Wildflowerknits Rika Vest Knitting Pattern

Wildflowerknits Rika Vest: Seamless Striped Knit Design

What Is Being Made

The Rika is a sophisticated vest designed by Kennita Tully, offered in seven sizes ranging from XS to 3X. This garment features an asymmetrical front design with differing lengths on the left and right fronts, creating a contemporary and flattering silhouette. The vest is suitable for intermediate-level knitters and can be customized to fit various body measurements, with finished chest widths from 32.25 inches (XS) to 56.25 inches (3X).

Knitting Techniques

The Rika vest employs several advanced knitting techniques to achieve its distinctive appearance and structure:

• Seamless Construction: The entire vest is knit in one continuous piece, beginning with the Right Front and progressing through to the Left Front. This method eliminates the need for seaming and creates a smooth, professional finish.
• Worked Flat: The garment is worked flat on circular needles rather than in the round, allowing for easier manipulation of the asymmetrical front shaping and stripe pattern.
• Short-Row Shaping: The pattern utilizes wrap-and-turn (w&t) short-row shaping to create the asymmetrical front lengths and define the armhole depth. This technique involves wrapping stitches at the turn points to prevent holes, then knitting the wrap together with its stitch on subsequent rows.
• Striped Pattern: The design features a striping sequence based on Fibonacci numbers, alternating between two yarn colors (#26 and #27) in a mathematically-inspired progression. The striping is integrated into the short-row shaping sequence, requiring careful color management throughout the construction.

Stitches Used

The Rika vest is primarily constructed in Stockinette Stitch, which creates a smooth, classic fabric with a defined knit face. The gauge for this stitch is 15 stitches and 24 rows per 4 inches (10 centimeters), which is essential to verify before beginning the project to ensure proper fit across all sizes.

Materials and Specifications

The Rika vest is designed to be knit with Tahki Yarns "Tara Tweed," a durable blend consisting of 80% wool and 20% nylon. This fiber content provides warmth, elasticity, and durability suitable for a structured vest garment. Yardage requirements vary by size, ranging from 3 balls each of two colors for the smallest size (XS) to 6 balls each for the largest size (3X). Each ball contains 122 yards and weighs 50 grams.

The project requires Size US8 (5mm) circular knitting needles to achieve the correct gauge in Stockinette Stitch. Additionally, a Size D (3.25mm) crochet hook is needed, likely for finishing edges or securing the single 1-inch diameter button or long narrow toggle that fastens the vest. A tapestry needle is essential for weaving in yarn ends and any finishing work.

Finished Measurements and Sizing

The asymmetrical design of the Rika creates intentionally different front lengths. The left front (with edge rolled) ranges from 23.75 inches in the XS size to 30 inches in the 3X size. The right front (with edge rolled) is longer, measuring from 27 inches (XS) to 33 inches (3X). Armhole depth increases progressively with size, from 7 inches (XS) to 10.5 inches (3X), ensuring proper fit across the shoulder and upper body for all size ranges.