Circles Vest

Button-front, sleeveless vest, worked in one piece from the bottom up. This vest incorporates many figure-flattering details, including a deep V-neck, empire waist accented with the “Circles” pattern, and curved front hems. Waist shaping decreases and increases, worked just before and after the waistband, flow into the Circles pattern, and since the vest is worked even to the waistband, the vest length can be easily changed. Set-in pockets are accented with the Circles pattern and finished with a ribbed edge; armholes and garment edges are also finished with ribbed bands. Worked in a cotton/wool blend as shown, this garment can be worn year-round.

Difficulty Adventurous beginner to intermediate: skills include increasing and decreasing, picking up stitches for bands, and an unusual cable cross.

Gauge 23 sts/ 32 rows to 4"/10 cm in stockinette st or in Circles pattern, using larger needle. Measure gauge on blocked swatch.

Sizes & Garment Measurements

Bust                29       32 ½   36      39 ½   43       46 ½    49       53 ¼ in
                       73.5     82.5    91.5   100    109     117.5    126.5  135.5 cm

High Waist*    26 ¼   29 ¾   33 ¼  36 ¾   40 ¼   43 ½    47      50 ½ in
                       66.5    75.5     84.5   93       102      111     120    128.5 cm

Hip                  31       35 ¼   38 ¾  42 ¼   45 ¾    49 ¼   52 ¾   56 ¼ in
                       79       89.5     98.5   107     116      125     133.5  142.5 cm

Length             24      24 ½   25 ½  25 ½   25 ¾    25 ¾   26       26 in

                        61      62        65      65      65.5      65.5    66       66 cm     
Armhole           6 ½      7        7 ½    8       8 ½       8 ¾     9         9 ¼ in
  depth             16.5     18      19      20.5   21.5      22        23      23.5 cm

Shown in Bust Size 32 ½ with zero ease at bust. Fit is forgiving at bust because of deep V-neck, and at hips because vest fastens at waistband only (see photos).

*Measured at Circles waistband, which will sit several inches above natural waist.         

Yarn Rowan Belle Organic DK (50% organic wool, 50% organic cotton; 131 yd [120 m]/50 g): #006 moss, 6 (7, 7, 8, 9, 10, 10, 11) skeins.

Needles Body-- US Size 6/4 mm circular needle, 24-47" depending on selected garment size. Body Edging-- US Size 5/3.75 mm circular needle, 47" (may also use two or more shorter circular needles). Armhole Edging-- US Size 5/3.75 mm circular needle, 16-24" depending on selected garment size. Adjust needle sizes if necessary to obtain the correct gauge.

Notions Markers (m); cable needle; stitch holders; safety pins; tapestry needle; four 1/2-5/8" buttons.

Notes Pocket lining can be used as a gauge swatch.

Since it is important for proper fit that the Circles band sit below the bust, directions have been included for optional short row bust shaping. Read pattern instructions carefully because neck shaping is worked at the same time as short-row bust shaping and armhole shaping.

Row counts are given as an alternative to measuring work in progress, for those knitters who prefer to count rows, or whose row gauge changes significantly after blocking. Generally a row or two more or less will not affect the success of the finished garment; HOWEVER, I do recommend keeping track of row count for armholes—since front pieces are narrow, and tend to stretch lengthwise, it is difficult to measure armhole depth accurately.

(Note: if you are seeing a moire pattern on the photo of the vest back, it is an artifact-- the body is simple stockinette stitch.)

Price: $6.50