Lana Vest Knitting Pattern

Lana in Mode at Rowan Alpaca Cotton Vest

What is Being Made

This is a knitted vest designed by Quail Studio, available in three sizes to fit chest measurements of 28-38cm, 40-50cm, and 52-62cm (11-15in, 16-20in, and 20-24in). The finished garment chest measurements are 150.5cm, 180cm, and 209.5cm (59¼in, 70¾in, and 82½in) respectively. The vest features a classic construction with a shaped back and front, shoulder shaping, and a finished neckband.

Techniques Used

This beginner-level knitting project employs several fundamental techniques suitable for those new to garment construction. The pattern uses moss stitch as a decorative ribbed edging at the lower edge of the garment. Stockinette stitch forms the main body fabric. Shoulder shaping is achieved through strategic cast-off decreases worked at the beginning of rows, creating a fitted armhole and neck opening. The pattern demonstrates seaming techniques, with instructions to join shoulder seams using either mattress stitch or back stitch. A neckband is picked up and knitted in the round using circular needles, providing a professional finished edge.

Stitches Used

• Moss Stitch: Created by alternating knit and purl stitches (K1, P1 repeat) in a consistent pattern across rows, producing a textured, bumpy fabric ideal for ribbed edgings
• Stockinette Stitch: The primary stitch structure for the vest body, formed by knitting on right-side rows and purling on wrong-side rows, creating a smooth, flat fabric
• Cast-on and Cast-off: Used to create the initial stitches and secure finished edges throughout the garment
• Pick up and knit: Applied when creating the neckband, where live stitches are picked up from the finished neck edge

Materials and Tools

This pattern calls for Alpaca Cotton yarn in 25-gram balls, with quantities of 10, 12, or 15 balls depending on size selection. The photographed sample is worked in Feather Grey 013. Needles required include 3.75mm (US 5) circular needles measuring 100cm in length for the main body work and 3.75mm (US 5) circular needles measuring 40cm in length for the neckband. Additional supplies include stitch holders for securing stitches during construction and a stitch marker to track pattern repeats. The pattern specifies a tension of 23 stitches and 31 rows to 10cm measured over stockinette stitch using 3.75mm needles, which is essential for achieving the correct finished measurements.