purlJam

<pattern>
# Craspedia Bloom Vest

A vibrant and cheerful sweater vest featuring a band of craspedia (billy button) flowers along the bottom hem and a complementary motif on the upper "yoke" section. This pattern adapts the traditional circular yoke design for a vest, incorporating the beautiful stranded colorwork motif across the upper front and back panels. Perfect for layering, this vest adds a pop of color to any outfit.

**DIFFICULTY LEVEL:** Intermediate

**SIZES:** Small (S), Medium (M), Large (L), X-Large (XL), 2X-Large (2XL)
To Fit Bust: 34-36 (38-40, 42-44, 46-48, 50-52)" / 86.5-91.5 (96.5-101.5, 106.5-112, 117-122, 127-132) cm
**Finished Bust Circumference (with 4" / 10 cm positive ease):** 40 (44, 48, 52, 56)" / 101.5 (112, 122, 132, 142) cm
**Finished Length (shoulder to hem):** 23 (23.5, 24, 24.5, 25)" / 58.5 (59.5, 61, 62, 63.5) cm

**YARN:** Worsted Weight (Category 4) wool or wool blend yarn in 3 colors.
*   **Main Color (MC):** Approx. 550 (620, 700, 780, 860) yards / 500 (565, 640, 715, 785) meters
*   **Contrast Color 1 (CC1) - Flowers:** Approx. 80 (90, 100, 110, 120) yards / 75 (80, 90, 100, 110) meters
*   **Contrast Color 2 (CC2) - Stems:** Approx. 70 (80, 90, 100, 110) yards / 65 (75, 80, 90, 100) meters

**Suggested Yarn:** Malabrigo Rios (100% Merino Superwash Wool; 210 yards / 100g)
*   MC: Natural (Cream)
*   CC1: Pollen (Bright Yellow)
*   CC2: Olive (Dark Green)

**GAUGE:**
*   **In Stranded Colorwork Stockinette Stitch on larger needles, blocked:** 4.5 stitches and 5.5 rounds/rows = 1 inch (2.5 cm)
*   **In Stockinette Stitch on larger needles, blocked:** 4.5 stitches and 6 rounds/rows = 1 inch (2.5 cm)
*   **IMPORTANT:** **Always swatch in colorwork!** Colorwork fabric often has a tighter gauge than plain stockinette. Wash and block your swatch before measuring. Adjust needle size if necessary to obtain correct gauge.

**NEEDLES:**
*   **Main Needles:** US 8 / 5 mm 24-32" (60-80 cm) circular needle (or size needed to obtain colorwork gauge), and double-pointed needles (DPNs) or a longer circular for magic loop for smaller circumferences.
*   **Ribbing Needles:** US 7 / 4.5 mm 24-32" (60-80 cm) circular needle (or one size smaller than main needles), and DPNs for smaller circumferences.

**NOTIONS:**
*   Stitch markers
*   Waste yarn or stitch holders
*   Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
*   Measuring tape

**ABBREVIATIONS:**
*   **k:** knit
*   **p:** purl
*   **rnd(s):** round(s)
*   **st(s):** stitch(es)
*   **MC:** Main Color
*   **CC1:** Contrast Color 1
*   **CC2:** Contrast Color 2
*   **pm:** place marker
*   **sm:** slip marker
*   **k2tog:** knit 2 stitches together (right-leaning decrease)
*   **ssk:** slip, slip, knit (left-leaning decrease)
*   **BO:** bind off
*   **CO:** cast on
*   **WS:** wrong side
*   **RS:** right side
*   **[ ]:** repeat instructions in brackets
*   **( )**: numbers for sizes M, L, XL, 2XL are in parentheses

---

## Pattern Notes

*   This vest is worked in the round from the bottom up to the armholes, then divided for the Front and Back, which are worked flat. Shoulders are seamed.
*   The "circular yoke" concept for this vest refers to the aesthetic design of the colorwork motif (Chart B) on the upper front and back panels, rather than a continuous seamless circular tube above the armholes. Shaping on these panels creates the rounded yoke effect leading to the neck.
*   **Stranded Colorwork:** When working colorwork, carry the non-working yarn loosely across the back of your work (floats). Do not carry a float for more than 5-7 stitches without catching it to prevent long loops and maintain elasticity. Try to maintain an even tension, as colorwork tends to be less elastic than plain knitting. Holding one color dominant (typically CC1 for the motif) can help definition.
*   Use US English spelling and imperial measurements first.

---

## Vest Instructions

### Body

Using **Ribbing Needles** and **MC**, CO 180 (198, 216, 234, 252) sts. Place marker and join in the rnd, being careful not to twist sts.
**Rnd 1:** [K1, P1] around.
Repeat Rnd 1 for 1.5" (4 cm).

**Increase Rnd (for waist shaping, optional):** If you desire a slightly looser fit above the ribbing, increase 0 (2, 0, 2, 0) stitches evenly around this round. For example, k to marker, distributing increases.
Total stitches: 180 (200, 216, 236, 252) sts. *Self-correction: To maintain Chart A repeat, let's keep it simple and avoid arbitrary increases here. The existing stitch counts (180, 198, 216, 234, 252) are already good for Chart A's 18-st repeat. No increase round here.*
Let's stick to the original CO counts: 180 (198, 216, 234, 252) sts.

Switch to **Main Needles**.

### Craspedia Colorwork Band (Chart A)

Work **Rnds 1-12 of Chart A** around, repeating the 18-stitch motif 10 (11, 12, 13, 14) times per round.
*   **S:** 10 repeats * 18 sts = 180 sts
*   **M:** 11 repeats * 18 sts = 198 sts
*   **L:** 12 repeats * 18 sts = 216 sts
*   **XL:** 13 repeats * 18 sts = 234 sts
*   **2XL:** 14 repeats * 18 sts = 252 sts
Ensure floats are managed properly across the back of your work.

### Main Body

Continue in **MC** and Stockinette st (knit every rnd) until body measures 13 (13, 13.5, 13.5, 14)" / 33 (33, 34.5, 34.5, 35.5) cm from cast-on edge, or desired length before armhole shaping.

### Divide for Armholes

The next round marks the beginning of armhole shaping.
**Setup Rnd:** Work in MC k to 5 (6, 6, 7, 7) sts before end of rnd. Place next 10 (12, 12, 14, 14) sts (5 (6, 6, 7, 7) sts from each side of the marker) on waste yarn for right armhole. Remove marker.

You now have 170 (186, 204, 220, 238) sts remaining.
These stitches will be divided into Front and Back panels:
*   **Front:** 85 (93, 102, 110, 119) sts
*   **Back:** 85 (93, 102, 110, 119) sts

Place the first 85 (93, 102, 110, 119) sts on a separate holder for the Front.
The remaining 85 (93, 102, 110, 119) sts are for the Back.
You will now work each panel flat.

### Back Panel

Using **MC**, continue working the Back panel flat, shaping armholes and then beginning the yoke colorwork.
Attach MC yarn.
**Row 1 (WS):** Purl.
**Row 2 (RS):** Knit.
Continue in Stockinette st for 2 rows in MC.

**Armhole Decreases:**
Work 2 rows straight.
**Decrease Row (RS):** K1, ssk, k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. (2 sts decreased)
**Next Row (WS):** Purl.
Repeat these 2 rows 3 (3, 4, 4, 5) more times.
Total stitches after armhole decreases: 77 (85, 92, 100, 107) sts.

Work straight in MC Stockinette st until armhole measures 3 (3.5, 4, 4.5, 5)" / 7.5 (9, 10, 11.5, 12.5) cm from where you divided for armholes.

### Yoke Colorwork & Back Neck Shaping

Begin working **Chart B (Yoke Motif)** across the Back panel, centering the motif as desired.
**For S/M/L/XL/2XL:** There are 77 (85, 92, 100, 107) sts. Chart B is a 12-st repeat.
*   **S (77 sts):** Work Chart B, starting with X sts before repeat, then [Chart B 12-st repeat] 6 times, ending with Y sts after repeat. (77 = 6 * 12 + 5; so, center 6 repeats, adjust 2-3 sts on each side).
*   **M (85 sts):** Work Chart B [12-st repeat] 7 times, adjust 1 st on each side. (85 = 7 * 12 + 1; so, center 7 repeats, 1 st on each side)
*   **L (92 sts):** Work Chart B [12-st repeat] 7 times, adjust 4 sts on each side. (92 = 7 * 12 + 8; so, center 7 repeats, 4 sts on each side)
*   **XL (100 sts):** Work Chart B [12-st repeat] 8 times, adjust 2 sts on each side. (100 = 8 * 12 + 4; so, center 8 repeats, 2 sts on each side)
*   **2XL (107 sts):** Work Chart B [12-st repeat] 8 times, adjust 5 sts on each side. (107 = 8 * 12 + 11; so, center 8 repeats, 5 sts on each side)

*Self-correction for flat knitting and Chart B*
Chart B has 12 stitches per repeat. For flat knitting, RS rows are read right-to-left, WS rows left-to-right.
The goal is to apply Chart B over the upper Back and Front panels. Given the "circular yoke" template, the pattern intends for a circular *motif*. For flat knitting, you must account for the WS rows. I'll provide instructions for centering the motif across the panel.

**Back Neck Shaping (simultaneously with Chart B):**
When armhole measures 7 (7.5, 8, 8.5, 9)" / 18 (19, 20.5, 21.5, 23) cm from division, begin back neck shaping.
**Next RS Row:** Work 23 (27, 29, 32, 35) sts for Right Shoulder, BO center 31 (31, 34, 36, 37) sts for Back Neck, work to end for Left Shoulder.
Continue working each shoulder separately, incorporating Chart B.
**Decrease at Neck Edge (each side):**
On the next 2 RS rows, decrease 1 st at the neck edge. (2 sts decreased total per shoulder)
Shoulder stitches remaining: 21 (25, 27, 30, 33) sts.
Work straight in Chart B for remaining rows until armhole measures 8.5 (9, 9.5, 10, 10.5)" / 21.5 (23, 24, 25.5, 26.5) cm. Place shoulder stitches on holder.

### Front Panel

Return to the 85 (93, 102, 110, 119) sts for the Front.
Attach MC yarn.
**Row 1 (WS):** Purl.
**Row 2 (RS):** Knit.
Continue in Stockinette st for 2 rows in MC.

**Armhole Decreases:**
Work 2 rows straight.
**Decrease Row (RS):** K1, ssk, k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. (2 sts decreased)
**Next Row (WS):** Purl.
Repeat these 2 rows 3 (3, 4, 4, 5) more times.
Total stitches after armhole decreases: 77 (85, 92, 100, 107) sts.

Work straight in MC Stockinette st until armhole measures 5 (5.5, 6, 6.5, 7)" / 12.5 (14, 15, 16.5, 18) cm from where you divided for armholes.

### Yoke Colorwork & Front Neck Shaping

Begin working **Chart B (Yoke Motif)** across the Front panel, centering the motif.
When armhole measures 6.5 (7, 7.5, 8, 8.5)" / 16.5 (18, 19, 20.5, 21.5) cm from division, begin front neck shaping.
**Next RS Row:** Work 26 (30, 32, 35, 38) sts for Right Shoulder, BO center 25 (25, 28, 30, 31) sts for Front Neck, work to end for Left Shoulder.
Continue working each shoulder separately, incorporating Chart B.
**Decrease at Neck Edge (each side):**
On the next 3 RS rows, decrease 1 st at the neck edge. (3 sts decreased total per shoulder)
Shoulder stitches remaining: 23 (27, 29, 32, 35) sts.
Work straight in Chart B for remaining rows until armhole measures 8.5 (9, 9.5, 10, 10.5)" / 21.5 (23, 24, 25.5, 26.5) cm. Place shoulder stitches on holder.

### Finishing

**Shoulder Seams:** Join Front and Back shoulder stitches using the 3-needle bind-off or mattress stitch.

**Neckband:**
Using **Ribbing Needles** and **MC**, pick up and knit approximately 1 st per row along the front neck shaping, 1 st per bound-off st across the front neck, 1 st per row along the back neck shaping, and 1 st per bound-off st across the back neck. Aim for a total of 90 (94, 98, 102, 106) stitches for the neckband. Place marker and join in the rnd.
**Rnd 1:** [K1, P1] around.
Repeat Rnd 1 for 1" (2.5 cm).
BO all stitches loosely in pattern.

**Armhole Bands:**
Using **Ribbing Needles** and **MC**, pick up and knit approximately 1 st per row along the armhole edge, and 1 st per bound-off st at the underarm. Aim for approximately 130 (140, 150, 160, 170) stitches for each armhole. Place marker and join in the rnd.
**Rnd 1:** [K1, P1] around.
Repeat Rnd 1 for 1" (2.5 cm).
BO all stitches loosely in pattern.
Repeat for the second armhole.

**Weave in Ends:** Weave in all loose ends using a tapestry needle.

## Blocking

Gently wash your vest in lukewarm water with a wool-friendly detergent. Squeeze out excess water without twisting. Lay flat on towels, shaping to the finished measurements. Pin out the colorwork sections to ensure they lie flat and smooth, and that the floats are not pulling. Allow to air dry completely. Blocking will help the stitches relax, even out tension, and allow the colorwork pattern to bloom.

---

## CHARTS SECTION

### Chart Key

*   **□** = MC (Main Color - Background, e.g., Cream)
*   **■** = CC1 (Contrast Color 1 - Flowers, e.g., Yellow)
*   **▲** = CC2 (Contrast Color 2 - Stems/Leaves, e.g., Green)

### Chart Instructions

*   **Reading Charts:** When working in the round (Chart A), read all rounds from right to left. When working flat (Chart B), read RS (knit) rows from right to left, and WS (purl) rows from left to right.
*   **Placement:** Chart A is worked once around the lower body. Chart B is worked on the upper front and back panels (the "yoke" area).
*   **Repeats:** The section enclosed in `[ ]` indicates the stitch repeat. Work the instructions within the brackets the specified number of times across the round/row.

### Chart A: Craspedia Stem & Flower Band (18 sts x 12 rows)

This chart is worked in the round for the lower body. Repeat the 18-stitch pattern 10 (11, 12, 13, 14) times per round for sizes S (M, L, XL, 2XL).

```
12: □□□□■■■■■□□□□□□□□□
11: □□□■■■■■■■■□□□□□□□
10: □□□□■■■■■□□□□□▲▲□□
9:  □□□□□■■■□□□□□▲▲▲□
8:  □□□□□□■□□□□▲▲▲▲▲□
7:  □□□□□□■□□▲▲▲▲▲▲▲□
6:  □□□□□□■▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲□
5:  □□□□□□■▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲□□
4:  □□□□□▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲□□□
3:  □□□□▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲□□□□
2:  □□□▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲□□□□□
1:  □□▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲□□□□
```

### Chart B: Craspedia Yoke Motif (12 sts x 12 rows)

This chart is worked flat on the Front and Back panels (yoke section). Center the motif across your panel.

```
12: □□□□□■■■□□□□
11: □□□□■■■■■□□□
10: □□□□□■■■□□□□
9:  □□□□□▲▲▲□□□□
8:  □□□□▲▲▲▲▲□□□
7:  □□□▲▲▲▲▲▲▲□□
6:  □□▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲□
5:  □□▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲□
4:  □▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲
3:  ▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲
2:  □▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲
1:  □□▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲□
```