Stacy Charles Fine Yarns Dinah Striped Circle Vest Knitting

Stacy Charles Fine Yarns Dinah Striped Circle Vest

What is Being Made

The Dinah Striped Circle Shrug is a one-size knitted garment designed by Irina Poludnenko. This piece measures 30 inches (76 cm) armhole to armhole across the back and 12¾ inches (32.5 cm) in length. The shrug features a distinctive circular construction created through strategic shaping and seaming, resulting in a flattering, wrap-like silhouette that drapes elegantly across the shoulders and back.

Techniques Used

This project employs several key knitting techniques to achieve its final form:

• Bottom-up construction: The piece is worked from the lower edge upward, allowing knitters to try on and adjust fit as they progress.
• Worked flat: Rather than in the round, this shrug is knitted flat on straight needles, making it accessible to knitters of all skill levels.
• Seamed construction: After the main piece is completed, side seams are sewn together for 6½ inches to create the circular shrug shape, with careful attention paid to lining up the striped pattern.
• Striped colorwork: The design incorporates three distinct stripe patterns—Wide Stripe, Medium Stripe, and Narrow Stripe—that repeat throughout the piece using color changes rather than complex stitch manipulation.

Stitches Used

The Dinah Striped Circle Shrug relies on fundamental ribbed stitches that create texture and elasticity:

• K3, p3 rib: This primary stitch pattern (knit 3, purl 3) forms the foundation of the garment and is worked throughout most of the piece. It creates vertical columns of texture that complement the horizontal striping.
• K1, p1 rib: Used in the gauge swatch and finishing details, this alternating knit-purl pattern provides a tighter, more refined texture.
• K2, p2 rib: Listed in the pattern stitches section, offering another ribbing option for variations.
• Increases and decreases: The pattern utilizes K1-f/b (knit 1 front and back), M1 (make 1), K2tog (knit 2 together), and P2tog (purl 2 together) to shape the garment and create the circular silhouette.

Materials and Gauge

The Dinah Striped Circle Shrug is designed to be worked with S. Charles Collezione RITRATTO yarn, a luxurious blend of 53% viscose, 28% kid mohair, 10% nylon, and 9% polyester. One ball each of three coordinating colors is required: #126 blue hawaii (A), #130 sandy shore (B), and #128 starry night (C). Each ball weighs 1.75 ounces (50 grams) and contains 198 yards (180 meters) of yarn.

The project calls for size 6 (4mm) needles or the size needed to obtain proper gauge. The recommended gauge is 25 stitches and 23 rows equals 4 inches (10 cm) when worked in K1, p1 rib, slightly stretched. Checking gauge before beginning is essential to ensure the finished measurements match the pattern specifications. A yarn needle is required for weaving in ends and seaming the side seams.

Construction Details

The shrug begins with casting on 237 stitches using color A and establishing the Wide Stripe pattern while working K3, p3 rib. The piece is worked evenly for 36 rows, which should measure approximately 6 inches from the beginning. The pattern then progresses through decreases that shape the piece into its distinctive circular form. After the main knitting is complete, the piece is blocked to measurements, folded lengthwise, and side seams are sewn together for 6½ inches, stopping 1 inch before the K1, p1 rib section to maintain proper proportions and ensure stripes align perfectly during seaming. All ends are woven in to finish.