Tahki Yarns White Tea Sampler-Stitch Vest Knitting Pattern

Tahki Yarns White Tea Sampler-Stitch Vest

What Is Being Made

The White Tea Sampler-Stitch Vest is a knitted cardigan vest designed by Mari Lynn Patrick, available in six sizes ranging from Small to 3X. This garment features a sophisticated blend of stitch patterns that showcase multiple knitting techniques in a single wearable piece. The vest offers bust measurements from 42 inches (Small) to 63 inches (3X), with lengths ranging from 20 to 23.5 inches, making it suitable for various body types and styling preferences.

Techniques Used

This vest is constructed using bottom-up construction, meaning pieces are knitted starting from the lower edge and working upward toward the neckline. The garment is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, allowing for easier pattern management and seaming. All pieces are seamed together after completion, creating clean, professional-looking joins. The design incorporates cable work as a central design element, with cables serving as both a textural and visual focal point throughout the vest.

Stitches Used

The White Tea Sampler-Stitch Vest employs three primary stitch patterns to create visual interest and texture:

• K2, P2 Rib: Used for ribbed edges and cuffs, this classic rib pattern (multiple of 4 stitches plus 2) provides elasticity and a finished appearance at the garment's borders.
• Garter Stitch: Knit on all rows, garter stitch creates a bumpy, reversible texture that adds depth and visual contrast to the design.
• Pattern Stitch: A 12-row repeat (multiple of 5 stitches plus 5) that alternates between knit and purl rows in a 5-stitch repeat, creating a subtle textured background. Odd-numbered rows are knit across; rows 2, 4, and 6 work as *P5, K5* repeats; and rows 8, 10, and 12 work as *K5, P5* repeats.
• Cable Stitch: Worked over 26 stitches, this pattern features two primary cable crosses: 2/2 LC (slip 2 stitches to cable needle, hold in front, knit 2, then knit 2 from cable needle) and 5/5 LC (slip 5 stitches to cable needle, hold in front, knit 5, then knit 5 from cable needle). These cables create dramatic vertical lines and are a signature element of the vest.

Materials and Tools

The White Tea Sampler-Stitch Vest is knitted using Tahki Yarns Donegal Tweed, a 100% pure new wool yarn in color #884 light grey tweed. Yardage requirements range from 5 skeins for the smallest size to 9 skeins for the largest size, with each skein containing 183 yards and weighing 3.5 ounces (100 grams).

The project requires two pairs of knitting needles: size 8 (5mm) needles for the main fabric and size 7 (4.5mm) needles for ribbed sections. A size G-6 (4mm) crochet hook is used for finishing details. Additional tools include a cable needle for managing cable crosses, stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping, and a yarn needle for weaving in ends and seaming pieces together. One 1-inch (25mm) button completes the closure.

Gauge and Construction Notes

The pattern is worked to a gauge of 16 stitches and 26 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) in pattern stitch using the larger size 8 needles. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements. The vest features a center cable panel flanked by pattern stitch sections on both the front and back, with ribbed edges providing structure. Construction begins with the lower left front, establishing the stitch patterns in a set-up row before beginning the main pattern repeat. The bind-off is worked on the right side with a special decrease technique applied to cable sections, creating a tailored finish.