Lang PTO43-05 Slipover Waistcoat Knitting Pattern

Lang PTO43-05 Slipover Knitting Pattern

What is Being Made

The Lang PTO43-05 is a knitted slipover waistcoat designed by Lang Yarns. This sleeveless garment is worked from the bottom up and features a roll-neck collar, armhole edging, and side seams with strategic openings. The pattern is available in four sizes: Small, Medium, Large, and Extra Large, with finished bust measurements ranging from 41 inches (104 cm) to 50½ inches (128 cm) and a finished length of approximately 20¾ to 22 inches (53 to 56 cm).

Construction Techniques

This slipover employs a combination of knitting techniques to achieve its finished structure. The garment is worked flat on straight needles for the main body pieces (back and front), then transitions to working in the round for the finishing details. The construction method is bottom-up, meaning knitting begins at the lower edge and progresses upward toward the shoulders and neckline. The pieces are seamed together, with side seams left partially open (7½ inches or 19 cm at the bottom) to create design interest and ease of movement.

Pattern Stitches

The primary stitch pattern used throughout this design is Twisted Rib, which creates a textured, elastic fabric ideal for fitted garments. Twisted Rib is worked using knit through the back loop (k1 tbl) alternated with purl stitches (p1), creating a subtle twisted effect that adds visual interest while maintaining the elasticity characteristic of ribbed fabrics. This stitch is employed for:

• The roll-neck collar, initially worked as *k1 tbl, p1* in the round, then transitioning to *k1, p1tbl* for the upper portion
• The armhole edging, worked in rows with deliberate decreases for shaping
• Edge stitches throughout, which are slipped purlwise to create neat, finished edges

The pattern utilizes standard decreasing techniques including p2tog (purl two together) and k2tog (knit two together) for shaping the armhole edging, with decreases worked every second row to create a refined, fitted finish.

Materials and Tools

This pattern calls for Lang Yarns Bergen, a luxury yarn blend composed of alpaca superfine and nylon. The yardage requirements vary by size: 300 grams (approximately 6 balls) for size Small, 350 grams (7 balls) for Medium, 400 grams (8 balls) for Large, and 450 grams (9 balls) for Extra Large. The yarn is available in the colorway blue-yellow (reference number 1102.0001).

The pattern requires multiple needle sizes to accommodate different stitch densities and techniques:

• US 10 (6mm) needles for the armhole edging worked flat
• US 10.5 (7mm) needles for the main body pieces worked flat and the roll-neck collar worked in the round
• US 11 (8mm) needles listed as an alternative option
• US 10 (6mm) circular needle (short) for picking up stitches along armhole edges
• US 10.5 (7mm) circular needle for working the roll-neck collar in the round

Circular needles are essential for working the collar and armhole edging in the round, allowing for seamless transitions and professional finishing details.

Finishing Details

The slipover features a distinctive roll-neck collar that measures 4¼ inches (11 cm) in total height, created by picking up 66 to 82 stitches (depending on size) from the neckline. The collar is worked in Twisted Rib, with a transition in stitch orientation halfway through its length to create the characteristic rolled effect. The armhole edging is worked in Twisted Rib as well, with strategic decreases that reduce the initial picked-up stitch count by 6 stitches over three decrease rows, resulting in a neat, fitted armhole opening. All bind-offs are completed in pattern to maintain visual consistency and elasticity.