String Sandra Vest Waistcoat Knitting Pattern

String Sandra Vest: Knitted Cashmere Silk Waistcoat

What Is Being Made

The Sandra Vest is a sophisticated sleeveless waistcoat designed by Lidia Karabinech. This knitted garment features a flattering V-neck construction and is available in four sizes ranging from Small to Extra Large, with finished bust measurements from 36 inches to 48 inches and a finished length of 28 inches. The vest is an elegant layering piece suitable for both casual and refined styling.

Techniques Used

The Sandra Vest is constructed using a bottom-up, worked-flat, and seamed approach. This means the knitter begins at the lower edge and works upward in flat pieces rather than in the round, then joins the pieces together with seams. The construction method allows for precise shaping and control over the garment's fit.

Key shaping techniques include strategic decreasing to form the V-neckline and armhole shaping through bind-offs and subsequent decreases. A distinctive design feature involves creating a pleat in the back by bringing stitches together and grafting them, adding architectural interest to the finished garment. Stitches are picked up and knitted for both the front border and armhole trims, which is a professional finishing technique that creates clean, polished edges.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette Stitch (St st) – The primary stitch throughout the body of the vest, created by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side, producing the classic smooth, V-textured fabric
• K1, P1 Ribbing – Used for the lower ribbed band, which provides elasticity and a finished appearance at the hem
• Decreasing techniques – Slip, slip, knit (ssk) and knit two together (k2tog) are employed to shape the V-neckline and armholes with precision
• Grafting – Used to join the back pleat seamlessly

Materials and Specifications

The Sandra Vest is knitted with STRING BLOSSOM yarn, a luxurious blend of 50% cashmere and 50% silk. This fiber combination provides exceptional softness, breathability, and a subtle sheen. The yarn is available in color 726398 petal pink. Yardage requirements range from 6 balls for size Small to 8 balls for size Extra Large, with each ball containing 1.75 ounces and 177 yards of yarn.

The pattern calls for size 6 (4 mm) needles for the main fabric and size 5 (3.75 mm) circular needles in both 32-inch and 16-inch lengths for ribbing and armhole trims. The gauge is 20 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch, which is essential to check before beginning to ensure proper fit.

Additional notions required include stitch holders, stitch markers, and a yarn needle for seaming and finishing.