Noro Bartlette Waistcoat Knitting Pattern

Noro Bartlette Vest

What is Being Made

The Noro Bartlette Vest is an intermediate-level knitted waistcoat designed for a range of sizes from X-Small through 3X-Large. This seamed, structured garment features finished bust measurements ranging from 38 inches (96.5cm) to 63 inches (160cm), with back lengths from 26 inches (66cm) to 29 inches (73.5cm) and front lengths from 24 inches (61cm) to 27 inches (68.5cm). The vest is shown in size Small and offers versatile sizing options to accommodate different body types and fit preferences.

Techniques Used

The Bartlette Vest employs a bottom-up construction method, meaning the garment is knitted starting from the lower edges and working upward toward the shoulders and neckline. The pattern utilizes flat knitting rather than circular needles, with pieces worked separately and then seamed together to create the finished garment. This approach allows for greater control over shaping and fit, particularly important for a tailored waistcoat silhouette. The seaming technique is supported by the inclusion of selvage stitches—edge stitches worked on the perimeter of each piece specifically designed to make the seaming process easier and create cleaner, more professional-looking seams.

Stitches Used

The Bartlette Vest incorporates a variety of fundamental knitting stitches and techniques. Knit and purl stitches form the foundation of the fabric, worked both knitwise and purlwise depending on pattern requirements. Increases are created using the make one technique, which involves lifting the strand between stitches and knitting or purling into the back loop to add stitches without creating visible holes. Decreases are accomplished through the slip, slip, knit (or slip, slip, purl) method, where two stitches are slipped individually and then worked together to reduce stitch count while maintaining a neat appearance. The pattern also incorporates slip stitches, where stitches are passed from the left needle to the right needle without being worked, and pick up and knit techniques for adding stitches along finished edges. Stitch markers are used to denote pattern repeats and shaping points, while "no stitch" spaces appear in charted sections to indicate areas where stitches have been decreased or not yet created, requiring the knitter to skip over these spaces while working the surrounding stitches.

Materials

The Noro Bartlette Vest is knitted with Noro Miyabi yarn in colorway #04, a premium Japanese yarn known for its unique color variations and quality. The yardage requirements range from 4 hanks for smaller sizes (X-Small, Small, Medium, and Large) to 5 hanks for size 1X and 2X, and 6 hanks for size 3X, with each hank weighing 100 grams. The pattern calls for one pair of US size 7 (4.5mm) needles, or the size needed to obtain the specified gauge for the chosen yarn. The use of straight needles in this size range is typical for achieving the fabric density and drape appropriate for a structured waistcoat design.