Tahki Yarns Harvest Vest Knitting Pattern

Tahki Yarns Harvest Vest

What Is Being Made

The Harvest Vest is a sleeveless knitted garment designed by Candice E. Powell. This vest is available in six sizes ranging from Small through 3X, with finished bust measurements from 35 inches (89 cm) to 55 inches (140 cm) and lengths varying from 22½ inches (57 cm) to 24¾ inches (63 cm). The vest features a classic fitted silhouette with shaped armholes and a defined neckline, making it a versatile layering piece suitable for various occasions and seasons.

Knitting Techniques Used

This pattern employs several intermediate knitting techniques to create a polished, finished garment. The primary construction method uses Stockinette Stitch for the main body, creating a smooth, classic fabric surface. Shaping is achieved through strategic bind-offs at the armhole to create proper sleeve openings, and decreases at the armhole edge using the ssk (slip, slip, knit) technique to taper the garment for a fitted appearance. The pattern also features an Applied I-Cord edging technique, which is worked directly onto the garment edges using double-pointed needles. This special technique involves casting on stitches on dpns, then picking up stitches from the garment edge while knitting, creating a decorative and functional border. The I-Cord is applied to the vest edges and armholes, giving the finished piece a professional, refined appearance. Additionally, the pattern includes button closures that are worked using a size J-10 crochet hook, adding both functional and decorative elements to the design.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette Stitch (St st): The primary stitch throughout the main body of the vest, created by alternating knit rows on the right side and purl rows on the wrong side, producing the classic smooth, V-textured fabric
• Ssk (slip, slip, knit): A left-leaning decrease stitch used at armhole edges to shape the garment while maintaining a neat appearance
• Ssp (slip, slip, purl): The purl variation of the ssk decrease, used when shaping occurs on wrong-side rows
• Applied I-Cord: A special technique combining knit stitches with picked-up stitches from the garment edge, creating a decorative cord border along the vest edges and armholes

Materials and Tools

The Harvest Vest is knitted using Tahki Yarns JUNO, a luxurious yarn blend composed of 97% alpaca and 3% nylon. This fiber content creates a soft, breathable fabric with excellent drape and durability. The pattern requires 5 to 8 balls of the main color (MC) in paprika (#07) and 2 to 3 balls of the contrast color (CC) in ebony (#06), depending on the size being made. Each ball contains 1.75 ounces (50 grams) and yields 84 yards (77 meters) of yarn.

The knitting needles required include one pair of size 11 (8mm) needles for the main fabric, worked at gauge to achieve proper fabric density, and one pair of size 10 (6mm) needles for areas requiring tighter gauge. A set of size 10½ (6.5mm) double-pointed needles (dpns) is used specifically for working the Applied I-Cord edging around the vest edges and armholes. A size J-10 (6mm) crochet hook is required for creating the button closures. The pattern also calls for two buttons measuring ¾ inch (19mm) in diameter and two buttons measuring 1 inch (25mm) in diameter, along with matching sewing thread and needle for securing buttons and finishing. A yarn needle is essential for weaving in ends and seaming the garment.

Gauge Information

The pattern specifies a gauge of 13 stitches and 16 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) in Stockinette Stitch when worked on the larger size 11 (8mm) needles. Achieving proper gauge is critical for obtaining the correct finished measurements and overall fit of the vest. Knitters are advised to knit a gauge swatch, measure carefully, and adjust needle sizes as necessary before beginning the project.