Jo Sharp Wide Collar Vest and Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Jo Sharp Wide Collar Vest and Cardigan

What is Being Made

This pattern provides instructions for two complementary knitted pieces: a cropped cardigan and a long vest, both featuring a distinctive wide ribbed collar. The designs are offered in women's sizing from XS to XL, with bust measurements ranging from 80cm to 110cm. The cardigan is designed for a shorter bodice length of approximately 46–49cm, while the vest extends to a longer bodice length of approximately 66–69cm, making these versatile layering pieces suitable for various occasions and styling preferences.

Techniques Used

Both garments are constructed using bottom-up knitting, meaning you begin at the lower edge and work upward toward the shoulders and neckline. The pieces are worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, which allows for straightforward shaping and seaming. The construction involves several key shaping techniques:

• Side shaping: Decreases are worked on alternating rows to create a snug, fitted silhouette
• Armhole shaping: Cast-off stitches at the beginning of rows establish the armhole depth, followed by additional decreases to taper the armhole opening
• Neck shaping: The back neck is shaped by working each side separately, with decreases at the neck edge to create a comfortable neckline opening
• Shoulder shaping: Stitches are cast off in stages to create sloped shoulders that fit naturally

Stitches Used

The pattern employs fundamental knitting stitches suitable for an intermediate skill level:

• Ribbing (Rib): Used for the distinctive wide collar, ribbing creates vertical columns of texture that provide elasticity and a refined finish
• Stockinette Stitch (St st): The main fabric stitch for the body of both garments, creating a smooth, classic knitted surface with a flat appearance on the right side
• Knit and Purl decreases: Knit two together (K2tog) decreases are used throughout for side shaping, armhole shaping, and neck shaping, creating a structured, professional appearance

Materials

The pattern specifies Jo Sharp Silkroad DK Tweed yarn in 50g balls. Yarn quantities vary by size and garment type: the cardigan requires 9–12 balls depending on size, while the vest also requires 9–12 balls. The pattern offers color options including Treasure (424) and Peppercorn (425). DK weight yarn is a medium-weight option that works well for creating garments with good drape and structure. The tweed texture adds visual interest and depth to the finished pieces. Standard straight needles appropriate for DK weight yarn are required, along with a stitch holder for managing stitches during neck shaping and basic finishing supplies for seaming and weaving in ends.