Rowan Conch Vest Slipover Knitting Pattern

Rowan Conch Vest by Chloe Thurlow

What is Being Made

The Conch Vest is a sleeveless knitted garment designed as a versatile layering piece. This intermediate-level project creates a fitted vest with shaping at the back and front necklines, offering a tailored silhouette suitable for various sizing needs. The pattern accommodates bust measurements ranging from 71–76 cm (28–30 inches) up to 152–157 cm (60–62 inches), making it accessible for a wide range of body types.

Techniques Used

This knitting project employs several essential garment construction techniques. The pattern requires casting on to establish the foundation stitches, followed by shaping through decreasing at strategic points to create the vest's contoured fit. The design incorporates back and front neck shaping, which involves casting off stitches at the beginning of rows and decreasing at neck edges over multiple rows to create a refined neckline. The pattern also demonstrates working each side of the neck separately, a technique that allows for precise shaping of both shoulders independently. Additionally, shoulder shaping is achieved through strategic decreases and cast-offs, and the pattern includes instructions for a neckband finish, which provides a polished edge to the garment.

Stitches Used

The Conch Vest is worked primarily in stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, classic fabric surface ideal for displaying stitch definition. The pattern specifies a patterned stockinette stitch throughout the garment, meaning a textured or decorative stitch pattern is integrated into the stockinette base. The ribbing at the cast-on edge uses single rib (alternating knit and purl stitches), which provides elasticity and helps the garment maintain its shape. The pattern notation indicates specific decreases and cast-offs used for shaping, which are fundamental to creating the vest's tailored fit.

Materials

The Conch Vest is knitted using Rowan Denim Revive yarn, available in two colorways: Cream (A) and Jade (B). The yardage requirements vary by size, ranging from 210 to 221 meters (approximately 230 to 242 yards) depending on the chosen size. The pattern is worked on two needle sizes: 3¼mm (US 3) needles for the ribbed cast-on edge and 3¾mm (US 5) needles for the main body. The tension is established at 22 stitches and 29 rows over 10 centimeters (4 inches) when measured over the patterned stockinette stitch using the 3¾mm needles, which helps ensure proper garment sizing and fit.

Pattern Structure

The vest is constructed in pieces, beginning with the back panel. The back is cast on using the smaller needles with ribbing, then switched to the larger needles to work the main patterned stockinette body. Back neck shaping involves casting off stitches and decreasing at the neck edge over three rows, with additional shoulder shaping completed through further decreases and cast-offs. The front is worked similarly to the back but with a deeper neckline, requiring decreasing over six consecutive rows followed by additional decreases on alternate rows. This creates a more pronounced V-neck or scoop neck depending on the size. A neckband is worked from stitches held during the shaping process, providing a finished edge to the garment.