Sesia Myla Vest Waistcoat Knitting Pattern

Sesia Myla Vest

What Is Being Made

The Sesia Myla Vest is a knitted waistcoat designed by Lidia Karabinech. This intermediate-level garment is available in four sizes: Small, Medium, Large, and Extra Large, with finished bust measurements ranging from 37 inches (94cm) to 47½ inches (120.5cm) and lengths from 22½ inches (57cm) to 24¾ inches (63cm). The vest is a sleeveless layering piece suitable for various styling applications.

Techniques Used

The Myla Vest is constructed using a bottom-up approach, meaning knitting begins at the lower edge and progresses upward toward the shoulders. The garment is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, and pieces are seamed together to create the finished vest. The pattern incorporates short rows for shaping the shoulders, allowing for a customized fit at the neckline and shoulder area. A tubular cast-on using a provisional method with waste yarn is employed to create a neat, finished edge at the cast-on.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch pattern throughout the Myla Vest is ribbing, which provides elasticity and a classic, refined appearance. The pattern utilizes multiple ribbing variations:

• K1, P1 Rib (knit one, purl one) – worked in both even and odd stitch counts, creating a balanced, stretchy texture
• P2, K1 Rib (purl two, knit one) – a multiple of three stitches plus two, used for the main body of the vest

The ribbed construction is maintained throughout most of the garment, with the pattern specifying that knitters work in P2, K1 Rib until the piece reaches 13½ inches (34.5cm) in length. Stitch markers are used to denote armhole placement, and stitch holders are employed to manage stitches during construction.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Myla Vest pattern calls for Sesia HELLO DOLLY yarn, a luxurious blend composed of 50% wool, 32% viscose, 13% kid mohair, and 5% polyamide. Each ball weighs 1.75 ounces (50 grams) and provides 88 yards (80 meters) of yardage. The color specified is 207 Pearl, a neutral shade suitable for versatile styling. Yardage requirements vary by size: Small requires 8 balls, Medium requires 9 balls, Large requires 10 balls, and Extra Large requires 11 balls.

Needles and Gauge

The pattern requires two pairs of needles in different sizes to achieve proper gauge and fabric characteristics. Size 8 (5mm) needles are used for the main body of the vest, while size 7 (4.5mm) needles are used for ribbed edging, creating a tighter, more defined border. The gauge is 20 stitches and 24 rows over 4 inches (10cm) when working in P2, K1 Rib on the larger needles, lightly stretched. Achieving correct gauge is essential for proper fit, and knitters are advised to knit a gauge swatch before beginning the project.

Additional Supplies

Beyond yarn and needles, the pattern requires stitch markers for tracking armhole placement, stitch holders for managing active stitches during construction, waste yarn for the provisional cast-on method, and a yarn needle for seaming pieces together and weaving in ends.