String Mila Vest Cardigan Knitting Pattern

String Mila Vest

What is Being Made

The String Mila Vest is a sleeveless knitted waistcoat designed by Lidia Karabinech. This garment is a sophisticated layering piece available in four sizes: S, M, L, and XL, with a finished bust measurement ranging from 36 to 48 inches (91.5 to 122 cm) and a length to shoulder of 27 inches (68.5 cm). The vest features a fitted silhouette achieved through strategic decreasing, making it an elegant addition to any wardrobe.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Mila Vest is constructed using bottom-up knitting methodology, meaning the garment is worked from the lower edge upward. The pieces are worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, and the finished sections are seamed together to create the final garment. This construction method allows for precise shaping and professional finishing details.

The pattern incorporates strategic decreasing techniques to create the fitted waist and armhole shaping. Decreases are worked at regular intervals using k2tog (knit two stitches together) decreases, which are distributed across the front and back pieces to achieve the vest's tailored silhouette. The armhole shaping involves binding off stitches at the beginning of rows followed by additional decreases worked every other row for a smooth, professional finish.

Stitches Used

Two primary stitch patterns are featured in this design:

• Stockinette Stitch (St st) – The main fabric of the vest, created by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side. This creates the classic smooth, V-textured appearance that showcases the yarn's luxurious qualities.
• 2x2 Rib – Used for the lower edge ribbing, this stitch pattern alternates two knit stitches with two purl stitches. The ribbing provides stretch and recovery, ensuring the vest maintains its shape and sits comfortably against the body. The ribbing is worked for 16 rows before transitioning to stockinette stitch.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Mila Vest is designed to be knitted with STRING VERONA, a premium yarn blend consisting of 95% cashmere and 5% extrafine merino wool. This luxurious fiber composition provides exceptional softness, warmth, and breathability. Each ball contains 1.75 ounces (50 grams) and yields 88 yards (80 meters) of yarn. The pattern calls for 7 balls for size S, increasing to 8 balls for size M, 10 balls for size L, and 11 balls for size XL. The vest is worked in color 2208 onyx, a sophisticated dark shade suitable for versatile styling.

Needles and Tools Required

The pattern requires two pairs of straight needles in different sizes to achieve proper gauge and fabric characteristics. A pair of size 10.5 (6.5mm) needles is used for the main fabric, while a pair of size 10 (6mm) needles is used for the ribbed cuff. Additionally, a size 10 (6mm) circular needle measuring 32 inches (80 centimeters) is needed for finishing details. Standard knitting notions including stitch holders, markers, and a yarn needle for weaving in ends are also necessary to complete the project.

Gauge Information

The pattern specifies a gauge of 12 stitches and 17 rows equaling 4 inches (10 centimeters) in stockinette stitch when blocked. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for proper fit, as the vest's measurements are calculated based on this standard. Knitters are advised to knit a gauge swatch, measure it carefully after blocking, and adjust needle sizes if necessary to match the specified gauge before beginning the main garment.