purlJam

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# CLASSIC V-NECK VEST

### A Beginner Knitting Pattern

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## ABOUT THIS PATTERN

A timeless wardrobe staple, this fitted V-neck vest is worked flat in two pieces and seamed at the shoulders and sides. Clean stockinette fabric, a tidy ribbed hem, and classic V-neckline make this the perfect layering piece for any season. Sized from XS to 2XL, this pattern is ideal for knitters who have mastered basic knit and purl stitches and are ready to tackle simple shaping.

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## SIZES

**XS (S, M, L, XL, 2XL)**

To fit chest: 32 (34, 36–38, 40–42, 44–46, 48–52) in / 81 (86, 91–97, 102–107, 112–117, 122–132) cm

Finished chest (total circumference): 34 (37, 40, 43, 46, 50) in / 86 (94, 102, 109, 117, 127) cm

*Approximately 2 in / 5 cm of positive ease is built into all sizes. For a roomier fit, choose one size up.*

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## FINISHED MEASUREMENTS

| Measurement | XS | S | M | L | XL | 2XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Finished Chest (circumference) | 34" | 37" | 40" | 43" | 46" | 50" |
| Body Length to Underarm | 13" | 13.5" | 14" | 14.5" | 15" | 15.5" |
| Armhole Depth | 8" | 8.5" | 9" | 9.5" | 10" | 10.5" |
| Total Length | 21" | 22" | 23" | 24" | 25" | 26" |
| Shoulder Width (each side) | 4" | 4.5" | 5" | 5.5" | 6" | 6" |
| Back Neck Width | ~9.5" | ~10" | ~10" | ~10.5" | ~11" | ~13.5" |

*All measurements are of the finished, blocked garment.*

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## MATERIALS

**Yarn:**
- Worsted weight yarn (CYCA #4)
- Approximately **550 (650, 750, 850, 975, 1100) yards / 503 (595, 686, 777, 892, 1006) m**
- *Sample shown in a smooth, plied worsted weight in 100% wool. Yarn substitutions in any fiber are suitable — look for approximately 200 yards / 183 m per 100 g skein.*

**Needles:**
- US 8 / 5 mm straight or circular needles (for body)
- US 7 / 4.5 mm straight or circular needles (for ribbing)
- *Always check gauge before beginning.*

**Notions:**
- Stitch markers
- Stitch holders or waste yarn
- Tapestry needle for seaming
- Scissors
- Measuring tape

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## GAUGE

**18 stitches × 24 rows = 4 in / 10 cm** in stockinette stitch on US 8 / 5 mm needles, blocked.

*Gauge matters for fit. Take time to swatch. If you have more stitches per inch than listed, go up a needle size. If you have fewer stitches per inch, go down a needle size.*

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## ABBREVIATIONS

| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| k | knit |
| p | purl |
| st(s) | stitch(es) |
| RS | right side |
| WS | wrong side |
| k2tog | knit 2 stitches together (right-leaning decrease) |
| ssk | slip, slip, knit (left-leaning decrease) |
| BO | bind off |
| CO | cast on |
| rep | repeat |
| pm | place marker |
| rem | remaining |
| approx | approximately |

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## PATTERN NOTES

1. The vest is worked in two flat pieces: the Back and the Front. Pieces are seamed together at the shoulders and sides after blocking.
2. Ribbing is worked on smaller needles (US 7 / 4.5 mm). Switch to larger needles (US 8 / 5 mm) for the body.
3. Stockinette stitch: Knit all RS rows, purl all WS rows.
4. 2×2 Rib: (K2, P2) across. On subsequent rows, knit the knit stitches and purl the purl stitches as they appear.
5. When working shaping, always maintain the stockinette stitch pattern.
6. Instructions for multiple sizes are given as: **XS (S, M, L, XL, 2XL)**. Work the numbers for your size throughout.
7. A single number applies to all sizes.

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## BACK

### Ribbed Hem

Using US 7 / 4.5 mm needles, CO **78 (84, 90, 96, 102, 114) sts**.

*Math check: XS = 34"/2 × 4.5 sts/in (slightly denser for half-back) = 17" × ~4.59 ≈ 78 sts. All counts are multiples of 4 for 2×2 rib. ✓*

**Setup Row (WS):** P2, (k2, p2) to end.

Work in 2×2 rib as established until piece measures **2 in / 5 cm** from cast-on edge, ending with a WS row.

### Body

Change to US 8 / 5 mm needles.

**Next Row (RS):** Knit across.
**Next Row (WS):** Purl across.

Continue in stockinette stitch (knit RS rows, purl WS rows) until piece measures **13 (13.5, 14, 14.5, 15, 15.5) in / 33 (34, 36, 37, 38, 39) cm** from cast-on edge, ending with a WS row.

### Armhole Shaping

**Row 1 (RS) — Bind-Off Row:** BO **5 (5, 6, 6, 6, 7) sts** at the beginning of the row, knit to end.
**Row 2 (WS) — Bind-Off Row:** BO **5 (5, 6, 6, 6, 7) sts** at the beginning of the row, purl to end.

You now have **68 (74, 78, 84, 90, 100) sts** remaining.

*Math check (size M): 90 − 6 − 6 = 78 sts. ✓*

**Decrease Row (RS):** K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. (2 sts decreased)
**Next Row (WS):** Purl across.

Repeat these 2 rows **3 (4, 4, 5, 6, 7) more times**. (8 (10, 10, 12, 14, 16) total decrease rows after bind-off)

*Wait — including the first decrease row, total decrease rows = 4 (5, 5, 6, 7, 8), removing 8 (10, 10, 12, 14, 16) sts.*

You now have **60 (64, 68, 72, 76, 84) sts** remaining.

*Math check (size M): 78 − 10 = 68 sts. ✓*

Continue in stockinette stitch without shaping until armhole measures **7.5 (8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10) in / 19 (20, 22, 23, 24, 25) cm** from armhole bind-off row, ending with a WS row.

*Note: Total armhole depth will be 8 (8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 10.5)" after shoulder shaping rows. ✓*

### Shoulder and Back Neck Shaping

You have **60 (64, 68, 72, 76, 84) sts** on the needle.

The shoulders are **18 (20, 22, 24, 26, 26) sts** each, and the back neck is **24 (24, 24, 24, 24, 32) sts**.

*Math check (size M): 22 + 24 + 22 = 68 sts. ✓ | (size XS): 18 + 24 + 18 = 60 sts. ✓ | (size 2XL): 26 + 32 + 26 = 84 sts. ✓*

**Row 1 (RS) — Right Shoulder:** BO **9 (10, 11, 12, 13, 13) sts**, knit until there are **9 (10, 11, 12, 13, 13) sts** on right needle after the bind-off gap, then place the next **24 (24, 24, 24, 24, 32) sts** on a stitch holder for the back neck, attach a second ball of yarn and knit to end.

*Both shoulders are now worked simultaneously.*

**Row 2 (WS):**
- *Left shoulder:* BO **9 (10, 11, 12, 13, 13) sts**, purl to end.
- *Right shoulder:* Purl across.

**Row 3 (RS):**
- *Right shoulder:* BO remaining **9 (10, 11, 12, 13, 13) sts.**
- *Left shoulder:* Knit across.

**Row 4 (WS):**
- *Left shoulder:* BO remaining **9 (10, 11, 12, 13, 13) sts.**

*Each shoulder is worked over 2 rows, binding off half the shoulder sts each row for a neat stepped seam. ✓*

Back is complete. Fasten off. Leave back neck sts on holder.

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## FRONT

Work exactly as Back through end of armhole shaping. You have **60 (64, 68, 72, 76, 84) sts** remaining, and armhole shaping is complete.

### V-Neck Shaping

The V-neck begins on the same row you finish the armhole shaping (the first RS row after completing armhole decreases).

**Divide for Neck (RS):**
Knit **30 (32, 34, 36, 38, 42) sts**, place the center **0 (0, 0, 0, 0, 0) sts** marker — *see note below* — then continue to work both sides simultaneously from separate yarn balls, **OR** work the right neck side first, then return to work the left neck side.

> **V-Neck Note:** For a true V-neck, there is no center stitch to bind off. Instead, you divide the work at the center point and work each side separately. The center of the V falls between the two needle stitches.

**Divide:** Knit **30 (32, 34, 36, 38, 42) sts** and place these sts on a holder for the left front shoulder. You will work the **right front shoulder** first.

*Math check: 60/2 = 30 sts each side (size XS). ✓ All sizes divide evenly. ✓*

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### Right Front Shoulder (as worn)

*You are working the right front neck edge, which is the left side of the fabric as it faces you.*

Join yarn at neck edge (center of work) on a RS row.

**RS Decrease Row:** K1, ssk, knit to end. (1 st decreased at neck edge)
**WS Row:** Purl across.

Repeat these 2 rows (decrease every RS row) **12 (12, 12, 12, 12, 16) times** total.

*Math check (size XS): Start 30 sts − 12 decreases = 18 sts = shoulder stitch count. ✓ | (size M): 34 − 12 = 22 sts = shoulder stitch count. ✓ | (size 2XL): 42 − 16 = 26 sts = shoulder stitch count. ✓*

After all decreases are worked, you have **18 (20, 22, 24, 26, 26) sts** remaining.

**Check rows worked:** 12 (12, 12, 12, 12, 16) decrease rows × 2 rows each = **24 (24, 24, 24, 24, 32) rows** worked for neck shaping.

Remaining rows needed to reach full armhole depth: The armhole depth is 8 (8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 10.5) in × 6 rows/in = 48 (51, 54, 57, 60, 63) total armhole rows. Neck shaping uses 24 (24, 24, 24, 24, 32) rows. Remaining straight rows = **24 (27, 30, 33, 36, 31) rows** of stockinette worked even.

Continue in stockinette stitch on these **18 (20, 22, 24, 26, 26) sts** without further shaping until armhole measures **7.5 (8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10) in / 19 (20, 22, 23, 24, 25) cm**, ending with a WS row.

### Right Front Shoulder Shaping

**Row 1 (RS):** BO **9 (10, 11, 12, 13, 13) sts**, knit to end.
**Row 2 (WS):** Purl across.
**Row 3 (RS):** BO remaining **9 (10, 11, 12, 13, 13) sts**. Fasten off.

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### Left Front Shoulder (as worn)

Transfer the held **30 (32, 34, 36, 38, 42) sts** back to needle. Join yarn at the armhole edge (outside edge), ready to work a RS row.

**RS Decrease Row:** Knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. (1 st decreased at neck edge)
**WS Row:** Purl across.

Repeat these 2 rows **12 (12, 12, 12, 12, 16) times** total.

You now have **18 (20, 22, 24, 26, 26) sts** remaining.

Continue in stockinette stitch without further shaping until armhole measures **7.5 (8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10) in / 19 (20, 22, 23, 24, 25) cm**, ending with a **RS row**.

### Left Front Shoulder Shaping

**Row 1 (WS):** BO **9 (10, 11, 12, 13, 13) sts**, purl to end.
**Row 2 (RS):** Knit across.
**Row 3 (WS):** BO remaining **9 (10, 11, 12, 13, 13) sts**. Fasten off.

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## FINISHING

### Blocking

Before seaming, wet block or steam block both pieces to the finished measurements listed in the Finished Measurements table. Pin pieces to measurements on a flat surface and allow to dry completely. Blocking will even out stitches and make seaming significantly easier.

### Seaming

**Step 1 — Shoulder Seams:**
With a tapestry needle and a length of yarn, use mattress stitch or three-needle bind-off to join the right shoulder seam (back right shoulder to front right shoulder). Repeat for left shoulder seam.

**Step 2 — Side Seams:**
With the garment laid flat and RS facing, use mattress stitch to sew side seams, working from the hem up to the armhole. Leave armholes open.

*Tip: Work one stitch in from the edge when seaming for a neat, clean seam.*

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### Armhole Edging

*Pick up and knit around each armhole opening, then work ribbing.*

With US 7 / 4.5 mm needles and RS facing, beginning at the underarm seam:

**Pick up and knit stitches around the armhole as follows:**
- Along the bound-off underarm edge: Pick up **1 stitch per bound-off stitch.**
- Along the armhole curve and straight sides: Pick up **3 stitches for every 4 rows.**
- Join to work in the round (if using circular or DPN needles) OR work flat and seam at the underarm.

*Approximate pick-up count:* **68 (72, 76, 80, 84, 92) sts** — adjust to the nearest multiple of 4.

**Round 1:** (K2, p2) around.

Repeat Round 1 for **5 more rounds** (6 rounds total / approx. 1 in / 2.5 cm of ribbing).

Bind off loosely in pattern using a US 8 / 5 mm needle or a stretchy bind-off method.

Repeat for second armhole.

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### Neckline Edging

With US 7 / 4.5 mm needles and RS facing, beginning at the right shoulder seam:

**Pick up and knit stitches around the entire neckline as follows:**
- Across back neck held sts: Knit across the **24 (24, 24, 24, 24, 32) sts** from the back neck holder.
- Down the left front V-neck diagonal edge: Pick up **3 stitches for every 4 rows** down to the center V.
- At center V: Pick up **1 stitch** at the center point and mark this stitch with a stitch marker. (This is the center V stitch and will be decreased on every round.)
- Up the right front V-neck diagonal edge: Pick up **3 stitches for every 4 rows** up to the back neck.

*Approximate total pick-up count (including center st):* **84 (88, 92, 96, 100, 108) sts** — adjust to achieve an odd number of sts for centered V-neck shaping, with the center stitch marked.

*Note: Each side of the V-neck has the same number of sts.*

**Round 1 (Set-up):** Work in 2×2 rib (k2, p2) around, keeping the center V stitch as a knit stitch.

**Round 2 (Decrease Round):** Work in rib to 1 stitch before the center marker, ssk (working the stitch before the marker and the center stitch together), pm (replace old marker), k2tog (working the center stitch and the stitch after the marker together). Continue in rib to end of round.

*This removes 2 stitches per round at the center V, keeping the V sharp and clean.*

**Round 3:** Work in rib around, keeping the single remaining center stitch as a knit stitch.

Repeat Rounds 2 and 3 for **3 more times** (4 decrease rounds total / approx. 1 in / 2.5 cm of neckband).

Bind off loosely in pattern using a US 8 / 5 mm needle or a stretchy bind-off, continuing to work the V-center decreases as you bind off for the last row.

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### Final Steps

1. Weave in all ends securely on the WS using a tapestry needle.
2. Give the finished vest a final light steam or wet block to set the seams and edging.
3. Allow to dry completely before wearing.

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## YARN YARDAGE SUMMARY

| Size | Yards | Meters |
|---|---|---|
| XS | ~550 yds | ~503 m |
| S | ~650 yds | ~595 m |
| M | ~750 yds | ~686 m |
| L | ~850 yds | ~777 m |
| XL | ~975 yds | ~892 m |
| 2XL | ~1100 yds | ~1006 m |

*Always purchase an extra skein as a buffer. Yardage can vary based on gauge, yarn brand, and individual knitting style.*

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## SCHEMATIC

```
BACK / FRONT (schematic — not to scale)

     |<---- 9.5(10, 10, 10.5, 11, 13.5)" ---->|
     |  Back Neck                              |
     \_________________________________________/   <-- shoulder
    /                                           \
   / <- 4(4.5,5,5.5,6,6)"  Shoulder each side   \
  |_______________________________________________|
  |                                               |
  |              BODY                             |
  |         Stockinette Stitch                    |  <-- 8(8.5,9,9.5,10,10.5)" armhole depth
  |_______________________________________________|
  |     8.5(9, 9.5, 10, 10.5, 11)" armhole       |
  |_______________________________________________|
  |                                               |
  |              BODY                             |  <-- 13(13.5,14,14.5,15,15.5)" to underarm
  |                                               |
  |_______________________________________________|
  |  2×2 Rib  (2" / 5 cm)                        |
  |_______________________________________________|

  Total width each piece: 17(18.5, 20, 21.5, 23, 25)"
  Total length: 21(22, 23, 24, 25, 26)"
```

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## QUICK REFERENCE CHART

| | XS | S | M | L | XL | 2XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cast On (sts) | 78 | 84 | 90 | 96 | 102 | 114 |
| Underarm BO each side | 5 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 7 |
| Armhole Dec Rows | 4 | 5 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
| Sts after armhole shaping | 60 | 64 | 68 | 72 | 76 | 84 |
| Sts each front neck side | 30 | 32 | 34 | 36 | 38 | 42 |
| V-neck dec rows each side | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 16 |
| Shoulder sts each side | 18 | 20 | 22 | 24 | 26 | 26 |
| Back neck held sts | 24 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 32 |
| Body length to underarm | 13" | 13.5" | 14" | 14.5" | 15" | 15.5" |
| Armhole depth | 8" | 8.5" | 9" | 9.5" | 10" | 10.5" |

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*Pattern designed for personal use. Please do not reproduce or sell this pattern.*