Rowan Whirlwind Waistcoat Knitting Pattern

Rowan Whirlwind Waistcoat by Lisa Richardson

What Is Being Made

The Rowan Whirlwind is an intermediate-level knitted waistcoat designed by Lisa Richardson. This sleeveless garment is tailored to fit bust measurements ranging from 71–76 cm (28–30 inches) up to 152–157 cm (60–62 inches), with corresponding finished bust measurements from 83 cm to 163 cm. The waistcoat features a structured silhouette with shaped armholes, shoulder shaping, and a finished neckline, making it a versatile layering piece suitable for various occasions.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Whirlwind employs several fundamental knitting techniques to achieve its tailored appearance. Garter stitch is used for the initial foundation rows and to create a decorative edge detail along the front and sides of the garment. The main body of the waistcoat is worked in stockinette stitch, which creates the smooth, refined finish characteristic of a classic waistcoat. Decreasing is used strategically at the neck edge to shape the neckline, while casting off is employed to shape the shoulders and create structured armholes. The pattern requires working multiple pieces separately—a back panel and left front panel are detailed in the instructions—and later joining them together. Stitch holders are used to preserve stitches for the neckband, which is worked after the main body pieces are complete.

Stitches Used

• Garter Stitch (g st): Created by knitting every row, producing a textured, reversible fabric. Used for the first 4 rows of each piece and maintained on the first and last 2 stitches of subsequent rows to frame the garment edges.
• Stockinette Stitch (st st): The primary stitch throughout the waistcoat body, created by alternating knit rows (on right-side rows) and purl rows (on wrong-side rows). This produces the smooth, flat surface typical of fitted knitwear.
• Decreases: Single decreases are worked at the neck edge over 3 consecutive rows to taper the neckline smoothly.

Materials and Specifications

The Whirlwind is knitted using Rowan Tweed Haze yarn (photographed in the Tornado 554 colorway). The pattern requires between 5 and 9 balls of 50-gram yarn, depending on the finished size selected. All pieces are worked on 6mm (US 10) needles. The recommended tension is 14.5 stitches and 20 rows to 10 centimeters, measured over stockinette stitch using the specified needle size—achieving correct tension is essential for proper fit across the range of sizes. The pattern is optional for embellishment with 4 leather buttons measuring 2.5 centimeters, allowing for customization of the finished look.

Construction Overview

The waistcoat is constructed using a multi-piece method. The back panel is cast on first and worked straight until the armhole depth is reached, at which point shoulder and back neck shaping begins. The left front panel follows a similar construction method, with additional shaping details for the front opening. Pieces are worked flat on straight needles and later assembled. The neckband is worked from held stitches, creating a finished edge around the neck opening. This construction method ensures precise shaping and a professional finish suitable for an intermediate knitter.