Classic Elite Yarns Kersley Vest Knitting Pattern

Classic Elite Yarns Kersley Vest

What Is Being Made

The Kersley is an A-line vest designed by Susan Mills, originally published in Century and Winter 1611. This sleeveless garment features patch pockets and a rolled neck finish. The vest is available in six sizes ranging from XS to 2XL, making it a versatile layering piece suitable for various body types and preferences.

Construction Techniques

The Kersley vest is constructed using bottom-up and seamless knitting techniques, which streamline the building process and eliminate the need for seaming. The garment begins with the lower body worked in the round using a longer circular needle, then transitions to flat knitting when the armholes are divided.

The construction method starts with a cable cast-on to establish a sturdy foundation. Knitters work the lower body in the round with strategic decreases to create the A-line silhouette. The piece measures approximately 15 to 16 inches from the cast-on edge before the armholes are divided. Armhole shaping involves binding off stitches and working decreases over several rows to create fitted armholes measuring 7½ to 9 inches depending on size. The front and back are completed separately after the armhole division, with shoulder seams joined during finishing.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette stitch (St st) – the primary stitch throughout the vest, creating a smooth, classic fabric
• Knit (K) and purl (P) – foundational stitches used in combination
• Slip stitch (Slm) – used to maintain markers while working
• Decrease stitches – ssk (slip, slip, knit) and k2tog (knit two together) – used to shape the A-line silhouette and armholes
• Bind-off (BO) – used to secure stitches at armhole edges

Materials and Tools

This pattern requires yarn appropriate for the selected size and desired drape, along with a longer circular needle for working the lower body in the round. Knitters will also need stitch markers to denote side seams and pattern sections, and stitch holders to temporarily hold stitches for the front and back pieces during armhole shaping and shoulder joining. The specific yarn weight and needle size are referenced in the complete pattern documentation from Classic Elite Yarns.

Skill Level

The Kersley is rated as an Easy project, making it accessible to knitters with basic to intermediate experience who are comfortable with seamless construction and simple shaping techniques.