Eya Waistcoat Knitting Pattern

Eya Waistcoat in Berroco Quechua

What is Being Made

The Eya Waistcoat is a sleeveless knitted garment designed as an easy-to-intermediate level project from Berroco Booklet #389, created by designer Amy Christoffers. This waistcoat features an open-front design with approximately 2–4" of ease and a forgiving 6" overlap at the fronts, meaning the garment does not close completely. The finished measurements range from 32" to 56" bust (closed), with length measurements from 24" to 26½" from hem to shoulder depending on the size selected. The waistcoat is available in seven size options to accommodate a wide range of body measurements.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Eya Waistcoat employs several fundamental knitting techniques suitable for intermediate-level crafters. The garment is constructed using a strategic piece-by-piece approach: the back is worked from bottom up, while the fronts and back yoke are worked together in one continuous piece, starting at the lower right front edge and ending at the lower left front edge. This construction method creates a cohesive design while allowing for shaping at key points.

Armhole shaping is achieved through bind-offs at the beginning of rows followed by decreases worked on right-side rows using knit two together (k2tog) and slip, slip, knit (SSK) techniques. These decreases are repeated at regular intervals to create the proper armhole depth and fit. The pattern requires careful attention to gauge and blocking to achieve the intended finished measurements.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch throughout the Eya Waistcoat is Garter Stitch, which is created by knitting every row on both sides. This classic, reversible stitch provides excellent structure and drape for a waistcoat while remaining accessible to knitters at the intermediate level. The simplicity of Garter Stitch allows the focus to remain on proper shaping and construction techniques rather than complex stitch patterns.

Decreasing stitches for armhole shaping is accomplished using two standard decrease methods:

• K2tog (knit two together): A right-leaning decrease created by inserting the needle through two stitches and knitting them together as one
• SSK (slip, slip, knit): A left-leaning decrease made by slipping two stitches individually, then knitting them together through the back loops

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Eya Waistcoat is designed to be knitted using Berroco Quechua, a yarn produced by Berroco, Inc. The specific colorway shown in the pattern is #1354 Palace. Berroco Quechua is supplied in 50-gram hanks, with yardage requirements ranging from 6 hanks for the smallest size (32" bust) to 11 hanks for the largest size (56" bust).

Two sizes of straight needles are required to complete this project. The pattern calls for size 4 (3.50 mm) needles for the ribbed cast-on edge and initial rows, and size 6 (4.00 mm) needles for the main body of the garment. Knitters should select needle sizes that allow them to achieve the specified gauge of 20 stitches and 34 rows over 4 inches in Garter Stitch on the larger needles after blocking. Checking gauge before beginning the project is essential to ensure proper fit and finished measurements.

The pattern recommends using the specified Berroco Quechua yarn to ensure accurate results, as yarn fiber content, weight, and yardage directly impact the final garment dimensions and appearance.