Wildflowerknits Antico Vest Knitting Pattern

Wildflowerknits Antico Knit Vest

What is Being Made

The Antico is a sleeveless knit vest designed by Kennita Tully and available in six sizes ranging from Small to 3X. This garment features a fitted silhouette with finished chest measurements from 34 inches (Small) to 54 inches (3X) and finished lengths ranging from 20 to 25 inches depending on size. The vest is designed at an intermediate to advanced skill level and includes tailored details such as inset pockets on the fronts, button closures, and shaped armholes for a polished, structured fit.

Techniques Used

The Antico is constructed using a bottom-up approach, meaning the knitter begins at the lower edge and works upward toward the shoulders. The vest is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, and pieces are seamed together after completion. This construction method allows for precise shaping and the incorporation of design details like inset pockets and buttonholes. The pattern requires careful attention to simultaneous shaping, as decreases and increases for side shaping, pocket placement, and buttonhole construction all occur at the same time during different sections of the garment.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch pattern throughout the Antico is stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, classic fabric with a flat knit side and a bumpy purl side. Stockinette stitch is worked by knitting all stitches on right-side rows and purling all stitches on wrong-side rows. This fundamental stitch provides an elegant canvas for the garment's shaping and tailored construction. Decreases and increases are strategically placed two stitches in from the edges to create clean, finished seams.

Materials and Specifications

The Antico calls for Tahki Yarns "Ripple" in the colorway #10 pewter. This yarn is 100% mercerized cotton, offering a crisp, breathable fabric ideal for a sleeveless vest. Yardage requirements range from 568 yards for the smallest size (4 balls of 142 yards each) to 1,420 yards for the largest size (10 balls). The pattern specifies Size US7 (4.5mm) knitting needles for the main fabric and Size US6 (4.0mm) knitting needles for ribbing or edge work. The recommended gauge is 20 stitches and 30 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) on the larger needles in stockinette stitch. Additional notions include two stitch holders, a tapestry needle for seaming, and three 5/8-inch buttons for the front closure.

Construction Details

The back piece is cast on with the larger needles and worked in stockinette stitch with strategic decreases along the sides to create a fitted waist, followed by increases to shape the bust. The armhole is shaped through bind-offs and decreases worked on right-side rows, creating a tailored sleeve opening. Shoulder shaping is accomplished through graduated bind-offs at the beginning of rows. The fronts incorporate inset pockets and side shaping that occurs simultaneously with the main garment construction. Three buttons secure the front opening, providing both function and design detail to this refined, wearable vest.