Cascade Yarns C Weskit Vest Waistcoat Knitting Pattern

Cascade Yarns C Weskit Vest: Free Knitting Pattern

What Is Being Made

The C Weskit Vest is a classic pullover sweater vest designed by Betty Balcomb for Cascade Yarns. Inspired by vintage school dress code fashion, this waistcoat-style garment is a sleeveless pullover intended to be worn layered over shirts. The design captures the nostalgic appeal of mid-century preppy styling while offering a modern, wearable piece. The vest features a fitted silhouette with structured shaping at the armholes and is available in three sizes: small (38" bust), medium (40" bust), and large (42" bust), with corresponding length options ranging from 23" to 25".

Knitting Techniques Used

This intermediate-level pattern employs several key knitting techniques to create visual interest and structure. The garment is constructed using a unique two-piece method that begins with two separate balls of yarn worked back and forth on distinct left and right side panels. These pieces are subsequently joined into a single piece and worked in the round until armhole shaping begins. The construction then transitions to flat knitting for the back and front sections. Cable work is a prominent design feature, utilizing multiple cable crossing techniques to add texture and dimension to the finished piece.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques

The primary stitch throughout the vest is stockinette stitch, which provides a smooth, classic fabric base. Cable stitches create decorative texture and are worked using a cable needle. The pattern includes the following cable techniques:

• C4B – A 4-stitch cable cross worked by slipping 2 stitches to a cable needle and holding in back, then knitting 2 stitches from the left needle followed by 2 stitches from the cable needle
• C4F – A 4-stitch cable cross worked by slipping 2 stitches to a cable needle and holding in front, then knitting 2 stitches from the left needle followed by 2 stitches from the cable needle
• C8B – A larger 8-stitch cable cross worked by slipping 4 stitches to a cable needle and holding in back, then knitting 4 stitches from the left needle followed by 4 stitches from the cable needle

Additional techniques include marker placement (PM) to track pattern repeats and shaping points throughout the construction.

Materials and Yarn Requirements

The Cascade 128 Weskit Vest requires 4 to 5 skeins of Cascade 128 Superwash yarn depending on the size selected (4 skeins for small and medium, 5 skeins for large). The pictured sample is worked in color #867. Cascade 128 Superwash is a bulky-weight yarn that is machine washable, making this vest practical for regular wear and care. The yarn's soft texture and quick-working nature allow the project to be completed relatively efficiently despite its structured appearance.

Needles and Tools

The pattern requires size 10 straight or circular needles measuring 16" and 29–36" for the smaller gauge sections, and size 10½ circular needles measuring 29–36" for sections worked at a larger gauge. Knitters should use needles that allow them to obtain the specified gauge. Additional tools include stitch holders for managing stitches during construction and a cable needle for executing the cable crossing techniques. The use of both straight and circular needles accommodates the pattern's transition from flat knitting to circular knitting and back to flat construction.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern is worked to a gauge of 14 stitches to 4 inches in stockinette stitch on the larger needles. Obtaining correct gauge is essential for achieving the intended finished measurements. The vest is designed in three sizes with bust measurements of 38", 40", and 42", and corresponding lengths of 23", 24", and 25". The pattern instructions are written for the small size with size variations provided in parentheses throughout.