Tahki Yarns Sidney Two-Way Vest Knitting Pattern

Tahki Yarns Sidney Two-Way Vest

What is Being Made

The Sidney Two-Way Vest is an intermediate-level knitted waistcoat designed by Susan Haviland. This garment features a versatile construction that allows for two different styling options. The vest is available in four sizes: Small (37" bust), Medium (42" bust), Large (47½" bust), and XL (53" bust), with corresponding lengths ranging from 21" to 22½". The finished piece combines a structured back panel with a front section that incorporates a shawl collar detail, creating a sophisticated layering piece suitable for various occasions.

Techniques Used

This pattern employs the worked flat construction method, meaning the garment is knitted in separate pieces on straight or circular needles rather than in the round. The design incorporates several essential shaping techniques including strategic bind-offs for armhole shaping, increases using the Make 1 (M1) method to add stitches seamlessly, and decreases worked at garment edges. The pattern demonstrates intermediate-level skills through its use of multiple shaping sequences and the integration of a shawl collar that is picked up and worked from the completed back and front pieces. Finishing involves seaming the completed sections together and working edging details.

Stitches Used

The Sidney Two-Way Vest features the Open Basketweave stitch pattern as its primary fabric texture. This stitch creates visual interest and texture throughout the garment. The pattern instructions include fundamental knitting decreases and increases essential to garment shaping:

• K1-f/b (Knit 1 front and back) – an increase method that creates one additional stitch by knitting into the front and back of a single stitch
• M1 (Make 1) – a nearly invisible increase created by lifting the strand between needles and working through the back loop
• K2tog (Knit 2 together) – a right-leaning decrease that combines two stitches into one
• P2tog (Purl 2 together) – the purl equivalent decrease
• Ssk and ssp (Slip, slip, knit/purl) – left-leaning decreases created by slipping stitches and working them together through the back loops

These stitch techniques work together to create smooth, professional shaping at armholes, necklines, and other edges throughout the garment.

Materials and Gauge

The Sidney Two-Way Vest is designed to be worked in Tahki Donegal Tweed Fine, a yarn blend containing 70% wool and 30% mohair. This fiber combination provides warmth, durability, and a subtle textured appearance characteristic of tweed yarns. The yardage requirements are 5 balls for Small, 6 balls for Medium and Large, and 7 balls for XL, with each ball containing 1.75 ounces (50 grams) and 218 yards (199 meters).

The pattern calls for size 7 (4.5mm) circular needles measuring 29 inches (74cm) or longer, along with a size 7 double-pointed needle reserved for edging work. Additional notions include stitch holders for temporarily securing stitches, stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points, and a yarn needle for weaving in ends and seaming. The recommended gauge is 18 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches (10cm) in the Open Basketweave stitch pattern. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements and ensuring the garment fits as designed.