Tahki Yarns Clearwater Knitting Pattern

Tahki Yarns Clearwater Knitted Waistcoat

What Is Being Made

The Clearwater is an intermediate-level knitted waistcoat (vest) designed by Sandi Rosner. This garment is available in six sizes ranging from XSmall to 2X, with finished bust measurements from 32 inches (81.5 cm) to 54¾ inches (139 cm) and length measurements between 25 and 27 inches (63.5 to 68.5 cm). The waistcoat is a classic layering piece suitable for various occasions and styling options.

Construction Techniques

The Clearwater waistcoat employs a bottom-up construction method, beginning at the lower edge and working upward toward the armholes. The garment is initially worked in the round using a circular needle, which creates a seamless lower body section. After the body reaches the appropriate length, the piece is divided at the armholes, and the front and back sections are then worked flat (back and forth in rows) to complete the upper portions. The finished waistcoat features seamed construction where necessary to join the divided sections.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Clearwater features two primary stitch patterns that create visual interest and texture:

• K2, P1 Rib: A repeating rib pattern worked in the round at the lower edge of the garment. This elastic stitch pattern (worked as *P1, k2; rep from * around) provides stretch and a fitted finish at the hem, measuring 6 rounds in length.
• Honeycomb Pattern: The main stitch pattern used throughout the body of the waistcoat. This textured lace pattern is worked over a multiple of 6 stitches and creates a distinctive honeycomb texture. The pattern requires careful attention to knit and purl stitches as they face you on wrong-side rows, ensuring proper stitch definition.

Standard decreasing and increasing techniques are incorporated, including K1-f/b (knit one front and back for increases), K2tog (knit two together), and ssk or ssp (slip, slip, knit or purl) for decreases that shape the waistcoat at the armholes and other shaping points.

Materials and Gauge

The Clearwater pattern calls for Tahki Yarns Manchester, a premium blend yarn composed of 45% fine highland wool, 35% superfine alpaca, and 20% acrylic. Each ball weighs 1.75 ounces (50 grams) and contains 109 yards (100 meters) of yarn. The pattern requires 6 to 11 balls depending on the size being knitted, with the sample shown in color #9 bluestone.

The recommended needles are size 7 (4.5mm) circular needles in two lengths: a 16-inch (40 cm) needle for working smaller circumferences and a 32-inch (80 cm) needle for the initial cast-on and body rounds. The pattern specifies checking gauge to ensure proper fit, with the target gauge being 21 stitches and 27 rounds equal 4 inches (10 cm) in Honeycomb pattern. Additional supplies include stitch markers, stitch holders or waste yarn for holding stitches, and a yarn needle for finishing and weaving in ends.

Pattern Format

This is a downloadable PDF pattern document published by Tahki Stacy Charles Inc. in 2019, making it accessible for immediate download and printing for crafters who prefer physical or digital references while working.