Knitty: little purls of wisdom
letter from the editorfeatured articlesKnitty's fabulous pattern selectionarchive of back issuessee what others have made using Knitty patternstell us what you think of KnittyKnitty's favorite linkstake home something Knittyjoin the Knitty notifylistto find out how to support Knitty, click here!

my grandma's knitting needles. click me.
the Knitty FAQ

submission guidelines for designers and writers
the obligatory legal statement

the rabbit

© Knitty 2002-2006. All rights reserved. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited. This means you.

 





marc [cover] bella a capella c3 diamonds cheesylovevoodoosuki
fuzzyfeet tangled gardenstraight-laced  loopy & lusciousnosewarmer


by Tami J. Parks

This vest is for guys who want to look modern, but still appreciate hand-knit items!

It knits up fairly quickly and the combination of the interesting pattern and the colored slubs in the yarn make it fun both to knit and to wear.

 

 

models: Jeff and Joshua Parks     photo: Tami Parks

SIZE
M/L[XL/XXL]
Size shown is XL/XXL.
 
FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Chest: 50[54] inches
Length: 27[29] inches
 

MATERIALS

Tahki Donegal Tweed Homespun [100 % wool; 183 yd per 3.5oz skein]; color: #857 royal purple; 5 skeins

1 set US #6/4mm straight needles
1 set US #8/5mm straight needles
1 16-inch US #6/4mm circular needle

Tapestry needle
Stitch holder

 
GAUGE

16 sts/20 rows = 4" in stockinette stitch

 
DIRECTIONS

Diamond Stitch Pattern
The stitch pattern is worked over 98 stitches [16 st repeat plus 2 extra]. The additional stitches at each end of the row should be worked in stockinette stitch. For the M/L size, this is 1 stitch at each end, and for the XL/XXL size, this is 4 stitches at each end.

LT = With RH needle behind LH needle, skip next st on LH needle, k 2nd st tbl, then k skipped st in front lp, sl both sts from LH needle.

RT = Skip next st on LH needle, k 2nd st in front of skipped st, then k skipped st, sl both sts from LH needle.

Row 1: K1, *LT, k4, RT*, k1
Row 2 and all WS rows: Purl.
Row 3: K2, *LT, k2, RT, k2*.
Row 5: K3, *LT, RT, k4*, k3.
Row 7: K4, *RT, k6*,k4
Row 9: K3, *RT, LT; k4*, k3
Row 11: K2, *RT, k2, LT, k2*
Row 13: K1, *RT, k4, LT*, k1
Row 15: K8, *LT, k6*, end k2
Row 16: Purl
Repeat Rows 1-16 for pattern.

Back
Using smaller needles, CO 100[108] sts.
Work in k2p2 rib for 2 inches, ending with a RS row.
Switch to larger needles and purl one WS row.
Work in pattern until piece measures 15[16] inches.

Shape Armholes
Continue to work in pattern, and at the same time:
BO 5[6] sts at the beg of the next two rows.
Dec 1 st each end of needle every RS 6[7] times. 78[82] sts remain.
Continue even until the armholes measure 12[13] inches.

[On the model, I switched from the diamond pattern to stockinette stitch when I was approx 1-2 inches from completing the needed armhole length. This allows for a nice, neat shoulder seam without worrying about whether the front and back diamond pattern lines up exactly. If you wish, do so only after completing Row 8 or 16 of the diamond pattern.]

Shape shoulders
BO 8 sts at the beg of the next 4 rows.
BO 7[8] sts at the beg of the next 2 rows.
BO the remaining sts for back neck.

Front
Work as for back. When until armholes measure approximately 4.5[5] inches, begin neck shaping. [78[82] sts remain.]

Shape V-neck
With RS facing, work across 39[41] sts.
Place rem sts on a holder for later.
Working on the right side of neck only, dec 1 st at neck edge every RS row 16[17] times. 23[24] sts remain.
Work even until armhole measures same as back to shoulder.
BO shoulder as for back.
Rejoin yarn at neck edge of held sts and work second section of neck as the first.

 
FINISHING

Block pieces to measurements.
Using yarn and tapestry needle, stitch all seams.

Finishing Armholes
With circular needle, pick up and k 3 sts for every 4 rows around armhole, being sure you end up with an even number of sts.
Work these sts in k1p1 ribbing for approx 1 inch [or your desired width].
BO all sts in rib.
Weave in loose ends.

Neckband
With circular needle and beginning at a shoulder seam, pick up and k 3 sts for every 4 rows around neckband, again ending up with an even number of stitches.
When you reach the center of the "V", be sure to pick up a stitch and mark it as your center stitch.
Work your sts in k1p1 ribbing to the center 5 sts; k2togtbl, k1, k2tog. Continue ribbing, working as stated above each time you reach the center 5 sts.
When neckband measures approx 1 inch [or your desired width], bind off loosely but neatly in rib. Weave in loose ends.

Block vest again if desired.

 
ABOUT THE DESIGNER

Tami lives in West Michigan with her husband, Jeff and their sons, Joshua [6] and Jonathan [3]. Tami’s other hobby, besides knitting, is music. She teaches piano and directs the choirs and orchestra at her church.

Tami loves to knit for her family and friends, and needs to knit more for herself!

Pattern & images © 2002 Tami J Parks. Contact Tami.