Berroco Vajen Vest Knitting Pattern

Berroco Vajen Knit Vest

What is Being Made

The Vajen is a fitted knit vest designed by Amy Christoffers, suitable for intermediate-level knitters. This sleeveless garment features a tailored silhouette with finished bust measurements ranging from 38" to 70" (96.5 cm to 178 cm), accommodating multiple size ranges. The vest is designed with 4–8" of positive ease for comfortable wear. The finished length varies from approximately 19" to 21¼" (48.5 cm to 54 cm) depending on size, creating a classic vest proportions that works well as a layering piece or standalone garment.

Techniques Used

The Vajen is constructed using a bottom-up, seamed, worked-flat method, meaning the knitter begins at the lower edge and works upward in flat panels rather than in the round. This traditional construction approach allows for straightforward shaping and finishing. The pattern includes strategic increases worked at marked intervals to create the fitted waist shaping, with the back panel featuring two stitch markers to guide placement of shaping rows. The vest pieces are then seamed together to create the finished garment.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch used throughout the Vajen is Stockinette Stitch (St st), which creates a smooth, classic fabric with a flat knit side and a purl side. The pattern begins with a ribbed edging worked in alternating knit and purl stitches (K1, P1 ribbing), which provides elasticity and a finished appearance at the lower edge. The ribbing is worked for 3" (7.5 cm) from the cast-on before transitioning to Stockinette Stitch for the body of the vest. This combination of ribbing and Stockinette creates both visual interest and functional stretch at the edges.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Vajen is designed to be knitted with Berroco Topaz yarn, a worsted-weight yarn that requires 3 to 5 balls (100 grams each) depending on the finished size selected. The yarn color shown in the pattern is #1216 Renaissance. Knitting needles in sizes 7 (4.5 mm) and 8 (5 mm) are required to achieve the correct gauge. The pattern calls for a 16" (40 cm) circular needle in size 7 (4.5 mm) for finishing work, along with 2 stitch markers and waste yarn for holding stitches during construction. The recommended gauge is 18 stitches and 24 rows over 4" (10 cm) in Stockinette Stitch on the larger needle, measured after blocking to ensure accurate finished measurements.