Sahara Vest Knitting Pattern

Sahara Vest by Anna Hull

What is Being Made

The Sahara Vest is an advanced-level knitted sleeveless garment designed to fit chest measurements ranging from 71-76 cm (28-30 inches) through 152-157 cm (60-62 inches). This vest features a classic construction with a shaped front neckline, shoulder shaping, and side borders. The garment is available in nine size options, with actual chest measurements of the finished vest ranging from 78.5 cm to 160.5 cm.

Techniques Used

This pattern employs several intermediate to advanced knitting techniques appropriate for experienced crafters. The construction includes stocking stitch as the primary fabric base, with neck shaping created through strategic decreases worked over multiple rows and alternating rows. Shoulder shaping is accomplished through cast-off decreases at the beginning of rows. The pattern requires working each side of the neck separately after dividing stitches, a technique that allows for precise shaping of the front neckline. Stitch holders are used to preserve stitches for later work, particularly for the neckband and center front sections. The garment also features side borders that are incorporated into the overall chest measurement.

Stitches and Stitch Details

The primary stitch used throughout the Sahara Vest is stocking stitch (stockinette stitch), which creates a smooth, classic fabric surface. The pattern specifies a tension of 22 stitches and 30 rows to 10 centimeters when measured over stocking stitch using 3¾mm needles. Decreases are worked at the neck edge to create the front neckline shaping, with decreases occurring on consecutive rows followed by decreases on alternating rows and then on every fourth row, creating a gradual and flattering neckline curve. Cast-off techniques are used for shoulder shaping and finishing edges.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Sahara Vest is designed to be knitted using two complementary yarns from the Rowan brand. Rowan Summerlite DK in the colorway Khaki 461 is the primary yarn, with quantities ranging from 5 to 11 balls of 50 grams depending on the size being knitted. This is combined with Rowan Kidsilk Haze in the colorway Twig 730, used in single ball quantities of 25 grams across all sizes. This yarn combination creates a sophisticated blend of a smooth DK-weight yarn with a delicate, hairy mohair-blend yarn, resulting in a textured, luxurious fabric.

The pattern requires two pairs of straight needles: 3¼mm (US 3, UK size 10) needles for the cast-on and initial rows, and 3¾mm (US 5, UK size 9) needles for the main body knitting where the tension is established. Additionally, two double-pointed 3¾mm (US 5, UK size 9) needles are needed for working the neckband. This needle combination allows for proper gauge control and facilitates the transition between different sections of the garment.