Berroco Hoehne Vest- Portfolio Waistcoat Knitting Pattern

Berroco Hoehne Vest – Knitted Waistcoat Pattern

What is Being Made

The Hoehne Vest is a sleeveless waistcoat designed by Courtney Spainhower, offered in one size with multiple finished bust measurements ranging from 38 inches to 56 inches (closed). The finished length varies from 22¾ inches to 26¼ inches depending on size selection. This garment features approximately 2 inches of ease built into the design, making it suitable for layering over long-sleeved tops or wearing as a standalone piece during mild weather.

Construction Method and Techniques

The Hoehne Vest employs a distinctive construction approach that begins with the front panels worked from the bottom up. Once the fronts reach the appropriate length, a joining row connects the front sections, and stitches are cast on for the back neck opening. The back is then worked from the top down, creating an efficient and logical assembly process. This technique allows knitters to try on the garment as it progresses and make adjustments as needed.

The pattern utilizes circular needles in two lengths (16 inches and 24 inches) to accommodate the various stitch counts across different sizes, even though the garment is worked in the round. Stitch markers are essential tools for tracking pattern repeats and construction points throughout the project.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns Used

The primary stitch used in the Hoehne Vest is stockinette stitch (St st), which creates a smooth, classic fabric. The garment features Faun Eye Lace, a decorative lace pattern that adds visual interest and texture to the design. The Faun Eye Lace pattern works over a multiple of 12 stitches plus 1, incorporating techniques such as:

• Yarn overs (yo) – creating deliberate holes in the fabric for the lace effect
• Decreases – including slip-slip-knit (SSK) and knit 2 together (k2tog) to balance the yarn overs
• Slip stitches – used for shaping and stitch manipulation

The pattern also incorporates an I-cord bind-off, an advanced finishing technique that creates a decorative, cord-like edge. This bind-off method involves casting on 3 stitches and working them together with the remaining stitches in a specific sequence, then either seaming the I-cord closed or using a provisional cast-on method and grafting the ends together for a seamless finish.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Hoehne Vest is designed to be worked with Berroco Ultra Alpaca yarn in the colorway #6299 Lichen Mix. Yarn requirements range from 3 hanks for smaller sizes to 6 hanks for the largest size, with each hank weighing 100 grams. This luxurious alpaca yarn provides a soft, warm, and breathable fabric suitable for a versatile layering piece.

Knitters should use size 8 (5.00 mm) circular needles or adjust needle size as needed to obtain the correct gauge. The pattern specifies a gauge of 19 stitches and 24 rows over 4 inches when worked in stockinette stitch and Faun Eye Lace. Achieving the correct gauge is critical for proper fit, and the pattern emphasizes checking gauge before beginning the project to avoid sizing issues.

Difficulty Level

Rated as Intermediate, the Hoehne Vest is suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle more complex techniques. The combination of lace patterning, circular needle work, and specialty finishing methods like the I-cord bind-off requires attention to detail and familiarity with advanced stitching techniques, making this an excellent project for developing knitting proficiency.