Cascade Yarns A Paloma Waistcoat Knitting Pattern

Cascade Yarns A Paloma Waistcoat: Knitted Merino Wool Vest Pattern

What Is Being Made

The Paloma Waistcoat is a sleeveless knitted vest designed by Jody Long for Cascade Yarns. This intermediate-level garment is constructed as a fitted waistcoat available in five sizes to fit bust measurements from 81-86cm (32-34") up to 122-127cm (48-50"), with actual finished measurements ranging from 92cm (36¼") to 133cm (52½"). The full length varies from 76cm (30") in the smallest size to 84cm (33") in the largest size, making it a versatile layering piece suitable for various body types and proportions.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

This pattern calls for Cascade Yarns 220 Superwash Aran, a 100% Superwash Merino Wool yarn. Each hank contains 100g (3.5 oz) with 150 yards (137.5 m) of yardage. The project requires 9 to 13 hanks depending on size selection, with the sample shown in color #875 (Feather Grey). Superwash Merino Wool provides durability, softness, and easy care properties, making this waistcoat practical for regular wear and washing.

Needles and Tools Required

Construction uses two sizes of knitting needles: US 6 (4mm / UK 8) for ribbed sections and US 8 (5mm / UK 6) for the main fabric. Additional tools include a cable needle for executing cable stitches, stitch holders for managing stitches during construction, stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats, and a large eye wool needle for finishing and seaming.

Gauge and Tension

The pattern specifies a gauge of 18 stitches by 28 rows over 4 inches (10cm) when worked in Moss Stitch using US 8 (5mm / UK 6) needles. Achieving correct gauge is essential for obtaining the proper finished measurements and fit of the waistcoat.

Primary Knitting Stitches and Techniques

The Paloma Waistcoat employs several key stitches and techniques:

• Moss Stitch: The primary stitch used for the main fabric, created by alternating knit and purl stitches in a checkerboard pattern. This textured stitch provides visual interest and structural stability.
• Stockinette Stitch: Used for the pocket linings, created by alternating rows of knit stitches on the right side and purl stitches on the wrong side.
• Ribbing: Worked with smaller needles (US 6) to create elastic cuffs and edges that provide shape and recovery.
• Cable Stitches: Multiple cable variations are incorporated for decorative detail, including C4B (4-stitch cable crossed to the back), C4F (4-stitch cable crossed to the front), C3B (3-stitch cable crossed to the back), C3F (3-stitch cable crossed to the front), C3FP (3-stitch cable with purl), and C3BP (3-stitch cable with purl). These cables are worked using a cable needle to create twisted, rope-like textural elements.

Construction Methods and Special Techniques

The pattern incorporates several advanced knitting techniques. Make 1 (M1) increases are used to add stitches by picking up the horizontal loop between stitches and working into the back of it, creating invisible increases. Decreases including slip, knit, pass slip stitch over (skpo) are employed for shaping. The waistcoat features pocket linings constructed separately using Stockinette Stitch, with the pattern indicating that at least two pockets are included in the design. Stitches are managed using stitch holders during construction, allowing sections to be worked separately and later joined. The garment is assembled using seaming techniques with the large eye wool needle.

Pattern Structure and Sizing

The pattern provides five distinct size options with graduated measurements, allowing customization for different body proportions. Each size includes specific stitch counts and row adjustments to maintain proper fit and proportions across the range. The inclusion of multiple sizes demonstrates the pattern's versatility and accessibility to knitters of varying body types.