Valley Yarns Tamarind Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Tamarind Lace Waistcoat

What Is Being Made

The Tamarind is a large-scale lace waistcoat designed by Julie Turjoman, created as an elegant statement piece perfect for 3-season wear. This sophisticated lace topper is intended to be layered over a tee shirt or blouse, offering versatility for spring, summer, and fall wardrobes. The garment combines refined lace patterning with practical construction, making it suitable for both casual and dressed-up occasions.

Garment Specifications

Sizes: S/M (L/XL, 2XL/3XL)

Finished Bust Measurements: 38¾ inches (S/M), 49 inches (L/XL), 59 inches (2XL/3XL), with 4–6 inches of positive ease built in

Length: 28 inches (S/M), 31¼ inches (L/XL), 32¼ inches (2XL/3XL)

Skill Level: Intermediate

Techniques Used

• Bottom-Up Construction: The waistcoat is worked from the bottom edge upward, allowing for easy adjustments to length as you progress
• Seamless Knitting: The garment is constructed without seams, creating a smooth, professional finish
• Worked Flat: Despite being seamless, the piece is worked flat on circular needles rather than in the round, providing control over the lace pattern placement
• Lace Patterning: Large-scale lace motifs are integrated throughout the design, featuring yarn overs, decreases, and strategic stitch manipulations to create openwork sections

Stitches and Stitch Techniques

The Tamarind employs a variety of knitting stitches and techniques to achieve its elegant lace appearance:

• Stockinette Stitch: The foundational stitch used for gauge measurement and solid fabric areas
• Knit Through Back Loop (K1 tbl): Creates twisted stitches that add definition to lace pattern edges
• Purl Through Back Loop (P1 tbl): Twisted purl stitches that complement the knit through back loop variations
• Yarn Overs (yo): Create the openwork characteristic of lace patterns, allowing yarn to pass over the needle to form decorative holes
• Knit Two Together (K2tog): A right-leaning decrease used to balance yarn overs and shape the lace
• Slip, Slip, Knit (ssk): A left-leaning decrease that provides directional decreases within the lace motifs
• Knit Three Together (K3tog): A double decrease creating more pronounced shaping in the lace pattern
• Knit Four Together (K4tog) and Knit Four Together Through Back Loop (K4tog tbl): Triple decreases that create dramatic stitch reductions within the large-scale lace design
• Slip, Slip, Knit, Pass Slipped Stitches Over (S2kp): A centered double decrease that maintains pattern symmetry

Lace Pattern Structure

The lace pattern is organized into repeating tiers that build upon each other. The pattern includes multiple rows of stockinette and reverse stockinette sections interspersed with lace rows featuring yarn overs and decreases. Tier 2, for example, is worked 5 times in the smallest size, 6 times in the larger sizes, allowing the pattern to scale appropriately across different garment sizes. The repeating 18-stitch pattern units create a cohesive, balanced design across the width of the waistcoat.

Materials and Yarn

Yarn: Valley Yarns Conway, a practical cotton-acrylic blend (60% Pima Cotton / 40% Acrylic) that provides both breathability and easy care. Each skein yields 127 yards and weighs 50 grams.

Yarn Requirements: 10 skeins (S/M), 11 skeins (L/XL), or 12 skeins (2