Stacy Charles Fine Yarns Raya Vest Slipover Knitting Pattern

Stacy Charles Fine Yarns Raya Vest

What is Being Made

The Raya Vest is a knitted sleeveless pullover waistcoat designed by Lidia Karabinech. This intermediate-level garment is available in four sizes ranging from Small to XL, with finished bust measurements of 33 to 43½ inches and a finished length of 22½ inches. The vest is designed to fit with 1–3 inches of positive ease, making it a comfortable layering piece suitable for various body types.

Techniques Used

The Raya Vest is constructed using the worked-in-pieces method, meaning the back, front, and other components are knitted separately and then seamed together. The shoulders are professionally finished using the Three-Needle Bind-Off technique, which creates a strong, neat seam ideal for garment shoulders. The pattern incorporates decreasing techniques for shaping, including K2tog (knit 2 together), LDD (left-leaning double decrease), RDD (right-leaning double decrease), and ssk/ssp (slip, slip, knit or purl) methods. These decreases are strategically placed to create the fitted silhouette characteristic of a well-constructed vest.

Stitches Used

The Raya Vest features two primary stitch patterns:

• K1, P1 Rib: A classic ribbed stitch worked over an odd number of stitches, alternating knit and purl stitches. This stitch is used for the lower edge ribbing, providing elasticity and a finished appearance. Row 1 (right side) is worked as *K1, p1* repeated to the last stitch, then k1. Row 2 (wrong side) follows the established pattern by knitting the knits and purling the purls.
• Half Fisherman Rib: The primary stitch pattern for the body of the vest. This textured stitch combines knit and purl stitches with a unique technique of knitting into the row below, creating depth and visual interest. Row 1 (right side) is worked as *K1, p1* to the last stitch, then k1. Row 2 (wrong side) is worked as *P1, k1 in row below* to the last stitch, then p1. This stitch pattern is repeated throughout the main body, providing both structure and an attractive fabric texture.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Raya Vest requires two coordinating yarns held together as one throughout the entire project:

• Stacy Charles GEMMA: A sustainable blend composed of 63% recycled cotton, 27% recycled polyester, and 10% polyamide. Each ball weighs 1.75 ounces (50 grams) and contains 137 yards (125 meters) of yardage. The pattern calls for 5 to 7 balls depending on size, in color #231 gravel.
• Sesia Flora PAILLETES: A decorative yarn made from 95% cotton and 5% polyester. Each ball weighs 0.88 ounces (25 grams) with 114 yards (105 meters) per ball. The pattern requires 6 to 8 balls depending on size, in color #8067 black/silver. The paillette component adds subtle sparkle and visual dimension to the finished garment.

The combination of these two yarns creates a sophisticated fabric with both texture and shimmer, making the vest suitable for both casual and dressier occasions.

Needles and Notions

The Raya Vest is knitted using US size 9 (5.5mm) straight needles for the main body pieces. A US size 9 (5.5mm) circular needle measuring 16 inches (40 centimeters) long is used for working the neckline. Additional notions include stitch holders for holding stitches during construction, stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points, and a yarn needle for seaming the pieces together and weaving in ends.

Gauge and Construction Notes

The pattern specifies a gauge of 17 stitches and 26 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) when worked in the Half Fisherman Rib stitch pattern. Checking gauge before beginning is essential to ensure the finished garment matches the intended measurements. The pattern begins with the back piece, which is cast on with 75 to 101 stitches depending on size. The lower edge is worked in K1, P1