Noro Collared Waistcoat (Akita 2) Vest Knitting Pattern

Noro Collared Waistcoat (Akita 2)

What Is Being Made

The Noro Collared Waistcoat is a tailored sleeveless garment featuring a structured collar and button front closure. This intermediate-level knitting project creates a sophisticated layering piece designed to fit bust sizes 34-38 inches, with finished measurements of 38 inches width and 20 inches length. The waistcoat is constructed with five buttons and combines classic knitwear shaping with refined stitch patterning.

Techniques Used

This waistcoat is worked using bottom-up construction, meaning the pieces are knitted from the lower edges upward toward the shoulders. The garment is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, allowing for seamed assembly of individual pieces. The seamed construction method joins the front and back panels together, creating clean, professional seams that define the waistcoat's structured silhouette. Armhole shaping is achieved through strategic cast-off decreases at the beginning of rows, while edge shaping uses knit two together decreases to create tapered lines.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch structure combines stockinette stitch with reverse stockinette stitch to create visual texture and pattern interest. A featured stitch called T2 (twisted knit) is used throughout the pattern—this involves knitting into the front of the second stitch on the left-hand needle, then knitting into the front of the first stitch, slipping both stitches off together. This creates a subtle twisted effect that adds sophistication to the fabric. The pattern alternates between knit and purl stitches in a structured repeat: P2, [K2, P6] repeat, K2, P2 on certain rows, with the T2 stitch substituted in corresponding pattern rows. A garter stitch border (knit every row) provides a finished edge at the lower edge and front openings. The pattern is repeated over 16-row cycles, with the final section simplifying to basic knit and purl stitches without the T2 twist.

Materials

This project requires 210 grams of Noro Silk Garden Solo yarn in shade 11 (as shown in the example). The yarn is worked on two pairs of needles: 4mm (US size 6) needles for the initial cast-on and garter stitch border rows, and 4.5mm (US size 7) needles for the main pattern sections. The gauge is 17 stitches by 24 rows over 4 inches when measured in stockinette stitch using the 4.5mm needles, ensuring proper fit and drape. Five buttons are required for the front closure.

Pattern Components

The waistcoat consists of multiple pieces:

• Left Front: Cast on with 42 stitches, worked with a 6-row garter stitch border before switching to the main pattern
• Back: Cast on with 78 stitches, establishing the wider center section with armhole shaping
• Right Front and Collar Details: Mirror construction to the left front with integrated collar shaping and button band placement

Construction Notes

The pattern involves careful attention to armhole shaping, achieved by casting off 4 stitches at the beginning of specific rows, then using decreases to taper the edges smoothly. The collar construction incorporates cast-off decreases and paired decreases (work 2 stitches together) to create a structured neckline. The front bands include button placement positions integrated into the pattern design. All pieces are worked separately and then seamed together, requiring careful blocking and finishing to achieve the polished appearance characteristic of a tailored waistcoat.