Juniper Moon Farm Vest Knitting Pattern

Emma Waistcoat by Juniper Moon Farm

What is Being Made

The Emma Waistcoat is a classic knitted vest designed by Ursula O'Connor as part of the Winter Breeze Collection. This garment is a tailored, fitted waistcoat available in four sizes ranging from Small to X-Large, with finished bust measurements from 36 inches (91cm) to 42 inches (106cm) and a length varying from 21 to 24 inches (53 to 61cm) depending on size. The waistcoat is crafted to provide a sophisticated layering piece suitable for seasonal wear.

Techniques Used

The Emma Waistcoat is constructed using bottom-up knitting methodology, meaning the piece is worked from the lower edge upward. The garment is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, allowing for traditional row-by-row construction. The finished waistcoat features seamed construction, with individual pieces joined together to create the final garment. This approach provides clean, professional finishing and allows for precise shaping at critical points such as armholes, neck, and shoulders.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Emma Waistcoat primarily employs Stockinette stitch as the main fabric, which creates a smooth, classic appearance ideal for a refined waistcoat. The pattern also incorporates a decorative knit-purl rib pattern (K1, P1 repeat) in specific sections to add textural interest and definition. Additionally, the pattern includes a custom stitch abbreviation T2 (twist 2), which involves knitting into the front of the second stitch on the left-hand needle, then knitting into the front of the first stitch, slipping both stitches off together. This creates a twisted cable effect. Shaping techniques include K2tog (knit two together) and P2tog (purl two together) decreases for armhole and neckline shaping, as well as strategic cast-offs for shoulder and neck construction.

Materials

The Emma Waistcoat is knitted using Juniper Moon Farm Santa Cruz yarn in color 104 Light Grey. Yardage requirements vary by size: Small requires 3 hanks, Medium and Large each require 4 hanks, and X-Large requires 5 hanks, with each hank weighing 100 grams. The pattern calls for two pairs of knitting needles: size US 7 (4.5mm) needles for the initial cast-on and ribbed sections, and size US 8 (5mm) needles for the main body and shaping. The recommended gauge is 17 stitches and 24 rows over a 4-inch (10cm) square worked in Stockinette stitch using the larger needles, ensuring proper fit and drape of the finished garment.