Tahki Yarns Kaya Boxy V Neck Knitting Pattern

Tahki Yarns Kaya Boxy V-Neck Vest

What Is Being Made

The Kaya Boxy V-Neck Vest is a sleeveless pullover garment designed by Rosemary Drysdale. This vest features a relaxed, boxy silhouette with a flattering V-neckline. The design is offered in three size ranges: Small/Medium, Large/XL, and 2X/3X, with finished bust measurements of 46½, 54½, and 62½ inches respectively. The vest lengths range from 22¾ to 24¾ inches depending on size, making it suitable for layering over long-sleeved shirts or wearing as a standalone piece during mild weather.

Techniques Used

The Kaya Boxy V-Neck Vest is constructed using a bottom-up knitting method, meaning the garment is worked from the lower edge upward toward the neckline. The vest is worked flat on straight needles for the body and armholes, then finished with a circular needle for the neckband. The construction is seamed, requiring assembly of separate pieces using a yarn needle. This traditional approach allows for precise shaping and a professional finished appearance. The neckband is worked in the round using a 24-inch circular needle, with strategic decreases placed on either side of the center V-neck stitch to create the characteristic V-shape and ensure proper fit.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch pattern throughout the Kaya Boxy V-Neck Vest is the K3, P2 Rib, a classic ribbed texture that alternates three knit stitches with two purl stitches. This rib pattern is worked over a multiple of five stitches plus three, creating vertical columns that provide both visual interest and elasticity. The ribbed construction helps the vest maintain its shape and creates a flattering, fitted appearance despite the boxy overall silhouette. Decreases are worked using K2tog (knit two together) and ssk (slip, slip, knit) techniques, particularly around the V-neckline to shape the neck opening. The pattern also references a Broken Rib stitch worked with the smaller needles, which establishes the primary fabric texture. All stitches are bound off in pattern to maintain the rib texture at the edges and neckband.

Materials and Gauge

The Kaya Boxy V-Neck Vest is designed to be knitted with Tahki Yarns TARA TWEED, a durable blend of 80% wool and 20% nylon. This fiber content provides warmth, durability, and slight elasticity ideal for a fitted vest. The pattern calls for two colors: color #29 mocha tweed (A) and color #21 mushroom tweed (B). Yardage requirements vary by size, with Small/Medium requiring 2 balls of color A and 5 balls of color B, while the largest size (2X/3X) requires 3 balls of color A and 7 balls of color B. Each ball contains 1.75 ounces and 122 yards of yarn.

The pattern requires two pairs of needles in different sizes: size 8 (5mm) needles and size 9 (5.5mm) needles, allowing for gauge control and proper fabric texture. A 24-inch size 9 (5.5mm) circular needle is used for the neckband. Additional supplies include stitch markers, a stitch holder, a safety pin, and a yarn needle for seaming and finishing.

The recommended gauge is 16 stitches and 25 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) in Broken Rib pattern using the smaller size 8 needles. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements and fit of the vest.