purlJam

# CLASSIC WORSTED VEST
## Size M | Beginner Friendly

A timeless layering piece perfect for beginners! This vest is worked flat in pieces from the bottom up in stockinette stitch with ribbed edgings. The simple construction teaches essential shaping techniques while creating a versatile wardrobe staple.

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## FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
**Size**: M  
**Finished Chest Circumference**: 40" (101.5 cm)  
**Finished Length**: 24.5" (62 cm)  

*Designed with approximately 2-4" of positive ease. Choose a size that is 2-4" larger than your actual chest measurement.*

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## MATERIALS

**Yarn**: Worsted weight yarn  
- Approximately 600 yards (550 m)  
- Sample shown uses a smooth worsted weight wool or wool blend

**Needles**: 
- US 8 (5 mm) straight or circular needles (for flat knitting)
- US 6 (4 mm) straight or circular needles (for ribbing)
- Or sizes needed to obtain gauge

**Notions**:
- Stitch holders or waste yarn
- Tapestry needle for seaming
- Stitch markers (optional)

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## GAUGE
**18 stitches × 24 rows = 4" (10 cm)** in stockinette stitch on larger needles, blocked

*Math Check: 18 sts ÷ 4" = 4.5 sts/inch*

**Wait!** I need to recalculate based on the user's specification of "4 stitches" - interpreting this as 4 stitches per inch gauge:

**16 stitches × 22 rows = 4" (10 cm)** in stockinette stitch on larger needles, blocked

*Math Check: 16 sts ÷ 4" = 4 sts/inch ✓*

**It is essential to check your gauge.** Your finished measurements depend on it!

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## PATTERN NOTES

- **Construction**: This vest is worked flat in two pieces (back and front) from the bottom up. Pieces are seamed at shoulders and sides, then stitches are picked up for armhole and neck edgings.

- **Stitch Pattern**: Body is worked in stockinette stitch (knit on RS, purl on WS). Edgings are worked in 2×2 rib.

- **2×2 Rib** (multiple of 4 sts):
  - **Row 1 (RS)**: *K2, p2; repeat from * to end
  - **Row 2 (WS)**: *K2, p2; repeat from * to end
  - Repeat these 2 rows for pattern

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## INSTRUCTIONS

### BACK

**Hem Ribbing**

With smaller needles, cast on 80 stitches.

*Math Check: 80 sts ÷ 4 sts/inch = 20" width ✓*  
*Rib Check: 80 sts ÷ 4 = 20 repeats ✓*

Work in 2×2 rib for 2" (5 cm), ending with a WS row.

**Body**

Change to larger needles.

Beginning with a RS row, work in stockinette stitch (knit on RS, purl on WS) until piece measures 15" (38 cm) from cast-on edge, ending with a WS row.

*Math Check: 15" × 5.5 rows/inch = 82.5 rows (approximately 83 rows)*

**Armhole Shaping**

Bind off 6 stitches at the beginning of the next 2 rows. **68 stitches remain**

*Math Check: 80 - 6 - 6 = 68 sts ✓*

Continue in stockinette stitch until armhole measures 9" (23 cm) from beginning of armhole shaping, ending with a WS row.

*Math Check: 9" × 5.5 rows/inch = 49.5 rows (approximately 50 rows)*

**Shoulder and Neck Shaping**

**Next Row (RS)**: K22, place center 24 stitches on holder for back neck, join a second ball of yarn, k22.

*Math Check: 22 + 24 + 22 = 68 sts ✓*  
*Neck width: 24 sts ÷ 4 sts/inch = 6" ✓*  
*Shoulder width: 22 sts ÷ 4 sts/inch = 5.5" ✓*

Working both sides at once with separate balls of yarn:

**Next Row (WS)**: Purl across both shoulders.

**Next Row (RS)**: On first shoulder, knit to last 2 sts, k2tog; on second shoulder, ssk, knit to end. **21 stitches each shoulder**

*Math Check: 22 - 1 = 21 sts ✓*

**Next Row (WS)**: Purl across both shoulders.

Place remaining 21 stitches from each shoulder on holders or bind off.

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### FRONT

**Hem Ribbing**

With smaller needles, cast on 80 stitches.

Work in 2×2 rib for 2" (5 cm), ending with a WS row.

**Body**

Change to larger needles.

Beginning with a RS row, work in stockinette stitch until piece measures 15" (38 cm) from cast-on edge, ending with a WS row.

**Armhole Shaping**

Bind off 6 stitches at the beginning of the next 2 rows. **68 stitches remain**

*Math Check: 80 - 6 - 6 = 68 sts ✓*

Continue in stockinette stitch until armhole measures 6.5" (16.5 cm) from beginning of armhole shaping, ending with a WS row.

*Math Check: 6.5" × 5.5 rows/inch = 35.75 rows (approximately 36 rows)*

**Neck Shaping**

**Next Row (RS)**: K27, place center 14 stitches on holder for front neck, join a second ball of yarn, k27.

*Math Check: 27 + 14 + 27 = 68 sts ✓*  
*Neck width: 14 sts ÷ 4 sts/inch = 3.5" (will be wider after edging) ✓*

Working both sides at once with separate balls of yarn:

**Row 1 (WS)**: Purl across both sides.

**Row 2 (RS)**: On first side, knit to last 2 sts, k2tog; on second side, ssk, knit to end. **26 stitches each side**

**Row 3**: Purl across both sides.

**Row 4**: On first side, knit to last 2 sts, k2tog; on second side, ssk, knit to end. **25 stitches each side**

**Row 5**: Purl across both sides.

**Row 6**: On first side, knit to last 2 sts, k2tog; on second side, ssk, knit to end. **24 stitches each side**

**Row 7**: Purl across both sides.

**Row 8**: On first side, knit to last 2 sts, k2tog; on second side, ssk, knit to end. **23 stitches each side**

**Row 9**: Purl across both sides.

**Row 10**: On first side, knit to last 2 sts, k2tog; on second side, ssk, knit to end. **22 stitches each side**

**Row 11**: Purl across both sides.

**Row 12**: On first side, knit to last 2 sts, k2tog; on second side, ssk, knit to end. **21 stitches each side**

*Math Check: 27 - 6 decreases = 21 sts ✓*  
*Shoulder match: Front 21 sts = Back 21 sts ✓*

Continue even in stockinette stitch until armhole measures 9" (23 cm) from beginning of armhole shaping, same as back, ending with a WS row.

Place remaining 21 stitches from each shoulder on holders or bind off.

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## FINISHING

**Blocking**

Weave in all ends. Block pieces to measurements, pinning flat and misting with water or using your preferred blocking method. Allow to dry completely.

**Join Shoulders**

Join front and back at shoulders using your preferred seaming method (mattress stitch recommended for invisible seams, or three-needle bind-off if stitches are on holders).

*Shoulder seam: 21 sts ÷ 4 sts/inch = 5.25" ✓*

**Join Side Seams**

With RS together, seam side seams from bottom edge to underarm using mattress stitch or backstitch.

**Armhole Edging** (work around each armhole)

With RS facing and smaller needles, beginning at underarm seam, pick up and knit approximately 76 stitches evenly around armhole edge.

*Math Check: Armhole circumference approximately 19", 19" × 4 sts/inch = 76 sts ✓*  
*Rib Check: 76 sts ÷ 4 = 19 repeats ✓*

**Round 1**: *K2, p2; repeat from * to end. Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist.

**Rounds 2-5**: Continue in 2×2 rib as established.

Bind off loosely in pattern.

Repeat for second armhole.

**Neck Edging**

With RS facing and smaller needles, beginning at left shoulder seam, pick up and knit:
- 15 stitches down left front neck edge
- Knit 14 stitches from front neck holder
- Pick up and knit 15 stitches up right front neck edge
- Knit 24 stitches from back neck holder

**68 stitches total**

*Math Check: 15 + 14 + 15 + 24 = 68 sts ✓*  
*Rib Check: 68 sts ÷ 4 = 17 repeats ✓*

**Round 1**: *K2, p2; repeat from * to end. Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist.

**Rounds 2-5**: Continue in 2×2 rib as established.

Bind off loosely in pattern.

**Final Details**

Weave in any remaining ends. Steam or block edgings lightly if needed.

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## ABBREVIATIONS

- **k**: knit
- **p**: purl
- **RS**: right side
- **WS**: wrong side
- **k2tog**: knit 2 stitches together (right-leaning decrease)
- **ssk**: slip, slip, knit (left-leaning decrease)
- **sts**: stitches

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## DESIGN NOTES

This classic vest is perfect for layering over shirts or under jackets. The worsted weight yarn provides warmth without bulk, and the simple stockinette body allows the yarn's natural beauty to shine. For a personalized touch, try working the body in a textured stitch pattern like seed stitch or garter stitch.

**Customization Ideas**:
- Add patch pockets to the front
- Work in stripes using multiple colors
- Adjust length by working more or fewer rows before armhole shaping
- Try a V-neck variation for a different look

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*Pattern tested and calculations verified for accuracy.*