Wildflowerknits Sundance Vest Knitting Pattern

Wildflowerknits Sundance Vest

What is Being Made

The Sundance is a seamless knit vest designed by Kennita Tully, suitable for intermediate knitters. This garment is constructed as a single piece from the bottom up to the armholes, after which the fronts and back are worked separately to the shoulders before being joined for the collar. The vest is available in seven sizes ranging from XS to 3X, with finished chest measurements from 32 inches (XS) to 57.5 inches (3X) and back length ranging from 21.5 inches to 25.75 inches depending on size.

Construction Techniques

The Sundance employs a bottom-up, seamless, worked-flat construction method. The garment begins at the lower edge and is knit upward in one continuous piece until the armholes are reached. The use of circular knitting needles allows for flat working while maintaining the seamless quality of the design. This approach eliminates the need for seaming, creating a smooth, professional finish. The vest features a distinctive collar that is created by joining the front and back pieces after the shoulder shaping is complete.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Sundance features two primary stitch patterns that work together to create visual interest and texture:

• Vertical Drop Stitch Trim Pattern: This decorative edging pattern is worked over a multiple of 8 stitches and incorporates yarn overs. The trim pattern establishes the foundation with a set-up row followed by 11 rows of alternating wrong-side and right-side rows. The pattern uses knit and purl stitches in combination with yarn overs to create the characteristic vertical drop effect.
• Vertical Drop Stitch Body Pattern: The main body of the vest uses a more complex stitch pattern that also features yarn overs and controlled stitch dropping. This pattern creates vertical lines of dropped stitches that unravel down to yarn overs placed 12 or 24 rows below, producing an elegant, flowing texture. The body pattern is worked over a multiple of 8 stitches and combines knit, purl, and yarn over techniques.
• Stockinette Stitch: Used as a reference gauge measurement (14 stitches and 22 rows equal 4 inches), stockinette stitch provides a baseline for understanding the fabric density.

The vertical drop stitch technique is a deliberate design feature where stitches are intentionally dropped from the needle and allowed to unravel down to a yarn over placed multiple rows below. This creates a sophisticated, lacy appearance with vertical lines running through the fabric. Proper gauge measurement after washing and blocking is essential, as the width and length of the fabric change dramatically during this process.

Materials and Tools

The Sundance vest is knit using Tahki Yarns "Alden Print" yarn, which combines three fiber types for optimal drape and wearability. The yarn composition includes 50% fine merino wool, 25% superfine alpaca, and 25% acrylic. Each ball contains 250 yards and weighs 50 grams. The yardage requirement varies by size: XS, S, and M sizes require 3, 3, and 4 balls respectively, while L, 1X, and 2X require 4, 4, and 5 balls, and 3X requires 5 balls. The color used in the sample is #104.

Construction requires US size 9 (5.5mm) circular knitting needles or the size necessary to obtain proper gauge. Additional tools include stitch holders for managing stitches during construction and a tapestry needle for finishing work. The recommended gauge is 15 stitches and 23 rows per 4 inches (10 centimeters) when measured in the Vertical Drop Stitch Body pattern after the fabric has been washed and blocked.