Elsebeth Lavold Tessa Vest Waistcoat Knitting Pattern

Elsebeth Lavold Tessa Vest

What Is Being Made

The Tessa Vest is a seamed knit waistcoat designed by Mari Lynn Patrick and available in seven sizes ranging from Small through 4X. This sleeveless garment features finished bust measurements from 34 inches (86 cm) in the smallest size to 50½ inches (128 cm) in the largest, with a length varying from 22½ inches (57 cm) to 25½ inches (65 cm) depending on the chosen size. The vest is constructed as a classic layering piece suitable for wearing over shirts and sweaters.

Techniques Used

The Tessa Vest employs a bottom-up construction method, meaning the garment is knitted starting from the lower edge and progressing upward toward the armholes and neckline. The piece is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, and components are seamed together after individual sections are completed. This traditional approach allows for precise shaping and the incorporation of textured stitch patterns throughout the design.

Stitches Used

The Tessa Vest features two primary stitch patterns. The garment begins with a k1, p1 ribbing, a fundamental knit and purl alternation that creates elasticity and a finished appearance at the lower edge. This ribbing extends approximately 2¼ inches (5.5 cm) from the cast-on edge. The main body of the vest showcases a textured rib pattern that incorporates cable techniques, specifically right twists (RT), which create visual interest and dimension. The textured rib is worked in a repeating four-stitch pattern that is maintained across the width of the piece. Strategic decreasing rows are integrated into the pattern sequence using techniques such as k2tog (knit two together) and p3tog (purl three together) to shape the vest at the waist and other areas requiring fitted construction.

Materials

The Tessa Vest requires 6 to 9 hanks of Elsebeth Lavold Misty Wool in 100-gram quantities, depending on the size being knitted. The sample shown was worked in shade 12 Scarlet. Knitters will need one pair of size US 6/4mm needles for the ribbed sections and one pair of size US 7/4.5mm needles for the textured rib pattern, allowing for the gauge changes necessary to achieve proper fit. Additionally, one size US 6/4mm circular needle measuring 40 inches (100 cm) in length is required, along with stitch markers to track pattern repeats and shaping decreases throughout the construction process.

Gauge Information

Achieving proper gauge is essential for this project. Over the k1, p1 ribbing using size US 6/4mm needles, the gauge is 29 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches (10 cm). For the textured rib pattern worked on size US 7/4.5mm needles, the gauge is 30 stitches and 26 rows over 4 inches (10 cm). Knitters are strongly advised to knit a gauge swatch before beginning the project to ensure their finished vest matches the intended finished measurements.