Classic Elite Yarns Goodlow Vest Knitting Pattern

Classic Elite Yarns Goodlow Vest

What is Being Made

The Goodlow is a classic knitted vest designed by Lillian May, originally published in Century and Winter 1611. This is an easy-to-knit garment featuring a fitted silhouette created through strategic shaping and construction techniques. The vest is available in six sizes to accommodate various body measurements.

Construction Method and Techniques

The Goodlow vest is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, making it an accessible project for knitters who prefer traditional flat knitting methods. The construction is divided into two main sections: the lower body and the upper body, each employing distinct techniques for optimal fit and drape.

The lower body is worked from side to side in one continuous piece, beginning and ending at the center front. This sideways construction allows for elegant shaping along the lower edge using short rows to create a gradual flare. The short row technique involves wrapping stitches and turning before completing a full row, which produces a subtle increase in width across the lower portion of the vest. The lower body measures between 35¼ and 56½ inches along the lower edge depending on size, with the upper edge measuring 30¾ to 52¼ inches.

The upper body is constructed by picking up stitches along the upper edge of the completed lower body section. This pick-up method creates a seamless transition between sections and allows the upper portion to be worked downward from the armholes. The upper body is divided into back and front sections after the initial garter stitch band, with stitches strategically bound off to create armhole openings.

Stitches Used

The Goodlow vest employs two primary stitches:

• Stockinette Stitch (St st) forms the foundation of the lower body, creating a smooth, classic fabric with a distinct right side and reverse side. This stitch is worked in rows across all stitches for the majority of the lower body construction.
• Garter Stitch (Gtr st) comprises the upper body sections, including the initial band and all shaping for the back and front pieces. Garter stitch creates a reversible, textured fabric that lies flat and provides excellent structure for garment edges and armholes.

Additional stitch techniques include ssk (slip, slip, knit) and k2tog (knit two together) decreases, which are used to shape the armholes and create a fitted silhouette at the shoulders and sides.

Materials and Yarn

This pattern is designed to be worked with Classic Elite Yarns products, known for outstanding quality and brilliant design. While the specific yarn weight and yardage requirements are not detailed in the available pattern excerpt, the construction method and stitch patterns suggest a worsted or sport weight yarn appropriate for vest-weight garments. Knitters will require straight needles suitable for the chosen yarn weight to work this flat-construction project.

Sizing and Fit

The Goodlow is offered in six graduated sizes, with measurements ranging from smaller to larger proportions. The multi-size approach ensures that knitters of various body types can find an appropriate fit, with the lower body construction method allowing for customizable shaping through the short-row flaring technique.