Berroco Brooklin Vest- Portfolio Waistcoat Knitting Pattern

Berroco Brooklin Vest - Knitted Waistcoat Pattern

What Is Being Made

The Brooklin Vest is a women's open-front waistcoat designed by Elizabeth Smith. This versatile garment can be worn open or closed with a shawl pin, making it an adaptable layering piece. The vest is available in four size ranges: X-Small/Small (to fit bust 30–36"), Medium/Large (38–44"), 1X/2X (46–52"), and 3X/4X (54–60"), with finished back widths ranging from 14¼" to 15¼" and lengths from 18½" to 25½" depending on size.

Construction Method

This vest is knit all in one piece from side to side, beginning at the left front edge and worked continuously across the back, ending at the right front edge. This seamless construction method eliminates the need for seaming and creates a smooth, unified garment. The one-piece approach simplifies finishing and ensures consistent stitch continuity throughout the design.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns Used

• Stockinette Stitch (St st): A fundamental knit stitch creating a smooth, classic fabric texture
• Garter Stitch: Formed by knitting every row, producing a textured, reversible fabric with horizontal ridges. The vest features garter stitch sections on the front edges and back
• Basketweave Pattern: A multi-row repeat pattern (multiple of 8 stitches plus 2) that alternates knit and purl blocks to create a woven appearance. The pattern repeats over 12 rows, with knit rows on right-side rows and alternating purl and knit blocks on wrong-side rows

Techniques Employed

This beginner-level pattern incorporates fundamental knitting techniques suitable for newer knitters. Key techniques include casting on, working in multiple stitch patterns, using stitch markers to track pattern repeats and size increases, and maintaining consistent gauge throughout the project. The pattern requires attention to gauge checking to ensure proper fit, as different stitch patterns have different row and stitch gauges (Stockinette: 14 stitches and 21 rows per 4"; Basketweave: 14 stitches and 22 rows per 4"; Garter Stitch: 14 stitches and 30 rows per 4").

Materials Required

Yarn: The Brooklin Vest is designed to be worked in Berroco Vintage Chunky, a bulky-weight yarn. The yardage requirement varies by size: 5 hanks for X-Small/Small and Medium/Large, 6 hanks for 1X/2X, and 7 hanks for 3X/4X. The sample shown uses color #6144 Cork.

Needles and Notions: A 32-inch circular knitting needle in size 10 (6 mm) is required, or the size needed to obtain proper gauge. Two stitch markers are necessary for tracking pattern repeats and construction sections. The pattern notes that a shawl pin is optional for closing the open front.

Gauge: Achieving the correct gauge is essential for proper fit. The pattern specifies different gauges for different stitches: 14 stitches and 21 rows equal 4 inches in Stockinette Stitch, 14 stitches and 22 rows equal 4 inches in Basketweave pattern, and 14 stitches and 30 rows equal 4 inches in Garter Stitch. Knitters are strongly advised to check gauge before beginning the project to ensure accurate sizing.