The Design

“Tweedy chic.”

With simple styling that lends itself to the classroom, workplace, or weekend, this vest is so classic, so quintessential, it could become your uniform. The jumper length has a certain academic chic. The abridged, hip-length version is a flattering layer without the bulk of a sweater. Either way, this pattern is a nice little primer of techniques you’ll use again and again.

We’ve knit this version of our Library Vest in Kelbourne Woolens Cricket. This single-ply, authentic Irish tweed yarn is spun in County Donegal, Ireland, from 1100% merino wool. A versatile, woolly, tweedy classic, Cricket gives the details of this vest crisp definition, while keeping the fabric lightweight and springy. Lucky indeed are the knitter and the wearer!

The Details

SIZES
Finished bust: 39 (43, 47, 51, 55)"/ 99 (109, 119.5, 129.5, 140)cm, after seaming.
To fit bust: 32–34 (36–38, 40–42, 44–46, 48–50)"/81–86 (91–96, 102–107, 112–117, 122–127)cm.
With ease of: Approx. 5–7"/ 12.5-18cm; for more ease, choose a larger size.

Finished Length: For this version, we reduced the length of our original “Shorter Version” of 15"/38cm (below armhole; includes 6 short rows or about 1"/2.5cm) by 3"/7.5cm, to a resulting 12"/30.5cm (all sizes).

YARN
Cropped version: 2 (2, 3, 3, 3) skeins Kelbourne Woolens Cricket (100g; 415 yds/380m each); shown in finished size 43"/109cm (second size), color 036 Medium Gray.
Note: By deducting approx. 35 (39, 42, 45, 49) yds/32 (36, 39, 42, 45)m per 1"/2.5cm cropped, we estimate you will need approx. 750 (843, 939, 1035, 1148) yds/686 (771, 859,947, 1050)m of an equivalent sport-weight merino yarn.

NEEDLES & NOTIONS
US 6 (4mm) needles, or size to obtain gauge.
US 4 (3.5mm) 24"/60cm and 16"/40cm circular needles, or 2 US sizes/.5mm smaller than gauge needle.
Locking markers or coiless safety pins for ‘clip-and-turn’ and for button placement.
Stitch holders.
Darning needle to finish.
⅝"/16mm buttons: We used 6 buttons instead of 7 for shorter version (place buttonholes evenly as described)... Needle; thread or yarn.

GAUGE
22 sts/30 rows = 4"/10cm in stockinette stitch on larger needle, after blocking.

Errata & Clarifications

KNITTER'S NOTES
To be sure your garment turns out the right size, it's important to swatch until you get the correct gauge. Stitch gauge determines the fit; row gauge affects the length.

This vest is knitted at 22 sts/30 rows = 4"/10cm. Cast on enough sts for a 6"/15cm-wide swatch; work in St St for 6"/15cm; bind off loosely. Measure and note unblocked gauge for reference when knitting.

Wet block your swatch; let rest for a day or two—gauge can change after it relaxes. Measure again.

If you have more sts or rows per "/cm, your gauge is a little tight; try swatching again on larger needle.

If you have fewer sts or rows per "/cm, your gauge is a little loose; try again on smaller needle.