Tao Waistcoat Knitting Pattern

Tao Waistcoat in Berroco Millefiori Big

What Is Being Made

The Tao Waistcoat is an oversized knitted vest designed by the Berroco Design Team from Booklet #392. This garment features a relaxed, contemporary silhouette with approximately 10–12 inches of ease built into the design. Available in four sizes with finished measurements ranging from 46 inches to 58 inches in width and 27 to 30 inches in length, the Tao Waistcoat is ideal for layering or wearing as a standalone piece. The design emphasizes comfort and wearability with its generous proportions.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Tao Waistcoat is worked in one continuous piece from side to side, beginning at the right front edge and concluding at the left front edge. This construction method streamlines the building process and minimizes seaming. The garment employs shaping techniques for both the right and left armholes, which are created through strategic bind-offs and cast-ons to form the vest openings. Blocking is recommended during finishing to achieve polished results and proper drape.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch used throughout the Tao Waistcoat is stockinette stitch (St st), which creates a smooth, classic fabric with a knit side and purl side. The pattern uses knit and purl stitches as foundational techniques. Stitch markers are placed strategically during the initial cast-on row to help organize the pattern sections and maintain consistency across the 81 to 90 cast-on stitches depending on size selection.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Tao Waistcoat calls for Berroco Millefiori Big yarn in colorway #5883 Sedum. This yarn comes in 100-gram balls, with yardage requirements of 6 to 8 balls depending on the finished size selected. Berroco Millefiori Big is a bulky-weight yarn suitable for quick projects and creating fabric with excellent drape and visual interest.

Knitters will need a 29-inch circular needle in size 11 (8.00 mm) or the size required to achieve the specified gauge. Circular needles are used for this project even though the work is not joined in the round, as they accommodate the large stitch count comfortably.

Gauge and Sizing

The recommended gauge for the Tao Waistcoat is 12 stitches and 16 rows equal 4 inches in stockinette stitch. Checking gauge before beginning is essential to ensure the finished garment meets the intended dimensions. The pattern is available in four sizes: 46 inches, 50 inches, 54 inches, and 58 inches in finished width, allowing customization for different body types and style preferences.

Skill Level

The Tao Waistcoat is rated as an Easy or beginner-level project, making it accessible to knitters new to garment construction. The straightforward stockinette stitch foundation and simple shaping techniques provide an excellent introduction to vest-making without overwhelming complexity.