Rowan Bonnie Waistcoat Knitting Pattern

Rowan Bonnie Waistcoat by Erika Knight

What is Being Made

The Rowan Bonnie is a baby waistcoat (also called a vest) designed by Erika Knight for infants aged 0-3, 3-6, 6-9, and 9-12 months. This garment features a classic ribbed construction with fitted shaping at the back neck and front, creating a structured, tailored look suitable for layering over other baby clothing.

Craft and Techniques

This is a knitting project rated at intermediate difficulty level. The waistcoat employs fundamental knitting techniques including:

• Cast-on and cast-off methods to establish and finish the garment edges
• Decreasing stitches using slip-stitch decreases (sl 1, K1, psso) and knit-together decreases (K2tog) to shape the neckline and create fitted armholes
• Working stitches from holders to create seamless transitions and neckband integration
• Shaping separate front and back pieces with different length measurements to achieve proper garment fit
• Joining yarn and managing multiple working sections simultaneously

Stitches Used

The Rowan Bonnie primarily features ribbed stitch as its main textural element. The ribbing pattern alternates between knit and purl stitches in a 2x2 configuration (K2, P2 repeat), which creates vertical columns of texture that provide stretch and recovery. This ribbed construction is worked throughout the back, front, and neckband sections. The pattern also incorporates basic knit and purl stitches in specific edge stitches to maintain proper alignment and finished edges.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Rowan Bonnie offers flexibility in yarn choice. Knitters may select either:

• Rowan Baby Cashsoft Merino (1, 1, 1, or 2 x 50gm depending on size), available in colors including Puddle 126 and Duckling 124 as shown in the pattern photography
• Rowan Summerlite DK (1, 1, 1, or 2 x 50gm depending on size), available in colors such as Moon 478

Both yarn options are lightweight and appropriate for baby garments. The pattern requires one pair of 3½mm (US 4) needles for the main flat knitting of the back and front pieces, and a set of four double-pointed 3½mm (US 4) needles for working the neckband in the round. The tension specification is 23 stitches and 31 rows to 10 centimeters measured over ribbed stitch when slightly stretched using 3½mm needles, ensuring proper garment proportions and fit.

Garment Sizing and Fit

The waistcoat is available in four sizes to fit ages 0-3, 3-6, 6-9, and 9-12 months, with actual chest measurements of 38.5, 40, 41.5, and 43.5 centimeters respectively. The pattern includes strategic shaping: the back measures 16, 18, 20, or 22 centimeters from cast-on edge to back neck shaping, while the front is intentionally 2 centimeters shorter to accommodate proper neckline placement and fit.