Blue Sky Fibers Maple Grove Vest Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Blue Sky Fibers Maple Grove Vest

What Is Being Made

The Maple Grove Vest is a versatile wardrobe staple designed by Gabrielle Koizumi. This intermediate-level knitting project creates a textured vest that can be styled in multiple ways, offering both visual interest and practical layering potential. The vest is available in three size ranges: XS-M (finished bust width 40½"), L-2XL (43½"), and 3X-5XL (48½"), with corresponding length adjustments from shoulder to accommodate different body proportions.

Techniques Used

This pattern employs several key knitting techniques that make it an excellent project for developing intermediate skills:

• Bottom-up construction: The vest is worked from the bottom edge upward, allowing you to try on and adjust length as you progress
• Worked flat: Rather than working in the round, this piece is constructed back and forth using a circular needle to accommodate the large stitch count, then finished with seaming
• I-cord cast-on and bind-off: The pattern features multiple I-cord applications, including a decorative I-cord cast-on that creates a finished, professional edge. This technique involves working a small 3-stitch I-cord and simultaneously picking up stitches along its length to begin the main fabric
• Seamless integration: While worked flat, the construction minimizes visible seaming through strategic placement and finishing techniques
• Kitchener Stitch: Used for grafting live stitches together, creating invisible seams for a polished finish

Stitches Used

The Maple Grove Vest combines several fundamental and textured stitches to create visual depth:

• Stockinette Stitch: The primary fabric base, creating smooth columns of knit stitches on the right side
• Reverse Broken Rib Stripe: A textured stitch pattern that alternates knit and purl stitches (k3, *p1, k1tbl; rep from * to last 3 sts, sl 3 wyif) to create visual interest and subtle texture throughout the piece
• I-cord: A small tubular knit cord used for cast-on, bind-off, and decorative edging
• Through-the-back-loop knitting (k1tbl): Creates a twisted stitch that adds dimension to the ribbed sections

Materials

Yarn: This pattern is designed specifically for Blue Sky Fibers Woolstok Worsted weight yarn, which is 100% Fine Highland Wool. The yardage requirements vary by size: 13 hanks (approximately 1,599 yards) for XS-M, 18 hanks (approximately 2,214 yards) for L-2XL, and 25 hanks (approximately 3,075 yards) for 3X-5XL. The sample shown is knitted in color No. 1302 Gravel Road.

Needles and Tools: You will need US Size 9 (5.5mm) circular needles measuring 40 inches or longer to accommodate the large number of stitches worked back and forth. Additional tools include a spare needle for Kitchener Stitch grafting, stitch holders or waste yarn for holding stitches, and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and seaming.

Gauge and Finished Measurements

The pattern is designed to achieve a gauge of 16 stitches and 27 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch when blocked. Finished measurements include a width between armholes ranging from 12¾ inches (XS-M) to 21¼ inches (3X-5XL), and a length from shoulder ranging from 25¾ inches to 30¾ inches depending on size selection.