purlJam

# Heartfelt Vest

**A seamless top-down raglan vest featuring an intarsia heart motif**

## SKILL LEVEL
Intermediate

## SIZES
Small (Medium, Large, XL, 2XL)

**Finished Chest Measurements:** 36 (40, 44, 48, 52)" / 91.5 (101.5, 112, 122, 132) cm
*Designed with 2-4" positive ease*

**Sample shown in size Medium**

## MATERIALS

### Yarn
**Main Color (MC):** Sport weight yarn, 600 (700, 800, 900, 1000) yards / 549 (640, 732, 823, 914) m
**Contrast Color (CC):** Sport weight yarn for heart, 50 (55, 60, 65, 70) yards / 46 (50, 55, 59, 64) m

*Sample uses Cascade 220 Sport (100% Peruvian Highland Wool; 164 yards / 50g): MC - Natural (8010), 4 (5, 5, 6, 7) skeins; CC - Red (8895), 1 skein*

### Needles
- US 4 (3.5 mm) 16" and 32" circular needles for ribbing
- US 5 (3.75 mm) 16" and 32" circular needles for body, or size needed to obtain gauge
- Set of US 4 (3.5 mm) double-pointed needles (DPNs) for armholes (optional)

### Notions
- 4 stitch markers (1 unique for beginning of round)
- Scrap yarn or stitch holders
- Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
- Bobbins for intarsia work (optional but helpful)

## GAUGE
22 stitches and 30 rounds = 4" / 10 cm in stockinette stitch on larger needles, blocked

**Take time to check gauge.** Incorrect gauge will result in improper fit.

## ABBREVIATIONS
- CC: contrast color
- BO: bind off
- CO: cast on
- k: knit
- k2tog: knit 2 stitches together (right-leaning decrease)
- kfb: knit into front and back of stitch (increase)
- m: marker
- M1L: make 1 left (lift bar between stitches from front to back, knit through back loop)
- M1R: make 1 right (lift bar between stitches from back to front, knit through front loop)
- MC: main color
- p: purl
- pm: place marker
- rem: remaining
- rnd(s): round(s)
- RS: right side
- sl: slip
- sm: slip marker
- ssk: slip, slip, knit (left-leaning decrease)
- st(s): stitch(es)
- WS: wrong side

## PATTERN NOTES

### Construction
This vest is worked seamlessly from the top down using raglan construction. You'll begin at the back neck, work increases at four raglan lines to shape the yoke, then separate the sleeves (placing them on waste yarn) and continue working the body in the round. The vest features a charming intarsia heart motif centered on the front. Armholes are finished with applied I-cord edging for a polished look.

### Raglan Increases
Increases are worked every other round at each of the 4 raglan lines (right front, right back, left back, left front). This creates 8 stitches increased per increase round.

Pattern: *K to 1 st before marker, M1R, k1, sm, k1, M1L; repeat from * at each of 4 markers.

### Intarsia Heart
The heart is worked in intarsia (not Fair Isle), which means you'll use separate lengths of yarn for each color section rather than stranding. When changing colors, twist yarns around each other on the wrong side to prevent holes. Wind small bobbins or butterflies of both MC and CC to manage multiple color sections.

### Fit Notes
This vest is designed with a relaxed fit and 2-4" of positive ease. The armholes sit close to the body for a modern, tailored look.

## PATTERN INSTRUCTIONS

### YOKE

#### Setup
Using smaller 16" circular needle and MC, CO 68 (72, 76, 80, 84) sts using long-tail cast on.

Place marker and join to work in the round, being careful not to twist stitches.

**Neckband:**
Rnd 1-8: *K2, p2; repeat from * to end of rnd.

Switch to larger 16" circular needle.

**Setup Round:**
K9 (10, 11, 12, 13) for right front, pm, k8 for right sleeve, pm, k34 (36, 38, 40, 42) for back, pm, k8 for left sleeve, pm, k9 (10, 11, 12, 13) for left front.

You now have 4 raglan markers placed.

#### Raglan Increases
**Increase Round:** *K to 1 st before m, M1R, k1, sm, k1, M1L; repeat from * 3 more times, k to end of rnd. (8 sts increased)

**Even Round:** K all sts.

Repeat Increase Round, then Even Round **19 (21, 23, 25, 27) more times**.

After all increases, you will have:
- Total sts: 388 (428, 468, 508, 548)
- Right Front: 49 (53, 57, 61, 65) sts
- Right Sleeve: 48 (52, 56, 60, 64) sts
- Back: 114 (122, 130, 138, 146) sts
- Left Sleeve: 48 (52, 56, 60, 64) sts
- Left Front: 49 (53, 57, 61, 65) sts

Yoke depth should measure approximately 7.5 (8, 8.5, 9, 9.5)" / 19 (20.5, 21.5, 23, 24) cm from CO edge.

#### Separate Sleeves from Body
**Separation Round:**
K across 49 (53, 57, 61, 65) right front sts, remove marker, place next 48 (52, 56, 60, 64) right sleeve sts on scrap yarn or holder, remove marker, CO 6 (7, 8, 9, 10) sts for underarm using backward loop cast on, pm for new beginning of round, CO 6 (7, 8, 9, 10) more underarm sts, k across 114 (122, 130, 138, 146) back sts, remove marker, place next 48 (52, 56, 60, 64) left sleeve sts on holder, remove marker, CO 12 (14, 16, 18, 20) sts for underarm, k across 49 (53, 57, 61, 65) left front sts.

You now have 236 (262, 288, 314, 340) body sts. Switch to 32" circular needle when comfortable.

### BODY

Work even in stockinette stitch (knit every round) for 2 (2, 2.5, 2.5, 3)" / 5 (5, 6.5, 6.5, 7.5) cm.

#### Heart Chart Placement
The heart will be worked on the front of the vest, centered between the underarm cast-on stitches.

**Heart Chart Setup:**
On your next round, work as follows:
- K to center front
- K 47 (53, 59, 65, 71) sts in MC
- Work Row 1 of Heart Chart over next 23 sts
- K rem sts in MC to end of round

Continue working body in stockinette while following Heart Chart for 29 rounds. When chart is complete, continue in MC only.

### HEART CHART
The chart is 23 stitches wide and 29 rows tall.

```
Row 29: MC across all 23 sts
Row 28: MC 1, CC 21, MC 1
Row 27: MC 2, CC 19, MC 2
Row 26: MC 3, CC 17, MC 3
Row 25: MC 4, CC 15, MC 4
Row 24: MC 5, CC 13, MC 5
Row 23: MC 6, CC 11, MC 6
Row 22: MC 7, CC 9, MC 7
Row 21: MC 8, CC 7, MC 8
Row 20: MC 9, CC 5, MC 9
Row 19: MC 10, CC 3, MC 10
Row 18: MC 11, CC 1, MC 11
Row 17: MC 10, CC 3, MC 10
Row 16: MC 9, CC 5, MC 9
Row 15: MC 8, CC 3, MC 1, CC 3, MC 8
Row 14: MC 7, CC 4, MC 1, CC 4, MC 7
Row 13: MC 6, CC 5, MC 1, CC 5, MC 6
Row 12: MC 5, CC 6, MC 1, CC 6, MC 5
Row 11: MC 4, CC 7, MC 1, CC 7, MC 4
Row 10: MC 3, CC 8, MC 1, CC 8, MC 3
Row 9: MC 2, CC 9, MC 1, CC 9, MC 2
Row 8: MC 1, CC 10, MC 1, CC 10, MC 1
Row 7: CC 11, MC 1, CC 11
Row 6: CC 10, MC 3, CC 10
Row 5: CC 9, MC 5, CC 9
Row 4: CC 8, MC 7, CC 8
Row 3: CC 7, MC 9, CC 7
Row 2: CC 5, MC 13, CC 5
Row 1: CC 3, MC 17, CC 3
```

Read chart from bottom to top, right to left. Each square represents one stitch. Work in stockinette stitch throughout, changing colors as indicated.

#### Continue Body
After Heart Chart is complete, continue working even in MC until body measures 11 (11.5, 12, 12.5, 13)" / 28 (29, 30.5, 32, 33) cm from underarm, or 2" / 5 cm less than desired length.

**Hem Ribbing:**
Switch to smaller 32" circular needle.

Work in k2, p2 rib for 2" / 5 cm.

BO all sts loosely in pattern.

### ARMHOLE EDGING

#### Right Armhole
With RS facing, using smaller 16" circular needle or DPNs and MC, starting at center of underarm CO sts:

Pick up and knit 6 (7, 8, 9, 10) sts along underarm CO, pick up and knit 48 (52, 56, 60, 64) held sleeve sts, pick up and knit 6 (7, 8, 9, 10) sts along remaining underarm CO. **60 (66, 72, 78, 84) sts**

Pm and join to work in the round.

**Rnd 1-6:** *K2, p2; repeat from * to end of rnd.

BO all sts loosely in pattern.

#### Left Armhole
Work as for Right Armhole.

### FINISHING

#### Weave in Ends
Carefully weave in all ends, especially those from intarsia color changes. Take extra care on the WS of the heart to ensure color transitions are secure and tidy.

#### Blocking
Soak vest in cool water with wool wash for 15-20 minutes. Gently squeeze out excess water (do not wring). Lay flat on blocking mats or towels, shaping to measurements. Pat heart motif gently to even out stitches. Pin armhole edges to maintain shape. Allow to dry completely, which may take 24-48 hours.

#### Optional Neckline Refinement
For a cleaner neckline finish, you may add a row of single crochet around the neck edge, or pick up and knit a narrow I-cord bind off.

## SCHEMATIC

### Body Measurements
**Chest circumference:** 36 (40, 44, 48, 52)" / 91.5 (101.5, 112, 122, 132) cm
**Yoke depth:** 7.5 (8, 8.5, 9, 9.5)" / 19 (20.5, 21.5, 23, 24) cm
**Body length from underarm:** 13 (13.5, 14, 14.5, 15)" / 33 (34.5, 35.5, 37, 38) cm
**Total length:** 20.5 (21.5, 22.5, 23.5, 24.5)" / 52 (54.5, 57, 59.5, 62) cm
**Armhole circumference:** 11 (12, 13, 14, 15)" / 28 (30.5, 33, 35.5, 38) cm

## DESIGN VARIATIONS

### Heart Placement Options
- **Lower Placement:** Work heart chart starting at 4" from underarm for a lower, tunic-style look
- **Off-Center:** Offset heart to left or right of center for an asymmetrical design
- **Multiple Hearts:** Work smaller hearts using a portion of the chart on the back yoke or near hem

### Color Variations
- **Classic:** Red heart on cream, white, or gray background
- **Modern:** Coral heart on charcoal, or mustard on navy
- **Neutral:** Tone-on-tone using two shades of the same color
- **Valentine's:** Pink or burgundy heart on white

### Length Modifications
- **Cropped:** Work body to 8-9" from underarm before ribbing
- **Tunic:** Continue body to 15-17" from underarm for longer coverage
- **Asymmetrical Hem:** Work short rows on one side for a diagonal hemline

### Additional Embellishments
- **Duplicate Stitch:** Outline heart with duplicate stitch in a third color
- **Embroidery:** Add small flowers, initials, or decorative stitching around heart
- **Beading:** Sew small beads around heart outline for sparkle

## CARE INSTRUCTIONS

Hand wash in cool water with wool-safe detergent. Gently squeeze out excess water without wringing. Lay flat to dry, reshaping to measurements. Do not tumble dry. Store folded to prevent stretching at shoulders.

## TROUBLESHOOTING

### Intarsia Issues
**Holes at color changes:** Make sure to twist yarns around each other when changing colors. The twist should happen on the WS of the work.

**Puckering:** Check that you're not pulling the new color too tightly. Maintain consistent tension across color changes.

**Messy back:** This is normal for intarsia! The WS will show yarn tails and twists. Focus on neat work on the RS.

### Gauge Problems
**Too tight:** Go up a needle size and recheck gauge before proceeding.

**Too loose:** Go down a needle size. Proper gauge is essential for correct fit.

### Fit Adjustments
**Longer body:** Simply work additional rounds before beginning hem ribbing.

**Wider armholes:** Work 2-4 additional increase rounds during yoke construction.

**Deeper armholes:** Work more increase rounds and adjust body length accordingly.

## ABOUT THIS PATTERN

This Heartfelt Vest combines classic raglan construction with a charming intarsia heart motif, creating a versatile piece perfect for layering. The seamless top-down construction means no finishing seams, and you can try it on as you work to ensure the perfect fit. The sport weight yarn creates a lightweight fabric ideal for three-season wear.

The heart motif makes this vest perfect for Valentine's Day, anniversary gifts, or any time you want to wear your heart on your chest! The intermediate techniques—raglan shaping and intarsia colorwork—provide a satisfying challenge without being overwhelming.

**Designed by [Your Name]**
**© [Year] All rights reserved.**

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*Happy knitting! We'd love to see your finished vest—share your projects on social media with #HeartfeltVestPattern*