May Crew Neck Vest Top Knitting Pattern

May Crew Neck Vest in Rowan Four Seasons

What is Being Made

The May Crew Neck Vest is a sleeveless knitted garment designed by Kim Hargreaves. This intermediate-level knitting project creates a fitted vest with a classic crew neckline, available in nine size options to fit chest measurements ranging from 71–76 cm (28–30 inches) up to 152–157 cm (60–62 inches). The pattern also includes instructions for an alternative V neck vest variation, offering versatility in neckline styling.

Techniques Used

The construction of the May Crew Neck Vest employs several fundamental and intermediate knitting techniques. The garment is worked in pieces—back, front, and neckband components are knitted separately before assembly. Shoulder shaping is achieved through strategic cast-offs at the beginning of rows, creating a structured shoulder line. Neck shaping is accomplished using decreases worked at specific intervals; the crew neck front features gradual decreases along the neck edge over multiple rows and alternating rows, allowing for a smooth, curved neckline. The pattern demonstrates proper tension management and row counting, essential skills for achieving the correct finished measurements and fit.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette Stitch (st st): The primary stitch throughout the garment, creating a smooth, classic fabric with knit stitches on the right side and purl stitches on the wrong side
• Knit (K): Used for shaping rows and creating the fabric structure
• Purl (P): Used in reverse stockinette sections and shaping sequences
• Knit Two Together (K2tog): A right-leaning decrease used for neck shaping on the right side of the work
• Purl Two Together (P2tog): A decrease used on wrong-side rows during neck shaping
• Cast Off: Used to bind off stitches at shoulder edges and to shape the neckline opening

Materials: Yarn and Needles

Yarn: Rowan Four Seasons is the specified yarn for this project. The pattern requires 6–14 balls of Four Seasons (50-gram balls per ball), with the exact yardage dependent on the chosen size. The photographed samples showcase the vest in two colorways: Twilight 008 for the crew neck version and Blossom 006 for the V neck variation.

Needles: Two pairs of needles are required. A 4½mm (US 7) needle is used for ribbed edging or initial cast-on work, while a 5mm (US 8) needle is the primary needle for working the main fabric in stockinette stitch.

Tension and Fit

Achieving the correct tension is critical for this project. The pattern specifies a tension of 17 stitches and 24 rows to 10 centimeters, measured over stockinette stitch using 5mm (US 8) needles. Accurate tension ensures the vest will fit as intended and drape properly. The garment's actual chest measurement at the underarm ranges from 76.5 cm (30 inches) for the smallest size to 159 cm (62½ inches) for the largest, providing a comfortable, well-fitted silhouette.