Classic V-Neck Vest (knit)

Versatile, slightly fitted sleeveless vest worked flat and seamed. Written for 6 adult sizes (S/M/L/XL/2XL). Knit in DK/light-worsted weight yarn with a clean V-neck and 2x2 rib hem and bands. Gauge and measurements are given so you can swap yarn weights and needles if you prefer.

Finished measurements

Small: 38in (96.5cm)
Medium: 42in (106.5cm)
Large: 46in (117cm)
XL: 50in (127cm)
2XL: 54in (137cm)

Choose finished bust 4–6in (10–15cm) larger than wearer’s chest for classic vest ease; adjust accordingly.

Sizes (instructions given as S (M, L, XL, 2XL))

Pattern uses measurements and stitch numbers separated by slashes for sizes in that order. If only one number is shown it applies to all sizes.

Yarn

DK / Light Worsted weight yarn. Imperial and metric per size: Small 700 yds (640 m); Medium 800 yds (730 m); Large 900 yds (820 m); XL 1000 yds (915 m); 2XL 1100 yds (1006 m). Approx skeins (100g/225yd skein): S 3–4 skeins (approx 350–400g); M 4 skeins (~400–450g); L 4–5 skeins (~500g); XL 5 skeins (~550g); 2XL 5–6 skeins (~600g). Use solid or semi-solid for clean stitch definition.

Needles

Use needles to obtain gauge. Recommended: rib/banding: US 6 / UK old 8 / Metric 4.0 mm. Body: US 7 / UK old 7 / Metric 4.5 mm. Optional: US 8 / UK old 6 / Metric 5.0 mm for looser fabric. Use straight needles or circulars for flat pieces (24in/60cm circle fine for holds).

Notions

Tapestry needle
Stitch markers (2–4)
Waste yarn for holding shoulders (optional)
Measuring tape
Scissors

Gauge

20 sts x 28 rows = 4in (10cm) stockinette using larger needles (US 7 / 4.5 mm) after blocking. If your gauge differs, change needles to match.

Abbreviations (US)

k = knit
p = purl
k2tog = knit 2 together (right-leaning decrease)
sSK = slip, slip, knit (left-leaning decrease) — alternatively sl1, sl1, k2tog tbl
yo = yarn over
CO = cast on
BO = bind off
st(s) = stitch(es)
RS = right side
WS = wrong side

Notes

Back and fronts are worked flat and seamed at shoulders and sides.
Shaping uses simple decreases; instructions give separate counts for each size in parentheses (S, M, L, XL, 2XL).
If you want a longer or shorter vest, add or remove body length before armhole shaping in multiples of 4 rows to maintain pattern rhythm.

Pattern

Hem (both pieces)

Using smaller needles (US 6 / 4.0 mm), CO 112 (124, 136, 148, 160) sts for back; CO 56 (62, 68, 74, 80) sts for each front.
Work 2x2 rib: Row 1 (RS): *k2, p2; rep to end. Row 2 (WS): *k2, p2; rep to end. Repeat for 1.25in / 3cm (about 12 rows).
Switch to larger needles (US 7 / 4.5 mm).

Back

After switching to larger needles: Work in stockinette (RS: knit, WS: purl) until piece measures 13in (33cm) from cast-on edge for S, 13.5in (34.5cm) for M, 14in (35.5cm) for L, 14.5in (37cm) for XL, 15in (38cm) for 2XL, ending with a WS row.
Armhole shaping: BO 4 (4, 5, 5, 6) sts at beginning of next 2 rows—remaining sts: 104 (116, 126, 138, 148). Then decrease 1 st each side every RS row 3 times: (k2tog at left edge on RS rows and ssk at right edge on RS rows on appropriate rows); total after shaping: 98 (110, 120, 132, 142).
Continue until armhole depth measures 8.5in (21.5cm) for S, 9in (23cm) M, 9.5in (24cm) L, 9.75in (24.5cm) XL, 10in (25.5cm) 2XL; end WS row.
Shoulder shaping: Bind off 8 (9, 10, 11, 12) sts at beginning of next 2 rows. Bind off 8 (9, 10, 11, 12) sts at beginning of the following 2 RS rows (do in 2 or 3 steps to create slope). Place center 34 (34, 34, 36, 36) sts on holder for neck.

Left Front

CO 56 (62, 68, 74, 80) sts; work hem as above and switch to larger needles.
Work stockinette until piece measures same length as back to the armhole (measure from cast-on to match back measurement), ending WS row.
Armhole shaping: BO 4 (4, 5, 5, 6) sts once on the armhole edge. Then decrease 1 st at armhole edge every RS row 3 times. Maintain pattern at front edge for V-neck shaping.
V-neck shaping (right side neck on left front): On RS rows, work to last 4 sts of the row, then k2tog, k2 — these k2 form the neat edge; on WS rows purl to end. Continue decreasing 1 st at neck every 6th row 8 (9, 10, 11, 12) times, then every 4th row 4 times (adjust numbers so total neck depth matches measurements). Simultaneously work shoulder decreases as on back when piece reaches same armhole depth; when shoulder shaping begins bind-off sts for shoulder matching back sequence. When finished, place remaining shoulder sts on holder. Repeat shaping notes below to balance sizes.

Right Front

Work as left front mirrored: V-neck decreases are ssk at the left edge of the right front on RS rows (or sl1, k1, psso if you prefer). Ensure shoulder shaping mirrors back.

Finishing

Block pieces to measurements—pin gently to measurements given in finished measurements.
Seam shoulders using mattress stitch; use back neck gap for shaping and center neck sts if held. Pick up remaining neck sts if you prefer to knit a neckband instead of seaming: With smaller needles pick up around neck edge and work 2x2 rib 3/4in (2cm), BO in pattern.
Set in armholes: seam side edges from hem up to armhole, then mattress stitch armhole seam to shoulder as needed leaving smooth armhole edge. Alternatively, pick up sts around armhole and work a 3/8in (1cm) rib band for a neat finish—pick up approx 90% of bound-off edge to avoid puckering and use smaller needles.
Weave in ends and steam-block lightly again if needed.

Optional neckband (if you prefer a worked band)

With RS facing and smaller needles pick up and knit approx 1 st for every 1.25 sts along neck edge to evening out; work 2x2 rib for 12 rows; BO loosely in rib.

Adjustments & tips

To make vest longer or shorter, add or subtract 4-row multiples before armhole shaping.
For deeper V, increase number of neck decreases; for shallower V, decrease count.
If using heavier yarn, check gauge and expect to need fewer stitches/less yardage.

Abbreviations & conversions reminder

Needle conversions shown: US 6 = UK old 8 = 4.0 mm; US 7 = UK old 7 = 4.5 mm; US 8 = UK old 6 = 5.0 mm. Yarn weights: DK / Light Worsted. Metric yarn use meters and grams above. Use metric needle sizes as authoritative for best fit.

Care

Block gently. Hand wash recommended for natural fibers; machine wash on gentle per yarn instructions. Lay flat to dry.

Contact & support

Pattern support: team@verde.uk. Website: https://purljam.verde.uk. Socials: #purljam.

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