Side Lace Vest Waistcoat Knitting Pattern

Side Lace Vest in Noro Geshi

What is Being Made

The Side Lace Vest is an intermediate-level knitted waistcoat designed in five sizes: Small, Medium, Large, X-Large, and XX-Large. This garment features a lace pattern detail on the sides and is sized to fit bust measurements from 34 inches (86 cm) up to 53½ inches (136 cm). The vest has a back length ranging from 24 to 26 inches (60.5 to 66 cm) depending on size, with a slightly shorter front length of 22 to 24 inches (56 to 61 cm), creating a modern, flattering silhouette.

Techniques Used

This knitting project employs several intermediate techniques to construct the Side Lace Vest. Increases are worked by knitting into the front and back of stitches, as well as using make-one increases—a method where the strand between stitches is lifted and worked into to add new stitches invisibly. Decreases are accomplished through slip, slip, knit (ssk) and slip, slip, purl (ssp) techniques, which create a refined, directional decrease ideal for lace shaping. The pattern incorporates stitch markers to help track pattern repeats and shaping points. Pick-up and knit techniques are used to add stitches along edges, allowing for seamless integration of ribbing or edging. Slip stitches are employed as selvage stitches along edges to facilitate easier seaming and a professional finish.

Stitches Used

The Side Lace Vest combines fundamental knitting stitches with lace elements. Knit and purl stitches form the foundation of the fabric, worked both in flat stockinette sections and in charted lace patterns. The lace design is created using yarn overs paired with decreases to form openwork motifs. Ribbing is used for fitted edges and cuffs, typically worked in knit-purl combinations. The pattern includes selvage stitches at the edges to create clean seaming lines. Chart reading is essential, as the pattern uses standard symbols including no stitch indicators (shown as shaded spaces) where stitches have been decreased or not yet created, requiring the knitter to skip those spaces and work only the active stitches shown on the chart.

Materials

The Side Lace Vest is designed to be knitted with Noro Geshi yarn in colorway #10, a premium yarn choice that brings sophisticated color and texture to the finished garment. The yardage requirement is 1 ball (200g) for Small and Medium sizes, increasing to 2 balls (200g each) for Large, X-Large, and XX-Large sizes. The project requires three needles: one pair of US 4/3.5mm needles for ribbed edges and detailed lace work, one pair of US 6/4mm needles for the main fabric, and one US 4/3.5mm circular needle measuring 16 inches (40 cm) long for working certain sections in the round or for holding stitches. The combination of needle sizes allows for proper gauge and fabric drape in both the fitted ribbed areas and the more relaxed lace sections.