Lisbet Vest Knitting Pattern

Lisbet Vest by Quail Studio

Garment Overview

The Lisbet Vest is an intermediate-level knitted waistcoat designed by Quail Studio and crafted using MODE at Rowan Cotton DK yarn. This downloadable PDF pattern offers a classic vest silhouette available in nine sizes, ranging from 28-30 inches to 60-62 inches chest measurement. The finished garment features a buttoned front closure and is constructed using fundamental knitting techniques suitable for knitters with some experience.

Construction and Techniques

The Lisbet Vest is worked primarily in a knit and purl rib stitch pattern, which creates a textured, elastic fabric with visual interest. The pattern alternates between knit and purl stitches to establish the characteristic ribbed appearance throughout the garment. The vest is constructed in separate pieces—back, left front, and right front—which are then assembled together.

The construction method involves casting on stitches for each piece and working in pattern until the desired length is reached. Shaping techniques are employed at the shoulders and armholes to create a fitted silhouette. The pattern uses stitch decreases at strategic points to shape the shoulder seams and neckline. A button band is worked using circular needles measuring at least 100 centimeters, allowing for the addition of three buttons along the front closure.

Stitches and Stitch Details

• Knit and Purl Rib: The primary stitch pattern alternates K1, P1 (knit one, purl one) or P1, K1 depending on the piece, creating a reversible ribbed texture
• Cast On: Initial stitch creation for each pattern piece
• Decreases: Used throughout shoulder shaping to reduce stitch count and create fitted armhole and shoulder seams
• Cast Off: Binding off stitches to finish edges and complete the garment

Yarn and Materials

The Lisbet Vest is designed for Cotton DK weight yarn from the MODE at Rowan collection. The yardage requirements vary by size, ranging from 7 balls (50g each) for the smallest size to 16 balls for the largest size. The pattern photograph showcases the vest in Sapphire 015, a rich blue colorway that demonstrates the yarn's depth and the rib pattern's visual definition.

Needles and Tools

Construction requires 4mm (US 6) needles in both straight and circular formats. Straight needles are used for working the back and front pieces in flat rows, while a circular needle measuring at least 100 centimeters is essential for working the button band. Additional notions include stitch markers to track pattern repeats and shaping points, stitch holders to temporarily hold stitches for the back neck, and three buttons for the front closure.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a tension of 21 stitches and 30 rows to 10 centimeters when measured over the knit and purl rib pattern using 4mm needles. Achieving correct gauge is essential for proper fit across the nine available sizes. The vest accommodates chest measurements from 71-76 centimeters (28-30 inches) through 152-157 centimeters (60-62 inches), with actual garment chest measurements ranging from 86 centimeters to 166 centimeters to allow for comfortable wearing ease.

Skill Level

Classified as intermediate, the Lisbet Vest requires familiarity with basic knitting techniques including casting on, knit and purl stitches, reading pattern instructions, working decreases for shaping, and assembling finished pieces. The straightforward rib stitch pattern and logical construction make it an accessible project for knitters progressing beyond beginner level.