Twist Collective Acacia Vest Knitting Pattern

Acacia Tabard Vest by Adrienne Larsen

What is Being Made

The Acacia is a sleeveless tabard vest designed by Adrienne Larsen for Twist Collective. This garment features a sophisticated silhouette with finished bust measurements ranging from 37 ½" to 57" (95.5 to 145 cm) and available lengths of 27 ¼" or 30 ½" (69 or 77.5 cm). The vest is intended to be worn with 5–6" (12.5–15 cm) of ease, making it a versatile layering piece suitable for various body types and styling preferences.

Construction Techniques

The Acacia vest employs a bottom-up construction method, with pieces worked individually before assembly. The garment is primarily worked flat on circular needles, allowing for controlled shaping and pattern placement. A distinctive feature is the cowl neck, which is created by picking up stitches and working them in the round using held neck stitches, adding textural interest and a refined neckline finish.

The design incorporates seamless integration of stitch patterns, with the back and front pieces constructed using coordinated cable and lace motifs. The construction begins with a garter stitch foundation, providing stability before transitioning into more complex stitch patterns. Vertical buttonholes are worked into the front piece, allowing the vest to function as a buttoned garment.

Stitch Patterns and Details

The Acacia showcases multiple advanced knitting techniques presented in chart form only. The primary stitch patterns include:

• Cable stitches – A center cable chart is repeated three times across the back and front pieces, creating vertical lines of texture and visual interest that draw the eye downward
• Lace stitches – Delicate openwork patterns add sophistication and breathability to the design
• Zigzag pattern – Additional textural variation is introduced through zigzag motifs, contributing to the vest's dynamic appearance
• Garter stitch – Used as the foundational stitch for the first 2" (5 cm) of the piece, providing a stable base before pattern work begins

The back piece is constructed with strategic stitch placement, including marker-defined sections for the center cable and side panels. The front piece incorporates increases worked evenly across specific sections, creating shaping that accommodates the bust and ensures proper fit. The pattern utilizes both knit and purl stitches to define stitch pattern boundaries and create visual contrast.

Materials and Tools

The Acacia is designed to be knitted with Lana Grossa Landlust Merino 180, a superwash merino wool yarn offering 198 yards (181 meters) per 1 ¾ oz (50 g) ball in the colorway #205 Taupe. Yardage requirements range from 8 to 13 balls depending on the finished size, providing approximately 1,584 to 2,574 total yards of yarn.

Two circular needle sizes are required: a Size 9 US (5.5 mm) circular needle measuring 32–60" (80–150 cm) in length, selected based on bust size to accommodate the full width of the garment, and a Size 8 US (5 mm) circular needle measuring 16" (40 cm) for working the cowl neck. Needle size adjustment is recommended if necessary to obtain the correct gauge for this project.

The 100% Merino Wool Superwash fiber content ensures durability, easy care, and a soft hand, making this vest a practical and luxurious addition to any wardrobe.