Knitting Fever Aurora Poncho Pattern

Aurora Vest by Knitting Fever

What is Being Made

The Aurora Vest is a knitted sleeveless garment designed by Mari Lynn Patrick. This intermediate-level project is sized to fit Small, Medium, Large, X-Large, XX-Large, and 1X, with the finished bust measurement ranging from 42½ inches (108 cm) in the smallest size to 54½ inches (138 cm) in the largest size. The vest features a closed front construction and lengths varying from 26 inches (66 cm) to 28¾ inches (73 cm) depending on the size chosen.

Techniques Used

This intermediate knitting project employs several essential shaping and construction techniques. The pattern incorporates ribbed edging worked in k1, p1 rib for structural definition at the beginning. Decreasing is used strategically in the dec row to shape the garment, utilizing k2tog decreases worked in a ribbed pattern. Reverse Stockinette stitch forms the primary fabric of the vest, creating a textured appearance. Sleeve shaping is achieved through casting on stitches at the beginning of rows to create armhole depth, followed by increases using the kfb (knit front and back) technique to shape the sleeve cap. Short-row shaping is employed for shoulder construction, using the w&t (wrap and turn) method to create gradual shaping without visible steps.

Stitches Used

• Reverse Stockinette Stitch (reverse St st): The primary stitch pattern forming the main fabric body of the vest, worked over the larger needles
• K1, P1 Ribbing: Used for the initial edging and ribbed sections, providing elasticity and structure
• Knit (k) and Purl (p) stitches: The foundational stitches that comprise all pattern elements
• K2tog (knit two together): A left-leaning decrease used in the dec row for shaping
• Kfb (knit front and back): An increase stitch used during sleeve shaping to add stitches gradually
• Selvage stitches: Single knit stitches at the edges to create clean finishing

Materials and Gauge

The Aurora Vest is knitted using KFI Collection Painted Sky yarn in shade 303 Red River, requiring 4 to 7 balls of 100g weight depending on the size selected. The project utilizes multiple needle sizes to achieve proper gauge and construction. Size US 7 (4.5mm) needles are used for the ribbed sections and initial cast-on, while size US 8 (5mm) needles are used for the main reverse Stockinette fabric. Circular needles in US 7 (4.5mm) are required—one 40-inch (102 cm) needle and one 24-inch (60 cm) needle—along with a set of US 7 (4.5mm) double-pointed needles for seamless construction. Additional notions include stitch markers for tracking shaping points and stitch holders for managing live stitches.

Gauge

Achieving proper gauge is critical for this project. The pattern specifies 20 stitches and 25 rows equal 4 inches (10 cm) over reverse Stockinette stitch using the larger needles. For ribbed sections worked on smaller needles, the gauge is 25 stitches and 25 rows equal 4 inches (10 cm) over k1, p1 rib using the smaller needles. Knitters are advised to take time to check gauge before beginning the project to ensure the finished garment matches the intended measurements.