Comfortable, refined and rich in detail: these are the key features of this vest, enhanced by two pockets, side slits, a boat neckline and a nice ribbed hem. It is a perfect piece to wear over a bandeau top or a fitted long-sleeved bodysuit.

This pattern looks so good also thanks to the chosen yarn, Ariel. It is a yarn produced in our local textile district, made of recycled cotton and Lurex, which gives any garment a touch of elegance with a sporty twist. Have fun with this pattern, but first head over to our website to see the full Ariel colour range, with many beautiful shades to choose from. Then pick your favourite and cast on. Only Ariel will give you the same result, so do not be tempted by cheaper mass-market yarns.

Tutorial: how to knit a vest with pockets

MATERIALS
Ariel yarn col. Mediterranean 500 g / 17.6 oz (for size M)
Knitting needles n° 5½ EU / 9 US
Tapestry needle

GAUGE – REVERSE STOCKINETTE STITCH
10 cm x 10 cm / 4″ x 4″
13 stitches and 18 rows

KNITTING STITCHES USED
Knit
Purl
Selvedge stitch:
on the right side slip the stitch knitwise with yarn held to the back; on the wrong side work the stitch purl.
1/1 rib:
work by alternating 1 knit stitch and 1 purl stitch on both right and wrong sides of the work.
Reverse stockinette stitch:
row 1: work purl
row 2: work knit.
Repeat rows 1 and 2.
Stockinette stitch:
row 1: work knit
row 2: work purl.
Repeat rows 1 and 2.

SIZES
Instructions are given for size S (M, L)

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS SIZE S (M, L)
Bust circumference 88 (92, 100) cm / 34.6″ (36.2, 39.4″)
Total back length 64 (66, 68) cm / 25.2″ (26″, 26.8″)
Total front length 58 (60, 62) cm / 22.8″ (23.6″, 24.4″)
Back length from underarm 34 (35, 36) cm / 13.4″ (13.8″, 14.2″)
Front length from underarm 28 (29, 30) cm / 11″ (11.4″, 11.8″)
Neck opening 26 (28, 30) cm / 10.2″ (11″, 11.8″)

DIFFICULTY
Easy

INSTRUCTIONS

The vest is worked flat in 2 pieces, back and front; the back is 6 cm / 2.4″ longer than the front. The side seams are sewn only for a few centimetres.

How to work the back

With knitting needles size 5½ EU / 9 US cast on 55 (61, 65) stitches.

Row 1: 1 selvedge stitch, repeat (1 knit stitch, 1 purl stitch) to the last 2 stitches, 1 knit stitch, 1 selvedge stitch
row 2: 1 selvedge stitch, 1 purl stitch, repeat (1 knit stitch, 1 purl stitch) to the last stitch, 1 selvedge stitch.

Rows 1 and 2 establish the 1/1 rib for the lower border; repeat them 3 more times: you will have worked row 8, measuring 5 cm / 2″.

Row 9: 1 selvedge stitch, work knit to the last stitch, 1 selvedge stitch
row 10: 1 selvedge stitch, work purl to the last stitch, 1 selvedge stitch.

Rows 9 and 10 establish the stockinette stitch with selvedge stitch at the beginning and end of each row; repeat them another 53 (55, 57) times: you will have worked row 116 (120, 124), measuring 64 (66, 68) cm / 25.2″ (26″, 26.8″). Bind off.

How to work the front

Work the front as for the back, but stop at row 104 (108, 112), measuring 58 (60, 62) cm / 22.8″ (23.6″, 24.4″).

Finishing

Sew the shoulders for 8 (9, 10) cm / 3″ (3.5″, 4″). For the short side seams along the side edges, leave the upper 30 (31, 32) cm / 11.8″ (12.2″, 12.6″) open for the armholes, then sew the next 10 (11, 12) cm / 4″ (4.3″, 4.7″), stitching along the selvedge stitch; the remaining lower centimetres, left open, form the deep side slits (remember that the back is longer than the front).

For the first pocket, with needles size 5½ EU / 9 US cast on 18 (18, 20) stitches and work in stockinette stitch for 26 (26, 28) rows, measuring about 14 (14, 15) cm / 5.5″ (5.5″, 6″). Bind off. Work the second pocket in the same way. Sew the pockets to the front, just above the 1/1 rib lower edge and about 5 cm / 2″ from the side edges, using an invisible seam along the bottom and sides.