Valley Yarns Winesap Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Winesap Vest

What Is Being Made

The Winesap is a sleeveless vest designed by Julie Turjoman that combines stranded colorwork with solid stockinette stitch. This "wear with everything" garment features a deep stranded colorwork border above the hem and crew neck, with an easy, relaxed fit suitable for layering. The vest is available in sizes ranging from XS to 5XL, with finished bust measurements from 32¾" to 64¾" and includes 2"–4" positive ease for comfortable wear.

Techniques Used

The Winesap employs multiple advanced techniques appropriate for advanced beginner knitters:

• Bottom-up construction: The body is worked in the round from the bottom up, allowing for seamless knitting and easier fit adjustments as you progress.
• Worked in the round and flat: The lower body and main sections are knitted in the round, while the front and back armholes are divided and worked flat in rows once the body reaches armhole depth.
• Stranded colorwork: A two-color stranded colorwork panel creates visual interest in the lower body, introducing newer knitters to this classic technique with a simple, manageable pattern.
• Waist shaping: Modern waist shaping is integrated into the design for a tailored silhouette.
• Seamed construction: Short seams join the front to back shoulders, minimizing visible seaming while maintaining structural integrity.
• Knitted-on edgings: Armhole edging is integrated directly into the knitting using a slip-rib stitch pattern, creating a professional finish without additional sewing.
• Ribbed hems: Simple ribbed edging at the hem and crew neck provides elasticity and a polished appearance.

Stitches Used

The Winesap incorporates fundamental knitting stitches suitable for building colorwork skills:

• Stockinette stitch: Solid stockinette forms the upper body and provides a smooth canvas that contrasts with the patterned lower section.
• Stranded colorwork: Two colors (main color and contrasting color) are carried across rows to create the decorative border pattern in the lower body.
• Ribbed stitch: Knit-purl ribbing is used for hems and the crew neck to create elasticity and definition.
• Slip-rib stitch: This pattern is used for the knitted-on armhole edgings, creating a neat, professional finish.

Materials and Yarn

The Winesap is designed to showcase Valley Yarns Worthington, a premium blend yarn with excellent drape and visual interest:

• Yarn: Valley Yarns Worthington (50% Wool/25% Alpaca/25% Viscose; 50 g/174 yards per ball). Main color (MC) in 01 Oatmeal requires 3–7 balls depending on size. Contrasting color (CC) in 06 Storm Cloud requires 2–3 skeins depending on size. The tweedy texture and lovely palette of Worthington create visual appeal while remaining versatile for everyday wear.
• Needles: US size 5 (3.75 mm) circular needles in 16" and 32"–40" lengths for the main body, US size 4 (3.50 mm) for ribbed edgings, and US size 6 (4.00 mm) optional for maintaining gauge during stranded colorwork sections. Needle size adjustments may be necessary, as some knitters require larger needles when working stranded colorwork to prevent excessive tension.
• Additional materials: Stitch markers, stitch holders or waste yarn for holding stitches, and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and seaming shoulders.

Gauge and Blocking

Achieving proper gauge is essential for this project. The pattern specifies 24 stitches and 32 rows = 4" in stockinette stitch on medium size needles, blocked. The same gauge applies to stranded colorwork sections, though worked on medium or large needles depending on individual tension. The pattern strongly recommends swatching both stockinette and stranded colorwork separately, as many knitters find they need to adjust needle size when working stranded colorwork to maintain consistent gauge and prevent the fabric from becoming too dense.

Skill Level and Project Suit