Rowan Teddy Gillet Waistcoat Knitting Pattern

Rowan Teddy Gillet: Knitted Waistcoat Pattern Summary

What is Being Made

The Rowan Teddy Gillet is a knitted waistcoat designed by Quail Studio (pattern code ZB283-00010-UK). This garment is a sleeveless vest suitable for a range of sizes, with actual bust measurements ranging from 108.5 cm (42¾ inches) to 148.5 cm (58½ inches), accommodating bust sizes from 81-86 cm to 122-127 cm. The waistcoat features a front facing detail and is constructed with a contemporary, textured finish.

Techniques Used

The Teddy Gillet employs several key knitting techniques that create both structure and visual interest:

• Bottom-up construction: The garment is worked from the lower edge upward, allowing for straightforward sizing adjustments and progressive fitting
• Seamless, worked flat: The pattern is knitted on flat needles rather than in the round, with minimal seaming required for assembly
• Armhole shaping: Cast-off stitches at the beginning of rows create the armhole openings, followed by strategic decreases to refine the armhole depth and fit
• Front slope shaping: Decreases are worked along the front opening edge to create a sloped neckline, with a facing incorporated for a finished appearance
• Facing construction: A fold line is marked during knitting to create an internal facing, providing structure and a professional finish to the front opening

Stitches Used

Moss stitch is the primary stitch pattern throughout the Teddy Gillet. This classic textured stitch is formed by alternating knit and purl stitches in a checkerboard pattern, created by working K1, P1 repeats on the right-side rows and reversing to P1, K1 on wrong-side rows. Moss stitch provides a dense, reversible fabric with excellent drape and visual texture, making it ideal for a waistcoat that requires both structure and comfort. The stitch is worked consistently across the back, left front, and right front pieces, with decreases integrated seamlessly into the pattern to maintain stitch definition during shaping.

Materials

The Teddy Gillet is knitted using Rowan Soft Bouclé yarn, a textured yarn that adds subtle dimension to the moss stitch pattern. The yarn quantity required ranges from 5 x 50g balls for the smallest size (81-86 cm bust) to 7 x 50g balls for the largest sizes (122-127 cm bust), providing approximately 250-350 grams of yarn depending on size. The pattern was photographed in two colorways: Bear 604 and Snow 600. Knitting is worked on 6mm (US size 10) needles, which produce a tension of 12 stitches and 18 rows over 10 cm (4 inches) when measured in moss stitch. Stitch markers are required as extras to denote the fold line for the facing, assisting with accurate placement during construction.

Pattern Skill Level

This pattern is rated as Skill Level 2, indicating it is suitable for knitters with some experience beyond absolute beginners. The combination of moss stitch, armhole shaping, front slope decreases, and facing construction requires familiarity with basic shaping techniques and the ability to read pattern instructions accurately.