Juniper Moon Farm Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Juniper Moon Farm Xavi Duster Vest

What is Being Made

The Xavi is a duster vest designed by Claudia Wersing as part of the Summer Vibes Collection. This garment is a sleeveless waistcoat-style piece that offers an open, flowing silhouette perfect for layering. Available in five sizes ranging from Small to 2X-Large, the vest is designed to fit bust measurements from 33 to 49 inches, with a finished circumference at the bust ranging from 39½ to 55 inches and a consistent length to shoulder of 35¼ inches.

Craft and Construction Method

The Xavi duster vest is created using the knitting craft. The garment is worked flat on straight needles, meaning it is constructed in flat pieces rather than in the round, and then seamed together to create the finished vest. This bottom-up construction method allows knitters to begin at the lower edge and work upward toward the shoulders, making it easy to try on and adjust length as needed.

Techniques and Stitches

The Xavi incorporates several advanced knitting techniques to create visual interest and texture:

• Stockinette Stitch: The foundational stitch used throughout much of the garment, creating a smooth, classic knit fabric with a flat appearance on the right side.
• Cable Stitches: Decorative raised twisted stitches that add dimension and visual appeal to the vest.
• Lace Stitches: Open, delicate stitch patterns created through yarn overs and decreases that produce holes and intricate designs, contributing to the summery aesthetic of the piece.
• Indian Cross Stitch 1: A specialty stitch pattern with yarn overs and elongated stitches that creates a textured, crossed appearance. This stitch is worked over a stitch multiple of 4+2 and requires dropping yarn overs while slipping stitches purlwise, then lifting and crossing stitches to form the characteristic cross pattern. The pattern is repeated three times after an initial setup.
• Indian Cross Stitch 2: A variation of the Indian Cross Stitch using a single yarn over instead of double yarn overs, creating a slightly different texture and drape. This stitch also works over a 4+2 stitch multiple and employs the same crossing technique as Indian Cross Stitch 1.

These stitch patterns work together to create the duster vest's distinctive texture and visual character, with gauge measurements provided for each: Stockinette Stitch at 16 stitches and 22 rows per 4 inches, Indian Cross Stitch 1 at 16 stitches and 16½ rows per 4 inches, and Indian Cross Stitch 2 at 16 stitches and 18½ rows per 4 inches.

Materials and Tools

The Xavi duster vest is knitted using Juniper Moon Farm Cumulus Rainbow yarn in colorway 201 Aurora Borealis. Yardage requirements vary by size, with Small requiring 4 balls of 100-gram yarn, Medium and Large requiring 4 and 5 balls respectively, and X-Large and 2X-Large each requiring 5 balls of 100 grams.

Knitters will need US 9/5.5mm straight knitting needles for working the flat pieces and a US 9/5.5mm circular knitting needle for finishing elements such as necklines or armholes. The pattern specifies that needle size should be adjusted as needed to obtain the correct gauge, ensuring proper fit and drape of the finished garment.