Oakley Waistcoat Knitting Pattern

Oakley Waistcoat in MODE at Rowan Merino Soft

What is Being Made

Oakley is a knitted waistcoat designed by Quail Studio, available in nine sizes ranging from 71-76 cm (28-30 inches) to 152-157 cm (60-62 inches) chest measurement. This intermediate-level knitting project creates a fitted sleeveless garment with a front zip closure, making it a versatile layering piece suitable for various occasions and seasons.

Techniques Used

The Oakley waistcoat employs several intermediate knitting techniques to create visual interest and structure. Cable knitting is a primary technique featured throughout the pattern, with multiple cable crossing abbreviations used to create textured, dimensional effects. The pattern includes shaping techniques such as shoulder shaping and back neck shaping to ensure proper fit across the nine different sizes. Front neck division is used to create the opening for the zip closure, requiring knitters to work each side of the neck separately while maintaining pattern continuity. The waistcoat also incorporates stitch markers to denote important shaping points, particularly around the back neck and shoulder seams.

Stitches Used

The pattern utilizes a combination of fundamental and decorative stitches. Knit and purl stitches form the foundation of the design, while cable stitches create the primary textural elements. Specific cable variations include:

• C4B (Cable 4 Back): slip 2 stitches onto cable needle and leave at back of work, knit 2, then knit 2 from cable needle
• C4F (Cable 4 Front): slip 2 stitches onto cable needle and leave at front of work, knit 2, then knit 2 from cable needle
• C6B (Cable 6 Back): slip 3 stitches onto cable needle and leave at back of work, knit 3, then knit 3 from cable needle
• C6F (Cable 6 Front): slip 3 stitches onto cable needle and leave at front of work, knit 3, then knit 3 from cable needle
• Cr4L (Cross 4 Left): slip 2 stitches onto cable needle and leave at front of work, purl 2, then knit 2 from cable needle
• Cr4R (Cross 4 Right): slip 2 stitches onto cable needle and leave at back of work, knit 2, then purl 2 from cable needle

These cable and cross stitches are worked over a stockinette stitch background to create the patterned fabric.

Materials and Tools

The Oakley waistcoat is designed to be knitted with Merino Soft yarn from MODE at Rowan, a premium merino wool blend. Yarn quantities range from 13 balls (50 grams each) for the smallest size to 21 balls for the largest size, with the sample photographed in the shade Snow 017. Knitters will require 4mm (US 6) needles in a standard pair configuration, along with a cable needle for executing the cable stitches throughout the pattern. The pattern specifies a 45 cm zip as the closure mechanism for the front opening. The recommended tension is 24 stitches and 30 rows to 10 centimeters when measured over pattern using 4mm needles, which is essential to achieve the correct finished measurements across all nine sizes.