbl], CR[k1tbl, k1], k4.
Row 13: P5, CR[p1tbl, p1tbl], k2, CR[p1tbl, p1tbl], p5.
Row 14: K4, CR[k1tbl, p1], CL[p1, k1tbl], CR[k1tbl, p1], CL[p1, k1tbl], k4.
Row 15: P4, p1tbl, k2, CL[p1tbl, p1tbl], k2, p1tbl, p4.
Row 16: K3, CR[k1tbl, p1], p1, CR[k1tbl, k1], CL[k1, k1tbl], p1, CL[p1, k1tbl], k3.
Row 17: P3, p1tbl, k2, p1tbl, p2, p1tbl, k2, p1tbl, p3.
Row 18: K2, CR[k1tbl, p1], p1, CR[k1tbl, k1], k2, CL[k1, k1tbl], p1, CL[p1, k1tbl], k2.
Row 19: P2, p1tbl, k2, p1tbl, p4, p1tbl, k2, p1tbl, p2.
Row 20: K1, CR[k1tbl, p1], p1, CR[k1tbl, k1], k4, CL[k1, k1tbl], p1, CL[p1, k1tbl], k1.
Row 21: P1, p1tbl, k2, p1tbl, p6, p1tbl, k2, p1tbl, p1.
Row 22: CR[k1tbl, p1], p1, CR[k1tbl, k1], k6, CL[k1, k1tbl], p1, CL[p1, k1tbl].
Row 23: K2, p1tbl, p8, p1tbl, k2, CL[p1tbl, p1tbl].
Row 24: CL[p1, k1tbl], CR[k1tbl, k1], k8, CL[k1, k1tbl], CR[k1tbl, p1].
Left Neck Edge Dec
Even (RS) Rows: Work in established pattern to last 3 sts, STk2tog, k1. (1 st decreased)
Rows 5, 7, 9, 11, 17, 19, 21, 23 (WS): P1, p1tbl, work in established pattern to end.
Rows 1, 3, 13, 15: P1, TSkp2tog, work in established pattern to end. (1 st decreased)
Right Neck Edge Dec
Even (RS) Rows: K1, k2tog tbl, work in established pattern to end. (1 st decreased)
Rows 5, 7, 9, 11, 17, 19, 21, 23 (WS): Work in established pattern to last 2 sts, p1tbl, p1.
Rows 1, 3, 13, 15: Work in established pattern to last 3 sts, p2tog tbl, p1. (1 st decreased)
Pattern Notes
The vest is worked in the round from the hem, beginning with a 1×1 twisted ribbing. The body pattern flows from this twisted rib. While working in the round, the final pattern repeat is slightly altered to disguise the jog at the round change. The front and back are divided at the armhole, and the front features a v-neck. The neck band and armholes are finished with a 1×1 twisted ribbing as well.
Work bind-off sts as knits; do not cable or twist sts while binding off.
How to work first/last 2 sts at armhole edges:
If stitch at armhole is a single stitch, work next-to-edge st in established pattern, and work edge stitch as knit on RS or purl on WS.
If 2 sts at armhole are cabled together, work next-to-edge stitch as k1tbl on RS or p1tbl on WS, and work edge stitch as knit on RS or purl on WS.
Pattern
Body
With smaller and longer circular needle, CO 168 (196, 224, 252) (280, 308, 336) sts. Place BOR marker and join in the rnd.
Ribbing Rnd: [K1tbl, p1] to end.
Rep Ribbing Rnd until piece measures 1.5″ [3.8 cm].
Change to larger circular needle
Setup Rnd: Shift BOR as follows: Remove marker, LLI, CR[k1tbl, p1], place BOR marker, *p1, RLI, k1tbl, k10, LLI, CR[k1tbl, p1], pm for pattern repeats, if desired; rep from * 10 (12, 14, 16) (18, 20, 22) times, p1, RLI, k1tbl, k10, CR[k1tbl, p1], p1. (192 (224, 256, 288) (320, 352, 384) sts)
Work Rnds 1-24 of pattern repeat following chart or written directions as follows: work Standard Repeat 11 (13, 15, 17) (19, 21, 23) times then work Final Repeat 1 time.
Continue working Rnds 1-24 until body measures approximately 11.5 (11, 12.1, 11.5) (11.8, 11.3, 10.7)” [29.3 (27.9, 30.6, 29.3) (30, 28.6, 27.2) cm], ending after a Rnd 24 (20, 4, 24) (2, 22, 18).
Divide Front and Back:
Work Rnd 1 (21, 5, 1) (3, 23, 19), stopping 4 (0, 0, 9) (2, 12, 6) sts before BOR marker.
BO 8 (16, 16, 18) (20, 24, 28) sts for left armhole, work Rnd 2 (22, 6, 2) (4, 24, 20) over a total of 88 (96, 112, 126) (140, 152, 164) sts for front and place on hold, BO 8 (16, 16, 18) (20, 24, 28) sts for right armhole, work Rnd 2 (22, 6, 2) (4, 24, 20) over at total of 88 (96, 112, 126) (140, 152, 164) sts for back.
For Sizes 39.2 (44.8, 56, 67.2)” Only:
If using repeat markers, shift all markers 8 sts to realign repeats for center front.
Back
Continuing with WS Row 3 (11, 19, 3) (17, 1, 9), BO 4 (2, 7, 9) (10, 12, 14) sts at the beg of next 2 rows. (80 (92, 98, 108) (120, 128, 136) sts rem)
Bind off 2 sts at beg of the next 4 (6, 8, 10) (10, 12, 14) rows. (72 (80, 82, 88) (100, 104, 108) sts rem)
Decrease 2 sts every RS row as follows: [K1, ssk, work in pattern to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1] 5 (5, 6, 9) (10, 12, 14) times. (62 (70, 70, 70) (80, 80, 80) sts rem)
Work even in pattern until body measures approximately 19.5 (19.5, 21.5, 21.5) (22.5, 22.5, 22.5)” [49.5 (49.5, 54.5, 54.5) (57.2, 57.2, 57.2) cm], ending after a Row 12 (16, 16, 16) (24, 24, 24).
Place 11 (11, 11, 11) (12, 12, 12) sts on hold for right shoulder, place next 40 (48, 48, 48) (56, 56, 56) sts on hold for back, place rem 11 (11, 11, 11) (12, 12, 12) sts on hold for left shoulder.
Front
With WS facing, join yarn at left edge, work as for back until front measures approximately 15.4 (14.9, 16.9, 16.9) (16.8, 16.8, 16.8)” [39.1 (37.8, 42.9, 42.9) (42.7, 42.7, 42.7) cm], ending after a Row 5.
Left Front:
Row 6 (RS): Work in pattern for 28 (32, 32, 32) (37, 37, 37) sts, then work left front neck dec to center front, turn, leaving rem 31 (35, 35, 35) (40, 40, 40 sts unworked. (30 (34, 34, 34) (39, 39, 39) left front sts rem)
Continuing in pattern as established while decreasing at neck edge following chart or written directions, work Rows 7-24, then Rows 1-12 (16, 16, 16) (24, 24, 24) once more.
Place rem 11 (11, 11, 11) (12, 12, 12) sts on hold for left shoulder.
Right Front:
With RS facing, join yarn at center front, work right front neck dec, then continue in pattern to end. (30 (34, 34, 34) (39, 39, 39) right front sts rem)
Continue in pattern as established while decreasing at neck edge following chart or written directions, work Rows 7-24, then Rows 1-12 (16, 16, 16) (24, 24, 24) once more. (11 (11, 11, 11) (12, 12, 12) sts rem)
Join Shoulders:
Turn vest inside out. Place stitches for back right shoulder onto empty smaller needle. Hold stitches for right front shoulder and right back shoulder together with right sides facing. With empty larger needle, work 3-needle bind-off. Note: shoulder stitches may be on smaller needles, but right needle must be larger needle. Join left shoulder in same manner. Turn vest right side out.
Finishing
Neckband
Place 40 (48, 48, 48) (56, 56, 56) held back neck sts onto smaller and shorter circular needle.
Join yarn, and pick up 1 st at shoulder join, pick up 27 (31, 31, 31) (38, 38, 38) sts along left front selvage, pick up 1 st at center front, mark this stitch with removable stitch marker, pick up 26 (30, 30, 30) (37, 37, 37) sts along left front selvage, and pick up 1 st at shoulder join, place BOR marker and join in the rnd. (96 (112, 112, 112) (134, 134, 134) sts)
Dec Ribbing Rnd: [K1tbl, p1] until 1 st before center front marker, TCDD (center stitch should be in center of decrease), stitches before and after TCDD should match (both purls or both k1tbls), [k1tbl, p1] to end. (2 sts decreased)
Rep Dec Ribbing Rnd until neckband measures 1″ [2.54 cm].
BO all sts.
Armband
Using smaller and shorter circular needle, beg at center of underarm, join yarn, and working along BO edge, pick up 12 (16, 23, 28) (30, 36, 42) sts (1 st for each BO st), pick up 39 (44, 45, 47) (51, 53, 54) sts along selvage (3 sts for every 4 rows), pick up 1 st at shoulder join, pick up 38 (43, 44, 46) (50, 52, 53) sts along selvage, pick up 12 (16, 23, 28) (30, 36, 42) sts along BO sts, place BOR marker and join in the rnd. (102 (120, 136, 150) (162, 178, 192) sts)
Ribbing Rnd: [K1tbl, p1] to end.
Rep Ribbing Rnd until armband measures 1″ [2.54 cm].
BO all sts.
Note on armbands:
Armhole openings are sized for a close fit to avoid gaping. If you are still experiencing gaping, it is possible to customize your vest by decreasing 2 (for small gaping), 4 or 6 (for large gaping) rib stitches, where gaping occurs.
Weave in ends. Block to measurements.
I want to save the pattern directly to my computer, not print it. Could you add that option?
Hello! We currently do not allow downloads of our patterns, but are exploring options in the near future. You are welcome to save this pattern by copying and pasting into a word document or by printing the pattern via the printer icon on the left hand side of your screen. Hope this helps! – Nicola, Editor
Love this pattern, thank you
Why do you not have an option to print your patterns from the online magazine? I love the patterns, but it is really a hassle to have to copy and paste each pattern. If you would consider adding that option, it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you, Diana
Hello! You are welcome to save this pattern by printing the pattern via the printer icon on the left hand side of your screen. Hope this helps! – Nicola, Editor
Thank you for that! It works like a dream. I’ve been cutting and pasting all along. Duh!