String Meghan Hooded Vest Cardigan Knitting Pattern

String Meghan Hooded Vest

What Is Being Made

The Meghan Hooded Vest is a luxurious sleeveless waistcoat designed by Lidia Karabinech, featuring an integrated hood and optional pockets. This garment is available in three size ranges: S/M, L/XL, and 2X/3X, with finished bust measurements of 48¾ (53, 58) inches and lengths of 25 (26, 27) inches. The vest combines contemporary styling with refined construction, making it suitable for layering in cooler weather.

Techniques Used

The Meghan Hooded Vest employs a bottom-up construction method, meaning the garment is knitted beginning at the lower edge and progressing upward toward the shoulders. The vest is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, allowing for individual piece construction. All pieces are subsequently seamed together using traditional joining methods. The pattern incorporates a sloped bind-off technique for shaping the shoulder and neck edges, which creates a gradual, professional-looking decrease. The hood is constructed by picking up and knitting stitches along the neckline after the body pieces are seamed, integrating it seamlessly into the finished garment. Optional pockets are available as an additional finishing detail.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch throughout the Meghan Hooded Vest is Garter Stitch, worked by knitting every row. This fundamental stitch creates a textured, reversible fabric with horizontal ridges and provides excellent drape and structure suitable for a tailored waistcoat. The pattern also employs standard decreasing techniques including ssk (slip, slip, knit) for shaping at the neck edge, as well as strategic bind-offs for armhole and shoulder shaping.

Materials and Specifications

The Meghan Hooded Vest is designed to be knitted with STRING ZURICH yarn, a premium blend of 70% cashmere and 30% merino wool. The yarn is supplied in 1.75-ounce (50-gram) balls with 77 yards (71 meters) per ball. Yardage requirements are 16 (18, 20) balls depending on size selection. The recommended needle size is U.S. size 11 (8mm) for the main body pieces, with a size 10½ (6.5mm) circular needle measuring 16 inches (40mm) reserved for armhole trims. A spare size 11 (8mm) needle is needed for the three-needle bind-off technique used to join shoulders. Additional materials include stitch holders, stitch markers, a yarn needle for weaving in ends, and optionally one large snap for closure. The recommended gauge is 11½ stitches and 23 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) in Garter Stitch.