Tahki Yarns Cottonwood Fringed Vest Knitting Pattern

Tahki Yarns Cottonwood Fringed Vest

What is Being Made

The Cottonwood Fringed Vest is a sleeveless knitted garment designed by Petra Marcelle, available in six sizes ranging from Small to 3X. This vest features a classic seamed construction with finished bust measurements from 34 inches (Small) to 54 inches (3X), and a length of approximately 20¾ to 23½ inches excluding the decorative fringe. The design emphasizes texture through its signature ridge pattern and is finished with an eye-catching fringe detail along the lower edge.

Techniques Used

This vest is constructed using seamed knitting techniques and is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round. The pattern is worked in three separate pieces—front and back sections—which are then sewn together at the shoulder and side seams. The construction method allows for controlled shaping and precise fit across multiple size options. A crochet hook is used in the finishing stage to attach the fringe detail, combining knitting and crochet techniques in a single project.

Stitches and Pattern Details

The primary stitch pattern is the Ridge Pattern, a textured stitch that creates horizontal ridges throughout the garment. This pattern repeats over six rows and alternates between knit and purl rows to build visual interest and dimension. The ridge pattern works as follows:

• Rows 1 and 3 (Right Side): Knit
• Row 2 (Wrong Side): Purl
• Row 4: Knit
• Row 5: Purl
• Row 6: Knit

The pattern incorporates standard decreasing techniques including K2tog (knit 2 together), P2tog (purl 2 together), and ssk/ssp (slip, slip, knit or purl) for shaping. The neck edge is finished with a stockinette stitch edging worked over four rows, providing a clean, refined neckline. Fringe is attached using a crochet hook, with multiple strands grouped together and secured into the purl ridges along the lower edge for a decorative, finished appearance.

Materials and Gauge

The Cottonwood Fringed Vest is knitted with Tahki Yarns VERMONT, a premium blend of 50% merino wool and 50% superfine alpaca. This fiber composition provides warmth, breathability, and a soft hand ideal for a lightweight vest. The main color is #112 natural heather (A), with a contrasting accent color of #03 granite (B) used minimally in the design.

Yardage requirements vary by size, ranging from 7 balls for the Small size to 13 balls for the 3X size. Each ball contains 1.75 ounces (50 grams) and provides 93 yards (85 meters) of yarn. The project requires one pair of size 8 (5mm) needles for the main knitting and one size G-6 (4mm) crochet hook for attaching the fringe. A yarn needle is needed for weaving in ends and seaming pieces together.

The recommended gauge is 15 stitches and 36 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) in the Ridge Pattern. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements and fit, and knitters are advised to knit a gauge swatch before beginning the project.