Classic Elite Yarns Galendo Vest Knitting Pattern

Classic Elite Yarns Galendo Knit Vest

What is Being Made

The Galendo is a button-front tank vest designed by Tian Foley, suitable for layering or wearing as a standalone piece. This intermediate-level knitting project is available in five sizes: XXS, XS, S, M, and L, with finished bust measurements ranging from 30 inches to 36.25 inches. The vest features a classic silhouette with structured armholes and a functional button band at the center front.

Construction Techniques

The Galendo vest is constructed using bottom-up and seamedworked flat on straight needles. This approach allows knitters to work the back and front panels separately from the cast-on edge upward, then seam them together at the sides and shoulders. The pattern includes specific shaping instructions for armhole decreases and finishing details to keep center front edges neat by joining new yarn at side or armhole edges rather than at the front.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The vest features two primary stitch patterns:

• Slip Stitch Rib: A textured stitch pattern worked over a multiple of 3 stitches plus 2. Row 1 (right side) is purled with slipped stitches worked purlwise with yarn in back, alternating with purl stitches. Row 2 (wrong side) reverses this with knit and purl stitches. This rib pattern is used for the lower ribbed edge and as a decorative detail at the armhole shaping.
• Stockinette Stitch (St st): The primary fabric stitch used for the main body of the vest, creating a smooth, classic knit appearance.

Pattern Details and Shaping

The back panel begins with a cast-on of 80 to 104 stitches depending on size. Knitters work 3 inches of Slip Stitch Rib as a ribbed edge, then transition to stockinette stitch and continue until the piece measures 12 inches from the cast-on edge. Armhole shaping involves binding off stitches at the beginning of two rows, followed by a series of decrease rows worked on right-side rows. The armhole depth varies by size, ranging from 2 to 3.5 inches. Near completion, the pattern reintroduces Slip Stitch Rib across the center stitches before binding off the center for the neck opening, leaving stitches on holders for the straps.

The left front panel is cast on with 45 to 57 stitches and begins with Slip Stitch Rib worked with edge stitches for a neat selvage. After 3 inches, the needles are changed and the front transitions to stockinette stitch while maintaining the button band stitches in established pattern. This construction ensures the button band is integrated into the piece rather than added later.

Materials and Needles

The pattern is designed for use with Classic Elite Yarns yarn and requires both larger and smaller needles to create the ribbed and stockinette sections. The specific yarn weight and needle sizes are referenced in the original pattern publication, Gigi 1802A. The use of two needle sizes—larger for the ribbed sections and smaller for the body—creates a fitted garment with controlled stretch and recovery.

Skill Level and Format

This project is rated as intermediate level, making it suitable for knitters with experience in basic shaping techniques, armhole decreases, and seaming. The pattern is available as a downloadable PDF from Classic Elite Yarns, originally published in their Gigi 1802A printed collection.