Sylvie Vest Knitting Pattern

Sylvie Vest by Quail Studio

What is Being Made

Sylvie is a knitted vest designed by Quail Studio and published as a digital pattern by MODE at Rowan. This garment is sized to fit chest measurements ranging from 71-76 cm (28-30 inches) up to 152-157 cm (60-62 inches), making it available in nine different sizes. The vest features a sophisticated construction with cable panel detailing set against a garter stitch background, creating visual interest and texture throughout the piece.

Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project employs several key techniques to achieve its finished design. Cable knitting is central to the pattern, with multiple cable panels worked across the front and back of the vest using a cable needle. The pattern incorporates shaping techniques including cast-off stitches for armhole construction and strategic decreasing to create proper garment fit. Garter stitch forms the foundational background fabric, providing a textured base that contrasts with the raised cable panels. The pattern also includes make-one increases (M1) for shaping and alternating row decreasing for precise armhole and neckline shaping.

Stitches Used

• Garter stitch: The primary background stitch, created by knitting every row to produce a reversible, textured fabric
• Cable stitches: Including C2B (cable 2 back), C2F (cable 2 front), C4B (cable 4 back), and C4F (cable 4 front), which create the distinctive twisted rope-like patterns
• Make-one (M1) increases: Used to add stitches for shaping while maintaining pattern continuity
• Knit stitches: The fundamental stitch used throughout the pattern
• Cast-off stitches: Used to bind off stitches at armhole and neckline edges

Materials and Tools

Sylvie is worked using Alpaca Wool yarn in 50-gram balls, with yardage requirements varying by size from 7 balls for the smallest size up to 11 balls for the largest size. The pattern was photographed in the colorway Walnut 016. Two pairs of needles are required: 3.25mm (US 3) needles for ribbing or initial setup, and 3.5mm (US 4) needles for the main fabric. The tension is measured at 24 stitches and 32 rows to 10 centimeters over garter stitch using the 3.5mm needles, with cable panels measuring 8 centimeters over 20 stitches. Additional notions needed include stitch holders, a stitch marker, and a cable needle for managing the cable stitches throughout the project.