This unique design features a vest with a buttoned cowl neckline for extra coziness. Casual glam at its finest, this vest is knit from the bottom up and will fly off your needles. Wear it with a simple tee and a pair of jeans.
Skill Level: Intermediate
Size: Finished Bust Size 29 (31, 34, 38, 42, 48)”
1-2” negative ease recommended at bust.
Shown in size 34”
Gauge: 14 sts and 16 rows = 4” [10 cm] in garter stitch
Materials
Yarn: Cascade Yarns Cascade 220 Superwash Merino Aran (100% Superwash Merino Wool; 150 yards [137.5 meters]/100 grams): 855 Maroon, 4 (4, 4, 5, 6, 8) balls
Needles: US size 10 (6.0 mm): 24” circular
Notions: Two 1½” buttons; tapestry needle; markers
Special Stitches
Border (work this at the beginning and end of every row)
WS: Sl1, p1 (yb, sl1p, yf, p1) 3 (3, 3, 4, 5, 5) times, work Klong Pattern until 9 (9, 9, 11, 13, 14 13) sts rem, (yb, sl1p, yf, p1) 4 (4, 4, 5, 6, 6) times, p1.
RS: Sl1, (yf, sl1p, yb, k1) 4 (4, 4, 5, 6, 6) times, work Klong Pattern until 8 (8, 8, 10, 12, 12) sts rem, (yf, sl1p, yb, k1) 4 (4, 4, 5, 6, 6) times.
Klong Pattern (work this between Border sts)
Rows 1-9: Work in St st.
Row 10 (WS): K5, *ssk, k2tog, k12; rep from * to Border sts.
Note: Depending on size, you may not have exactly 12 sts at the end of the row before the Border, this is normal.
Row 11: Purl.
Row 12: K5, *klong, k2, klong, k12; rep from * to Border sts.
Rows 13-21: Work in St st.
Row 22: K13, *ssk, k2tog, k12; rep from * to Border sts.
Row 23: Purl.
Row 24: K13, *klong, k2, klong, k12; rep from * to Border sts.
Rep Rows 1-24 for patt.
Klong: Insert your right needle in the space between the k2tog and ssk from 2 rows below, k1 st through this hole, knit next 2 sts, insert right needle into the same hole 2 rows below as the first klong st. Try to keep your tension even on both klong stitches so they will sit evenly with your current row.
Pattern Notes
This pattern is worked flat. Use stitch markers to note Border sts.
The vest has a significant negative ease at the hips as it is meant to sit open at the bottom, a slight negative ease across the bust, and then significant positive ease at the neck (it pulls together to button up at the side).
The cowl neck is worked separately and sewn on. The neck of the vest can be worn folded over or buttoned up the neck
Pattern
Body
CO 100 (108, 120, 132, 148, 168) sts.
Row 1 (RS): Sl1, *yf, sl1p, yb, k1; rep from * to last st, k1.
Row 2 (WS): Sl1, p1, *yb, sl1p, yf, p1; rep from * to end of row.
Rep Rows 1-2 for a total of 9 (9, 9, 11, 13, 15) rows, ending with a RS row.
Starting with a WS row, work border at the beginning and end of every row, and Klong Pattern between Border sts until piece meas 18 (18½, 19, 19½, 20, 20)”.
Separate Fronts and Back
Split sts so there are 29 (31, 34, 37, 42, 48) sts for the Right Front, 42 (46, 52, 58, 64, 72) sts for the Back, and 29 (31, 34, 37, 42, 48) sts for the Left Front.
Right Front
Next Row (RS): Work Border, k to end of row.
Next Row (WS): BO 1 (1, 2, 2, 3, 4) sts, p to end of row.
Note: Slip sts at the beginning of every row.
Cont working the Klong Pattern until Armhole meas 6½ (7, 7½, 8, 8½, 9)”.
Back
Next Row (RS): BO 1 (1, 2, 2, 3, 4) sts, k to end of row.
Next Row (WS): BO 1 (1, 2, 2, 3, 4) sts, p to end of row.
Note: Slip sts at the beginning of every row.
Cont working the klong pattern for 6½ (7, 7½, 8, 8½, 9)”.
Left front
Next Row (RS): BO 1 (1, 2, 2, 3, 4) sts, k to last 8 (8, 8, 10 ,12 ,12) sts, work Border.
Note: Slip sts at the beginning of every row.
Cont working the Klong Pattern until Armhole meas 6½ (7, 7.5, 8, 8½, 9)”.
Close Shoulders
Line up your Front panels with Back panel, matching the sts started at the Armhole. *Using the Kitchener st, close 16 (17, 17, 18, 20, 23) sts from the armhole towards the middle. Rep from * on the other shoulder. BO rem sts in the middle of the Back panel and at ends of the Front panels.
Cowl Neck
CO 60 (68, 84, 94, 106, 118) sts.
Row 1 (RS): Sl1, *yf, sl1p, yb, k1; rep from * to last st, k1.
Row 2 (WS): Sl1, p1, *yb, sl1p, yf, p1; rep * to end of row.
Rep Rows 1-2 for 6 (6, 8, 8, 10, 10) rows total
Next Row: Sl1, yf, sl1p, yb, k1, yf, sl1p, BO 5, k1, *yf, sl1p, yb, k1; rep from * to end of row.
Next Row: Sl1, p1, *yb, sl1p, yf, p1; rep from * to last st before BO, CO 5 sts, p1, yb, sl1p, p2.
Rep Rows 1-2 for 16 (16, 18, 18, 20, 20) rows total
Next Row: Sl1, yf, sl1p, yb, k1, yf, sl1p, BO 5, k1, *yf, sl1p, yb, k1; rep from * to end of row.
Next Row: Sl1, p1, *yb, sl1p, yf, p1; rep from * to last st before BO, CO 5 sts, p1, yb, sl1p, p2.
Rep Rows 1-2 for 6 (6, 8, 8, 10, 10) rows total
BO all sts.
Finishing
Weave in all ends and block. Attach cowl neck onto body of sweater.
Can you explain klong a little more clearly? It reads as if one keeps knitting in the same 1st hole 2 rows down as the 1st time. Basically, does one klong twice in the same hole, then move on to tge next hole, or is there onky 1 klong in each hole? This is hard to explain, I hope I’m clear.
I’m interested in making this as a cropped version to wear over a sun dress. I’m thinking I’d start the stitch count after the hip shaping.
Beautiful vest! I’m anxious to knit it. Could I knit rt front and lt front at the same time with long circular needles and two balls of yarn? I just love the vest.
Hello Jacqueline! I’ve reached out to the designer for advice and she or I will reply as soon as possible. Thanks! – Nicola, Editor