Valley Yarns Lido Vest Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Lido Vest

What Is Being Made

The Valley Yarns Lido Vest is a V-neck sleeveless layering garment designed by Julie Turjoman. This waistcoat features a sophisticated blend of stitch textures, combining a ribbed bodice with a mesh lace body. The vest is designed to sit at the low hip and is intended to be worn with 2–3 inches of positive ease through the body, making it an ideal 3-season knit suitable for layering over shirts and sweaters. Available in seven sizes ranging from 34 inches to 57¼ inches bust circumference, this advanced beginner project offers a polished, versatile piece for any knitter's wardrobe.

Techniques Used

The Lido Vest employs a thoughtful construction method that minimizes seaming and creates a nearly seamless finished garment. The piece is worked in the round from the hem up to the armholes using circular needles, which allows for continuous knitting without interruption. Once the armholes are reached, the knitter divides the work and knits flat (back and forth in rows) to complete the shoulders and bodice shaping. This hybrid approach combines the benefits of seamless circular knitting with the shaping control of flat knitting. After the body is complete, the ribbed neckband is picked up and worked in the round, adding a refined finishing touch. The pattern emphasizes the importance of proper blocking to achieve the intended drape and stitch definition, particularly in the lace sections.

Stitches Used

The Lido Vest showcases varied stitch textures that create visual interest and depth. The bodice features a ribbed stitch pattern (K3, P1 repeat), which provides structure and a classic aesthetic. The main body is worked in mesh lace stitch, a delicate openwork pattern that creates an airy, elegant appearance while maintaining the integrity of the garment. The lace construction includes fundamental lace techniques such as yarnovers (yo) for creating the openwork eyelets and decreases (including K2tog and SSK—slip, slip, knit) to balance the yarn overs and maintain stitch count. These lace techniques require careful attention to pattern repeats and stitch markers to ensure accuracy, making this an engaging project for advanced beginners seeking to develop their lace-knitting skills.

Materials: Yarn, Needles, and Notions

Yarn: The Lido Vest is knitted using Valley Yarns Worthington, a DK-weight yarn in the Navy colorway shown in the pattern. This yarn blend consists of 50% wool, 25% alpaca, and 25% viscose, offering a balanced combination of warmth, softness, and drape. Each skein contains 50 grams and yields 174 yards, with yardage requirements ranging from 6 skeins (for the smallest size) to 12 skeins (for the largest size). The Worthington yarn is specifically praised for its suitability in 3-season knits, as it balances beautiful drape with durability and provides excellent stitch definition on its soft tweed surface.

Needles: The pattern calls for US size 5 (3.75 mm) circular needles in both 16-inch and 32–40 inch lengths for the main knitting, with gauge worked on these needles. US size 4 (3.50 mm) circular needles in the same lengths are used for the ribbed sections, creating a subtle gauge shift that enhances the ribbed bodice's structure. Knitters should always verify their personal gauge and adjust needle sizes as needed to achieve the specified tension.

Additional Notions: Completing the Lido Vest requires stitch markers (including locking stitch markers for easier pattern tracking) and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends. The pattern specifies two gauges: 24 stitches and 28 rows equal 4 inches in mesh lace stitch on US size 5 needles when blocked, and 24 stitches and 32 rows equal 4 inches in rib stitch on US size 5 needles when blocked. Achieving these gauges through careful blocking is essential for the vest's final fit and appearance.