Tahki Yarns Elegance Vest Knitting Pattern

Tahki Yarns Elegance Vest

What is Being Made

The Elegance Vest is a sleeveless knitted garment designed by Lidia Karabinech, available in six sizes ranging from Small to 3X. This vest features an 11-inch overlap at the front, creating a sophisticated layering piece. The finished bust measurements range from 32 inches in the Small size to 52 inches in the 3X size, with lengths varying from 19½ inches to 23¼ inches depending on the size selected.

Techniques Used

This vest is worked flat on circular needles, meaning the pieces are knitted in flat rows rather than in the round. The construction method involves picking up stitches along cast-on edges to create the back pieces, demonstrating intermediate knitting techniques. The pattern incorporates shaping through strategic increases and decreases to form the armholes and create the garment's fitted silhouette. Increases are worked using the Make 1 (M1) technique, which involves lifting the strand between needles to create new stitches without leaving holes in the fabric.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch pattern throughout the Elegance Vest is k2, p2 rib, a classic ribbed texture created by alternating knit and purl stitches in a repeating pattern. This rib pattern uses a multiple of 4 stitches plus 2 additional stitches. The ribbing is worked in a slightly stretched gauge, which provides elasticity and helps the vest maintain its shape. Decreases are accomplished using knit 2 together (k2tog) and slip, slip, knit (ssk) techniques, both of which are left-leaning decreases that help shape the armholes and maintain the aesthetic consistency of the ribbed fabric.

Materials

The Elegance Vest is knitted using Tahki Yarns TUCSON, a blend of 52% cotton and 48% wool. The yardage requirements vary by size, ranging from 10 balls for the Small size to 19 balls for the 3X size. Each ball contains 1.75 ounces of yarn and provides 108 yards of yardage. The recommended color for this pattern is #09 silver. Construction requires one size 8 (5mm) circular needle measuring 32 inches long, or the appropriate size needed to achieve the specified gauge. Additional notions include a stitch holder, stitch markers, a yarn needle for finishing, and optionally a shawl pin for styling. The gauge for this project is 21 stitches and 24 rows over 4 inches in k2, p2 rib, slightly stretched—checking gauge before beginning is essential for proper fit.