String Layla Vest Scarf Knitting Pattern

String Layla Vest

What is Being Made

The String Layla Vest is a fitted sleeveless garment designed by Rosemary Drysdale, available in seven sizes ranging from XS to 3X. The vest features a structured silhouette with knitted measurements spanning bust widths from 35¼ inches (89.5cm) in the smallest size to 58¾ inches (149cm) in the largest size. The length ranges from 21½ inches (54.5cm) to 25¾ inches (65.5cm) depending on size. This piece combines classic knit construction with cable pattern detailing for a sophisticated, layering-friendly garment.

Techniques Used

The Layla Vest employs several key knitting techniques to achieve its finished structure. The garment is worked flat on straight needles, meaning pieces are knitted in flat rows rather than in the round. Construction follows a bottom-up approach, where the knitter begins at the lower edge and works upward toward the shoulders and neckline. The vest is seamed together, requiring the assembly of separate knitted pieces using a yarn needle to create the finished garment.

A specialized finishing technique called the three-needle bind-off is employed to join two pieces together simultaneously while binding off. This method creates a secure seam by holding stitches from two separate needles with right sides facing each other, then knitting corresponding stitches together and binding off in one continuous motion. This technique can be worked with wrong sides facing each other to create a decorative seam visible on the right side of the finished vest.

Stitches Used

The Layla Vest incorporates stockinette stitch (St st) as the primary fabric base, which creates the smooth, classic knit appearance that forms the body of the garment. The vest features a ribbed pattern at strategic locations, providing structure and elasticity. A cable pattern is worked as a central design element, created using cable techniques that involve crossing groups of stitches over one another. The pattern instructions reference cable abbreviations including C6B (cable 6 back) and C6F (cable 6 front), indicating cables formed by working 6 stitches in a crossed configuration. These cables are integrated into the front of the vest with ribbed stitches (represented as k and p for knit and purl) flanking the cable motif on both sides.

Materials and Tools

The Layla Vest is designed to be knitted using String TUSCANY yarn, a luxurious blend composed of 58% cashmere, 28% lambswool, 8% silk, and 6% other fibers. Each ball contains 1.75 ounces (50 grams) and yields 154 yards (140 meters) of yardage. The project requires 5 to 8 balls of yarn depending on the finished size selected, with smaller sizes (XS through M) requiring 5 to 6 balls and larger sizes (L through 3X) requiring 6 to 8 balls.

Knitting is worked on US 7 (4.5mm) needles or a size that achieves the specified gauge of 18 stitches and 27 rows equaling 4 inches (10cm) over stockinette stitch. Additional tools required include a cable needle for manipulating cable stitches, stitch markers to denote pattern sections and shaping points, stitch holders to temporarily secure stitches during construction, and a yarn needle for seaming pieces together and weaving in yarn ends. The downloadable PDF pattern is provided by String Yarns and includes complete instructions for all seven sizes.