Classic Elite Yarns Lone Star Vest Knitting Pattern

Classic Elite Yarns Lone Star Knit Vest

Garment Overview

The Lone Star is a swingy, slightly cropped knit vest designed by Tian Foley, originally published in the Inspired by Patchwork 1509 collection. This versatile layering piece features a button-up back closure and is available in five sizes ranging from XS to XL, with finished bust measurements from 34½" to 48½" and lengths from 19¾" to 21¾".

Knitting Techniques

This vest is constructed using seamed, worked-flat knitting techniques, meaning pieces are knitted separately on straight needles and then sewn together. The garment begins with a ribbed edge created on smaller needles before transitioning to larger needles for the main body shaping. Armhole shaping is achieved through strategic bind-offs and decreases worked at the beginning and end of rows, creating a fitted sleeve opening. The design incorporates both stockinette stitch for the side panels and a prominent cable pattern running down the center front.

Stitch Patterns

The Lone Star features two primary stitch patterns:

• 1 x 1 Rib: An even-number stitch pattern worked on all rows (both right side and wrong side) by alternating knit and purl stitches. This elastic ribbing creates the finished edges and initial cuff of the garment.
• Cable Pattern: A 12-stitch repeat worked over 20 rows that creates the distinctive textured centerpiece. The pattern alternates between stockinette sections framed by reverse stockinette borders. Cable crosses are introduced at strategic intervals: a C4F (cable 4 front) cross on row 5, a C6F (cable 6 front) cross on row 11, and a dramatic C8F (cable 8 front) cross on row 19. Between cable rows, the pattern maintains its structure with knit and purl stitches creating definition.

Construction Details

The front panel begins with a cast-on of 98 to 134 stitches depending on size. After working the 1 x 1 ribbed cuff, the piece is worked in stockinette stitch for 7½" before an increase row that distributes new stitches across the width, bringing the stitch count to 118–164 stitches. The cable pattern is then introduced over the center stitches while stockinette stitch continues on either side. The vest is worked even until the piece measures 12½" from the cast-on edge, at which point armhole shaping begins with bind-offs followed by paired decreases (ssk on right-side rows, ssp on wrong-side rows) worked at the edges to create the armhole curve. The decreasing pattern varies by size, with smaller sizes requiring fewer decrease rows than larger sizes.

Yarn and Materials

The Lone Star is designed to be knitted with Telluride by Classic Elite Yarns, a yarn that contributes to the garment's drape and texture. The pattern requires needles in two sizes: smaller needles for the ribbed edges and cuff, and larger needles for the main body and cable work. The exact yardage and needle sizes are specified in the complete pattern documentation.

Sizing and Fit

Available in five sizes (XS, S, M, L, XL), the pattern accommodates a range of body types with proportional adjustments to stitch counts and shaping rows. The slightly cropped length and swingy silhouette make this vest ideal for layering over long-sleeved shirts or dresses, while the button-up back provides an elegant finishing detail.