Stacy Charles Fine Yarns Faye 2-Way Vest Knitting Pattern

Stacy Charles Fine Yarns Faye 2-Way Vest

Garment Overview

The Faye 2-Way Vest is a versatile knitted design created by Susan Haviland that offers flexible styling options for the wearer. This vest pattern is available in four sizes: Small, Medium, Large, and Extra Large, with finished bust measurements ranging from 37 inches to 53.5 inches and lengths between 21 and 22.5 inches. The garment combines contemporary construction techniques with refined stitch work to create a sophisticated layering piece.

Construction Techniques

This pattern employs a bottom-up construction method, meaning the vest is knitted starting from the lower edge and working upward toward the neckline. The garment is worked flat on circular needles rather than in the round, allowing for precise shaping and control over the fabric. The seamless construction approach minimizes finishing work, as the pieces are designed to require minimal seaming. The armhole shaping is achieved through strategic bind-offs and decreases worked at the beginning of right-side rows, creating clean, professional edges.

Stitch Techniques and Pattern Details

The primary stitch pattern used throughout the Faye vest is the Open Basketweave Pattern, which creates visual texture and interest while maintaining a lightweight drape. This pattern is worked over a gauge of 18 stitches and 28 rows per 4 inches. The pattern instructions incorporate several fundamental knitting decreases and increases essential to garment shaping:

• K1-f/b (Knit 1 front and back): An increase method worked on the right side by knitting into the front and back loops of a single stitch
• M1 (Make 1): A lifted increase created by raising the strand between stitches and working through the back loop to prevent holes
• K2tog (Knit 2 together): A right-leaning decrease that combines two stitches into one
• P2tog (Purl 2 together): The purl equivalent of a right-leaning decrease
• Ssk and Ssp (Slip, slip, knit/purl): Left-leaning decreases created by slipping stitches and working them together through the back loops
• SKP (Slip, knit, pass slipped stitch over): An alternative left-leaning decrease method

The back piece is cast on with 83 to 119 stitches depending on size, and the Open Basketweave pattern is worked even until the piece measures 13 inches from the cast-on edge. Armhole shaping begins with bind-offs of 4 to 7 stitches at the beginning of successive rows, followed by graduated decreases of 2 stitches and then 1 stitch to create a smooth armhole curve. The armholes measure between 8 and 9.5 inches in depth depending on size.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Faye 2-Way Vest is designed to be knitted with Stacy Charles Collezione RITRATTO yarn, a luxurious blend composed of 53% viscose, 28% kid mohair, 10% nylon, and 9% polyester. Each ball contains 1.75 ounces and provides 198 yards of yardage. The pattern calls for 5 to 7 balls depending on the finished size, with the sample shown in color #130 Sandy Shore, a neutral tone suitable for versatile styling.

Needles and Notions

Construction requires size 3 (3.25mm) circular needles measuring 29 inches or longer to accommodate the width of the garment while working flat. A size 3 (3.25mm) double-pointed needle is needed for the edging details. Additional notions include stitch holders for securing stitches during construction, stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points, and a yarn needle for weaving in ends and any necessary seaming.

Gauge and Fit Considerations

Achieving the correct gauge is essential for proper fit. The pattern specifies a gauge of 18 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches in the Open Basketweave Pattern. Knitters are strongly advised to knit a gauge swatch and measure it carefully before beginning the project, as even small variations in gauge can significantly affect the finished dimensions of the vest.