Classic Elite Yarns Porter Vest Knitting Pattern

Classic Elite Yarns Porter Knit Vest

What is Being Made

The Porter is a casual V-neck knit vest designed by Kathy North, originally published in the printed collection Twists and Turns 1510. This intermediate-level project features a striking pyramid arrangement of knotted cables as the focal point, creating visual interest across the front and back of the garment. The vest is worked in a bottom-up construction method, making it accessible for knitters who prefer building from the hem upward.

Finished Measurements

• Bust: 31 (35, 39, 43, 47, 51) inches
• Length: 19¾ (20¼, 20¾, 22¼, 22¾, 23¼) inches
• Available in sizes XS, S, M, L, XL, and 2XL

Techniques Used

This vest employs several key knitting techniques that contribute to its polished appearance:

• Bottom-up construction: The garment is knitted from the hem toward the shoulders, allowing for easy try-ons and adjustments during the knitting process
• Seamed assembly: Pieces are worked flat and then seamed together, creating clean, professional-looking seams
• Worked flat: All pieces are knitted on straight needles in rows rather than in the round, simplifying stitch management for cable work
• Cable manipulation: The knotted cables are the signature design element, arranged in a descending pyramid pattern that creates depth and texture

Pattern Stitches

2 x 2 Rib: This foundational stitch uses a multiple of 4 stitches plus 2, alternating knit and purl stitches to create an elastic, textured border. The ribbing is worked at the hem and provides structure and recovery to the garment edges.

Knotted Cable: The signature stitch of this design is worked over 6 stitches across 16 rows. The cable features a distinctive knot element on Row 3, with alternating rows of knit and purl stitches creating the cable structure. Between cable rows, reverse stockinette stitch (purl on the right side) frames each cable, making them pop visually against the background.

Reverse Stockinette Stitch: Used throughout as the background fabric between and around the cables, reverse stockinette (purling on right-side rows) provides a subtle texture that complements the bold knotted cables.

Construction Details

The Porter is constructed in multiple tiers of cables that decrease in number as you work upward:

• First cable tier: Features 5 knotted cables arranged across the width of the piece, worked over 20 cable rows
• Second cable tier: Reduces to 3 cables, worked over 36 cable rows total
• Third and fourth cable tiers: Continue the pyramid effect with 1 cable each, creating a refined focal point

The back piece begins with a cast-on of 62 (70, 78, 86, 94, 102) stitches depending on size. After working the initial 2 x 2 ribbing at the hem for 2 to 3 inches, the stitch count transitions to larger needles for the main cable pattern. Marker placement guides the cable sections and reverse stockinette background throughout the pattern.

Materials Overview

This project requires two sizes of needles—smaller needles for the ribbed hem and larger needles for the main cable pattern. The pattern is designed to work with yarn from Classic Elite Yarns, though specific yarn weight and yardage requirements are referenced in the complete pattern documentation. Knitters should refer to the full pattern for exact yarn specifications and needle sizes appropriate to their chosen yarn.

Skill Level

Rated as an intermediate project, the Porter assumes familiarity with basic knitting techniques including ribbing, cable work, and seaming. The pyramid cable arrangement and marker management require attention to detail, making this an excellent project for knitters looking to expand their cable expertise.