AMANO Anita Wrap Vest Knitting Pattern

AMANO Anita Wrap Vest

What is Being Made

The Anita Wrap Vest is a women's wrap-style vest designed by Laura Zukaite for AMANO's Fall Winter 15/16 collection. This intermediate-level knitting project features a wrap front closure and is available in six sizes ranging from X-Small to 2X, with finished bust measurements from 38" to 56" and lengths from 28" to 33". The garment is designed with generous ease, making it suitable for layering over long-sleeved shirts and sweaters.

Techniques Used

The Anita Wrap Vest is constructed using seamed knitting worked flat on straight needles. The pattern incorporates strategic shaping through waist increases and decreases to create a fitted silhouette. The vest features a distinctive wrap front construction that allows for adjustable closure and layering versatility. Stitch markers are used throughout to track pattern repeats and shaping points.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch pattern is the Quilted Stitch, a textured pattern that creates visual depth and dimension. This pattern is worked over a multiple of 8 stitches plus 1 and repeats across rows. The Quilted Stitch incorporates slip stitches with yarn overs to create elongated stitches that are dropped in subsequent rows, producing the characteristic quilted texture. The pattern uses standard knit and purl stitches as foundation, with a specialized technique called P1d (purl 1 down), which involves purling through both the current stitch and the stitch below it to create additional texture and structure. The setup row establishes the pattern with yarn wraps that are strategically dropped to form the quilted effect.

Materials and Specifications

The Anita Wrap Vest is knitted using AMANO WARMI yarn in colorway #6009 Blue Berry. The pattern requires 9 to 11 hanks depending on size, with each hank weighing 100 grams. Knitting needles required include size 6 (4.00 mm) straight needles for the main fabric, size 7 (4.50 mm) straight needles as an alternative or for gauge adjustment, and size 8 (5.00 mm) double-pointed needles for the belt. Additional notions include stitch markers for tracking pattern and shaping.

Gauge and Fit

The pattern specifies a gauge of 24 stitches and 26 rows over 4 inches in the Quilted Stitch pattern using the recommended needle size. Accurate gauge is essential for proper fit. The vest is designed with approximately 8 inches of positive ease, meaning the finished bust measurement is significantly larger than the intended wearer's bust size—a design choice that allows for comfortable layering and a relaxed, wrap-style fit.