Tahki Yarns Woodley Vest Knitting Pattern

Tahki Yarns Woodley Vest Pattern Summary

What Is Being Made

The Woodley Vest is a sleeveless knitted waistcoat designed by Kirsten Hipsky. This easy-level knitting project creates a fitted vest available in six sizes ranging from Small to 3X, with finished bust measurements from 40 inches (101.5 cm) to 61½ inches (156 cm) and a length of approximately 26¾ to 28¼ inches (68 to 72 cm). The vest is an ideal layering piece suitable for various occasions and body types.

Techniques Used

The Woodley Vest is constructed using top-down knitting methodology, which allows knitters to try on the garment as it progresses and make adjustments as needed. The pattern is worked flat on circular needles, meaning it is knitted in rows rather than in the round for most of the construction. This approach is beginner-friendly and provides excellent control over shaping and fit. The pattern includes strategic increases and decreases to create the vest's tailored silhouette, with stitches temporarily placed on waste yarn during construction to be worked later.

Stitches Used

The Woodley Vest employs fundamental knitting stitches appropriate for a beginner-level project:

• Stockinette Stitch (St st): The primary stitch used throughout the body of the vest, created by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side. This classic stitch produces a smooth, flat fabric ideal for a polished vest.
• K1, P1 Ribbing: Used for the sleeve cuffs and finishing edges, this ribbing pattern alternates single knit and purl stitches to create an elastic, fitted edge that helps the garment maintain its shape.
• K2tog (Knit 2 Together): A decrease technique that reduces stitch count by knitting two stitches together through their front loops, used to shape the armholes and create fitted areas.
• M1L (Make 1 Left) and M1R (Make 1 Right): Increase techniques that create new stitches by lifting the strand between needles and working through the twisted loop, preventing holes while adding stitches for shaping.

Materials and Tools

The Woodley Vest is knitted with Tahki Yarns Cotton Classic Twist, a 100% mercerized cotton yarn that provides a crisp, breathable fabric perfect for warm-weather layering. The yardage required ranges from 8 hanks for the smallest size to 13 hanks for the largest size, with each hank containing 108 yards (100 meters) and weighing 1.75 ounces (50 grams). The color used in the pattern is #5044 stormy skies, a sophisticated neutral shade.

Knitting needles required include one size 7 (4.5mm) circular needle measuring 40 inches (100 cm) for the main body construction, and one size 7 (4.5mm) circular needle measuring 16 inches (40 cm) for working the sleeves in the round. Additional supplies include stitch markers for tracking pattern sections, waste yarn for temporarily holding stitches, and a yarn needle for weaving in ends. The pattern specifies a gauge of 20 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in Stockinette stitch, which should be verified before beginning the project.