String Brigitte Hoodie Vest Jumper Knitting Pattern

String Brigitte Hoodie Vest

What Is Being Made

The Brigitte Hoodie Vest is a sophisticated knitted pullover garment designed by Lidia Karabinech. This piece combines the structure of a fitted vest with an integrated hood, creating a versatile layering piece. Available in four sizes—Small, Medium, Large, and Extra Large—the vest features a bust measurement range from 35½ inches (90 cm) for size S to 49 inches (124.5 cm) for size XL, with corresponding lengths ranging from 22¾ inches (58 cm) to 25 inches (63.5 cm). The design offers both style and functionality, making it suitable for various occasions and seasons.

Techniques Used

The Brigitte Hoodie Vest is constructed using a bottom-up knitting method, meaning the garment pieces are knitted starting from the lower edges and working upward toward the shoulders and neckline. The individual pieces—back, front, and hood components—are worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, allowing for structured shaping and precise fit. The garment is then seamed together using a yarn needle to join the completed pieces, creating clean, finished seams along the sides and shoulders.

The shoulders are shaped using short rows, a technique that creates gradual shaping by working back and forth across a portion of stitches rather than the entire row width. This method provides smooth, contoured shoulder lines. The shoulder seams are finished with a Three-Needle Bind-Off, a professional joining technique that simultaneously binds off and seams two sets of live stitches together, creating a strong, neat seam. The hood is picked up from the neckline stitches and knitted as an extension, then the top of the hood is also closed using the Three-Needle Bind-Off technique, ensuring consistent, durable construction throughout the garment.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch pattern used in the Brigitte Hoodie Vest is Stockinette Stitch, the foundational knit fabric that creates the smooth, classic appearance characteristic of quality knitwear. Stockinette Stitch is worked by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side, producing the familiar V-pattern texture on the front of the fabric. This stitch is used throughout the body of the vest for its elegant drape and versatility.

The pattern also incorporates ribbing at the lower edge, created with a knit-one, purl-one (K1P1) alternating pattern. Ribbing provides elasticity and helps the garment maintain its shape, preventing stretching at the hem and ensuring a snug, finished appearance. Additionally, the pattern uses decrease stitches such as ssk (slip, slip, knit) and k2tog (knit two together) for shaping the neckline and armholes, allowing the designer to create fitted, flattering curves throughout the vest.

Materials

The Brigitte Hoodie Vest is knitted using STRING JOY yarn, a luxury fiber composed of 100% cashmere. The yarn is supplied in balls weighing 1.75 ounces (50 grams) each, with each ball providing 131 yards (120 meters) of yardage. The pattern requires 5 balls for size S, 6 balls for size M, 7 balls for size L, and 8 balls for size XL. The sample shown is worked in color 514655, described as curry—a warm, earthy golden-brown tone.

The recommended needles are size 10 (6mm) straight needles measuring 24 inches (60 cm) in length, or whatever size is necessary to achieve the required gauge. A spare size 10 (6mm) needle is needed for executing the Three-Needle Bind-Off technique at the shoulders and hood top. Additional notions include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points, stitch holders for temporarily securing stitches during construction, and a yarn needle for seaming the finished pieces together. The pattern specifies a gauge of 15 stitches and 20 rows equaling 4 inches (10 cm) in Stockinette Stitch after blocking, which is essential for achieving the correct finished measurements.