Knitted vest – styles, materials and knitting patterns

 Part 1

Why opt for knitted vest

I have been a big fun of wearing knitting vests for many years. As a perfect layering piece, any vest is so easy to style and so comfortable to wear in everyday life. It is such a versatile addition to both children and adults wardrobe. Knitting of vest has so many positives - it is really fast to knit as it has no sleeves, takes less yarn and it still gives you this feeling and satisfaction of a completed garment! 

Note: Cable Whisper vest (left) and Hoya vest (right)

Any vest is also essential garment for children wardrobe! They provide just the right amount of warmth without the bulk of sleeves, making them ideal for active play. Plus, they're super easy for kids to put on and take off, fostering a sense of independence. 

Over the years, I have designed a number of different vest for children and adults. So let’s discover the world of knitting vests and see what styles and options are available and how to style them in everyday life. First let talk about materials that would create a perfect vest for any occasion. 

Yarn choice

When it comes to yarn choices, the possibilities are endless! Opt for a warm wool blend for extra coziness or choose a soft cotton for a lighter feel. The beauty of vests lies in their adaptability to different styles and preferences. You can read more about yarn choices for any knitted garment in one of my previous posts Choosing Yarn for knitting project 

Let's talk about types of vests.

T-shape vest

T-shape vest is a lovely option, which creates an illusion of a vest with short dropped shoulder. It can be knitted as a one piece by adding a number of stitches on the lower edge of armhole as well as a number of rows in chosen stitch (ribbing, garter etc) can be added to the edge of vest along the armhole after front and back are completed and sewn together. This style of vest is easy to customize by playing with body and sleeve length. 

There are a few t-shape vest in my collection

1. Arlet vest 

This vest has classic t-shape silhouette, knitted as you go sleeve, round neck and fancy little pocket at front. The front of vest is decorated with beautiful easy to memorise cable in combination with fancy textured stitch. Knitting pattern for Arlet vest is size inclusive and written for sizes from XS to 5XL

Knitting pattern for Arlet vest is available from Ravelry and Lovecraft

2. Cable leasure vest 

Cable Leisure vest is beautiful unisex vest for children. Decorated with pretty cable at front, this vest is a great project for cable knitters. You can adjust the collar length to folded turtle neck and create a perfect winter vest with no need for scarf! Also by playing with the vest length up to underarms, you can update it to a tunic length or to a crop version. 

Knitting pattern for the vest is available from Ravelry and Lovectafts 

3. Crossbow vest 

Crossbow vest is fancy vest with illusion of 3D stitch but there are no cables. It takes a bit of time to finish it but knitting process itself is very simple as there are just knit and purl stitches involved and no increases or decreases. It has wide short sleeves and boat neck. 

Find this pattern on Raverly or Lovecrafts 

Classic vest with round neck 

A classic knitted vest normally has a simple timeless design, which makes it versatile wardrobe staple. In terms of shape, it often adopts a straightforward silhouette ranging from fitted to slightly relaxed. The style is often sleeveless, allowing for easy layering over different outfits.  

The choice of stitch pattern can vary, but classic vests often feature simple textured stitches, such as ribs or cables, contributing to a clean and polished look. It can be knitted with V-neck or a round neck. 

1. Cable Whisper Vest 

Cable Whisper vest is a great example of a classic vest with Aran stitches. It is knitted with DK weight yarn and makes a perfect transition from warm to cold season and vice versa. Both front and back of vest are decorated with beautiful cables combination. Other vest features are a round neck, side slits and slightly cropped length, which is easy adjustable by adding an inch or so before armhole shaping. The vest is worked flat from bottom up, collar and armhole bands are knitted in the round.

Pattern for Cable Whisper vest is on Ravelry and Lovecrafts 

2. Tonic vest

Tonic vest is another example of a classic knitted vest. It is knitted with 4-ply weight yarn in combination of stockinette, moss and fancy textured stitches. 

Knitting pattern is available from Ravelry and Lovecrafts

3. Lady Butterfly vest

Designed for kids, this beautiful vest is decorated with 3D butterfly at front and fancy bands around neck, armholes and along the bottom line. The front and back of vest are knitted in easy to memorise textured stitch, which makes the knitting process fast and enjoyable. 

Both vest and hat are knitted with sport/5-ply weight yarn

Knitting pattern for vest is available from Ravelry and Lovecrafts.

The matching hat is also on Ravelry and Lovecrafts 

Part 2 of Vests overviews is coming soon  :)

To see some behind the scene photos you can follow me on Instagram.

You are also welcome to join my Facebook knitting group to share your work and get some help with my patterns.