Type
Knitting
Difficulty
intermediate
Category
vest
AI Thinking Process
Planning
1. **Design Strategy**: Analyzing style requirements and selecting techniques.
* **User Request Interpretation**: Design a ladies' vest in size L, featuring a V-neck and "longer" armholes. The "longer" armholes imply a deeper armhole depth than standard, which will be achieved by adding 1-1.5 inches to typical armhole depth for size L.
* **Template Adherence**: Follow the "Cabled Vest" template for an intermediate-level, worked-flat garment with a vertical cable panel on the front, Stockinette Stitch back, ribbed hem and armhole bands, V-neck with ribbed edging, and shoulder/side seams.
* **Yarn & Gauge**: Worsted weight yarn. Target gauge: 18 sts and 24 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in Stockinette Stitch.
* **Sizing (L)**: Target finished bust circumference of 42.5 inches (108 cm) to comfortably fit size L (40-42 inch bust). Each panel (front/back) will be approximately 21.25 inches (54 cm) wide.
* **Cable Panel**: A 24-stitch central cable panel combining simple rope cables (C4F) and a central braid (C6B), set against a reverse stockinette background within the panel. This provides visual interest without excessive complexity.
* **Ribbing**: 2x2 Rib (k2, p2) for all bands (hem, armhole, neck).
* **Terminology**: US English spelling, imperial measurements first (metric in parentheses), US knitting abbreviations.
2. **Construction Plan**: determining the structural approach.
* **Bottom-Up, Flat Panels**: Front and back pieces are worked flat from the bottom up.
* **Hem**: Both panels start with 2x2 Ribbing for the hem.
* **Body**: Back panel continues in Stockinette Stitch. Front panel features the central 24-stitch cable panel flanked by Stockinette Stitch.
* **Armhole Shaping**: Standard bind-off and decrease method at each armhole, starting simultaneously for both front and back panels.
* **V-Neck Shaping (Front)**: V-neck shaping will begin after initial armhole shaping, achieved by decreasing stitches at the neck edge symmetrically for the left and right front.
* **Back Neck Shaping**: A shallower, wider neck shaping for the back panel.
* **Shoulder Shaping**: Sloped shoulders achieved through stepped bind-offs.
* **Finishing**: Seam shoulders and sides. Pick up stitches for armhole and V-neck bands, worked in 2x2 Ribbing.
3. **Quality Assurance**: Checking for common pitfalls and edge cases.
* **Gauge Consistency**: The chosen gauge (18 sts & 24 rows = 4 inches) will be the foundation for all stitch and row counts. Ensure all calculations are based on this.
* **Sizing Accuracy**: Verify that the cast-on stitches and resultant finished width (approx. 21.25 inches per panel, 42.5 inches circumference) align with size L requirements.
* **Armhole Depth**: Confirm that the calculated armhole depth of 10.5 inches (26.5 cm) provides the "longer" armhole effect requested by the user, while still being proportional.
* **V-Neck Proportions**: Ensure the V-neck shaping provides a flattering depth and width that leads smoothly to the shoulder stitches.
* **Cable Panel Integration**: Check that the 24-stitch cable panel fits symmetrically within the 96-stitch front panel, leaving equal Stockinette sections on either side.
* **Instructions Clarity**: All instructions must be unambiguous, using standard abbreviations and terminology, easy for an intermediate knitter to follow.
* **Seaming and Bands**: Ensure clear instructions for picking up stitches for armhole and neckbands, including proper stitch ratios (e.g., 3 sts for every 4 rows) and mitered V-neck corner.
4. **Final Calculations**: establishing gauge and key dimensions.
* **Gauge**: 18 sts and 24 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in St st (4.5 sts/inch; 6 rows/inch).
* **Finished Bust Circumference**: 42.5 inches (108 cm).
* **Panel Width**: Each panel approx. 21.25 inches (54 cm).
* **Cast On Stitches**: 21.25 inches * (18 sts / 4 inches) = 95.625 sts. Round up to 96 stitches for symmetry and ease of pattern.
* **Hem Height**: 2 inches (5 cm) = 12 rows.
* **Body Length (to Armhole)**: 14 inches (35.5 cm) = 14 * 6 = 84 rows.
* **Armhole Depth**: 10.5 inches (26.5 cm) = 10.5 * 6 = 63 rows.
* **Total Length**: 2 inches (hem) + 14 inches (body) + 10.5 inches (armhole) = 26.5 inches (67.5 cm).
* **Armhole Shaping**:
* Initial bind-off: 5 sts each side = 10 sts total (96 - 10 = 86 sts).
* Decreases: Dec 1 st each side every RS row 3 times = 6 sts total (86 - 6 = 80 sts).
* Stitches remaining after armhole shaping: 80 sts.
* Rows used: 2 (bind-off) + 6 (decreases) = 8 rows.
* Remaining rows for armhole shaping section: 63 - 8 = 55 rows.
* **Back Neck Shaping**:
* Center bind-off: 30 sts (80 - 30 = 50 sts).
* Shoulder stitches: 50 / 2 = 25 sts per shoulder.
* **Front V-Neck Shaping**:
* Split for neck after armhole shaping leaves 80 sts. Work each side separately.
* Stitches per side after splitting: (80 - 2 sts for center) / 2 = 39 sts (if 2 center sts are held/bound off). Or, simply work until 25 sts remain per shoulder.
* Decreases needed per side: 39 (start) - 25 (shoulder) = 14 sts.
* Shaping schedule (over 55 rows): Dec 1 st at neck edge every RS row 10 times (20 rows, 10 decs). Then, dec 1 st at neck edge every 4th row 4 times (16 rows, 4 decs). Total 36 rows and 14 decreases. Remaining 19 rows worked straight.
* **Shoulder Shaping**: 25 sts per shoulder. Bind off in 3 stages: 8 sts, then 8 sts, then 9 sts.
* **Cable Panel Stitches**: 24 stitches. Set as P3, C4F, P2, C6B, P2, C4F, P3.
* **Front Body Stitches**: K36, Cable Panel (24 sts), K36 = 96 sts.
Verification
[PRE-FLIGHT CHECKS]
Before generating the pattern, verify your plan against the requirements:
1. **Completeness**: Yes, all required sections from the template (Intermediate, worked flat, cable panel, ribbed hem/armholes/neck, V-neck, shoulder/side seams, sizes XS-2XL context, worsted weight, cable chart/written instructions) are accounted for in the plan. The specific size L and "longer armholes" are also addressed.
2. **Consistency**:
* Gauge (18 sts / 4 in) to finished width (21.25 in per panel) is consistent with 96 cast-on stitches (96 sts / (18 sts/4 in) = 96/4.5 = 21.33 in). This yields a 42.66 inch bust, fitting size L.
* Row counts for body length and armhole depth (84 rows + 63 rows = 147 total rows after hem) are consistent with the row gauge (24 rows/4 in = 6 rows/in).
* Armhole shaping calculations (96 -> 80 sts) are correct.
* V-neck shaping (39 -> 25 sts, 14 decs over 55 rows) is consistent.
* Shoulder shaping (25 sts) and back neck shaping (30 sts center, 25 sts each shoulder) are consistent.
* Cable panel (24 sts) fits symmetrically within the 96-stitch front panel (36 St st + 24 Cable + 36 St st = 96 sts).
3. **Constraints**:
* **User-specific requests**:
* "Vest for ladies, sized L": Addressed with 42.5" bust circumference.
* "neck in V pattern": Addressed with explicit V-neck shaping.
* "areas of sleeves longer": Addressed by increasing armhole depth to 10.5 inches (standard for L is typically 9-9.5 inches).
* **Difficulty level**: Intermediate. The cable panel and shaping are appropriate for this level.
* **Template to follow**: Cabled Vest template is adhered to.
* **Yarn weight**: Worsted.
* **Terminology & Abbreviation Profile**: US English spelling, imperial measurements first, US knitting abbreviations used.
4. **Safety**: The math for stitch and row counts, shaping, and dimensions appears sound. No obvious calculation errors or inconsistencies that would lead to fit issues or pattern confusion. The cable instructions are clear and repeatable.
Pattern
<pattern>
# Solstice Cable Vest
A classic cable vest featuring a central textured panel on the front, balanced with simple Stockinette stitch. Designed with a flattering V-neck and slightly deeper armholes for comfortable layering. This intermediate pattern is worked flat in pieces and seamed, offering a structured garment perfect for showcasing your cable knitting skills.
**DIFFICULTY LEVEL:** Intermediate
**SIZE:** L (to fit bust 40-42" / 101.5-106.5 cm)
*Finished Bust Circumference:* 42.5" / 108 cm
*Finished Length:* 26.5" / 67.5 cm
**MATERIALS:**
* **Yarn:** Worsted weight yarn, approx. 900-1000 yards (825-915 meters).
* *Sample shown in:* [Yarn Brand and Name, e.g., Cascade 220, 100% Peruvian Highland Wool]
* **Needles:**
* US 8 / 5 mm circular needle, 24-32" (60-80 cm) long, or size needed to obtain gauge.
* US 7 / 4.5 mm circular needle, 24-32" (60-80 cm) long, or one size smaller than main needles.
* **Notions:** Cable needle (cn), stitch markers, removable stitch markers, waste yarn or stitch holders, tapestry needle, measuring tape.
**GAUGE:**
18 stitches and 24 rows = 4" (10 cm) in Stockinette Stitch (St st) on US 8 / 5 mm needles, after blocking.
*Take time to check your gauge. Adjust needle size as necessary to obtain correct gauge.*
---
**ABBREVIATIONS:**
* **BO:** Bind off
* **C4F:** Cable 4 Front (slip 2 sts to cn, hold in front, k2, k2 from cn)
* **C4B:** Cable 4 Back (slip 2 sts to cn, hold in back, k2, k2 from cn)
* **C6B:** Cable 6 Back (slip 3 sts to cn, hold in back, k3, k3 from cn)
* **cn:** cable needle
* **CO:** Cast on
* **dec:** decrease
* **k:** knit
* **k2tog:** knit 2 stitches together
* **p:** purl
* **p2tog:** purl 2 stitches together
* **rem:** remaining
* **rep:** repeat
* **RS:** right side
* **ssk:** slip 2 stitches knitwise, knit them together through the back loops
* **St st:** Stockinette Stitch (knit on RS, purl on WS)
* **st(s):** stitch(es)
* **WS:** wrong side
---
**CABLE PANEL PATTERN (24 stitches, worked over 6 rows):**
* **Row 1 (RS):** P3, C4F, P2, C6B, P2, C4F, P3.
* **Row 2 (WS):** K3, P4, K2, P6, K2, P4, K3.
* **Row 3 (RS):** P3, K4, P2, K6, P2, K4, P3.
* **Row 4 (WS):** K3, P4, K2, P6, K2, P4, K3.
* **Row 5 (RS):** P3, K4, P2, K6, P2, K4, P3.
* **Row 6 (WS):** K3, P4, K2, P6, K2, P4, K3.
Rep Rows 1-6 for Cable Panel Pattern.
---
## PATTERN INSTRUCTIONS
**BACK PANEL:**
Using smaller needles (US 7 / 4.5 mm), CO 96 sts.
Work in 2x2 Rib (k2, p2) for 2" (5 cm), ending with a WS row.
Change to larger needles (US 8 / 5 mm).
Work in St st until piece measures 14" (35.5 cm) from CO edge, ending with a WS row. *(This is approximately 84 rows after ribbing. Total length: 2" + 14" = 16" / 40.5 cm)*
**Shape Armholes:**
BO 5 sts at beginning of next 2 rows. *(96 - 10 = 86 sts rem)*
**Next Row (RS):** K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1.
**Next Row (WS):** P1, p2tog, purl to last 3 sts, p2tog tbl, p1.
Rep the last 2 rows 2 more times. *(6 sts dec. 86 - 6 = 80 sts rem. Armhole shaping rows used: 2 for BO + 6 for decs = 8 rows.)*
Work straight in St st until armhole measures 10.5" (26.5 cm) from BO edge, ending with a WS row. *(This is approximately 63 rows for armhole depth. 63 rows - 8 rows for shaping = 55 rows straight. Total length: 16" + 10.5" = 26.5" / 67.5 cm)*
**Shape Back Neck and Shoulders:**
**Next Row (RS):** K25, BO center 30 sts, knit to end. *(25 sts rem for each shoulder)*
Working one side at a time, continue as follows:
**Next Row (WS):** Purl across.
**Next Row (RS):** At neck edge, BO 8 sts.
**Next Row (WS):** Purl across.
**Next Row (RS):** At neck edge, BO 8 sts.
**Next Row (WS):** Purl across.
**Next Row (RS):** At neck edge, BO rem 9 sts.
Attach yarn to other shoulder and rep for other side.
---
**FRONT PANEL:**
Using smaller needles (US 7 / 4.5 mm), CO 96 sts.
Work in 2x2 Rib (k2, p2) for 2" (5 cm), ending with a WS row.
Change to larger needles (US 8 / 5 mm).
Set up body pattern:
**Next Row (RS):** K36, place marker, work Row 1 of Cable Panel Pattern over next 24 sts, place marker, K36.
**Next Row (WS):** Purl to first marker, slip marker, work Row 2 of Cable Panel Pattern over next 24 sts, slip marker, purl to end.
Continue in established pattern, working St st outside markers and Cable Panel Pattern between markers, until piece measures 14" (35.5 cm) from CO edge, ending with a WS row. *(This is approximately 84 rows after ribbing. Total length: 2" + 14" = 16" / 40.5 cm)*
**Shape Armholes:**
BO 5 sts at beginning of next 2 rows. *(96 - 10 = 86 sts rem)*
**Next Row (RS):** K1, ssk, work in pattern to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1.
**Next Row (WS):** P1, p2tog, work in pattern to last 3 sts, p2tog tbl, p1.
Rep the last 2 rows 2 more times. *(6 sts dec. 86 - 6 = 80 sts rem. Armhole shaping rows used: 2 for BO + 6 for decs = 8 rows.)*
**Shape V-Neck:**
**Next Row (RS):** Work in pattern 40 sts, place next 2 sts on a holder for center front, attach new yarn and work in pattern to end (38 sts for each side).
Working both sides at the same time using separate balls of yarn:
Continue in pattern, decreasing 1 st at each neck edge as follows:
Dec 1 st at neck edge every RS row 10 times. *(10 sts dec per side. 38 - 10 = 28 sts rem per side. Rows used: 20 rows.)*
Then, Dec 1 st at neck edge every 4th row 4 times. *(4 sts dec per side. 28 - 4 = 24 sts rem per side. Rows used: 16 rows.)*
*(Total 14 sts dec per side. Total rows for V-neck shaping: 20 + 16 = 36 rows.)*
Continue working straight in pattern until armhole measures 10.5" (26.5 cm) from BO edge, ending with a WS row. *(Remaining rows for armhole: 63 - 8 - 36 = 19 rows. Total length: 26.5" / 67.5 cm)*
*(At this point, 24 sts rem for each shoulder)*
**Shape Shoulders:**
At armhole edge, BO 8 sts. Work to end.
Work 1 row even.
At armhole edge, BO 8 sts. Work to end.
Work 1 row even.
At armhole edge, BO rem 9 sts. Work to end.
---
**FINISHING:**
1. **Block Pieces:** Gently wet block all pieces to measurements according to yarn ball band instructions. Pin to shape and allow to dry completely.
2. **Seam Shoulders:** Join front and back shoulder seams using mattress stitch or your preferred seaming method.
3. **Armhole Bands:**
Using smaller needles (US 7 / 4.5 mm), with RS facing, pick up and knit approximately 3 sts for every 4 rows along armhole edge. Pick up 1 st in center of each BO st at underarm. *(Target approx. 48 sts along the curved armhole edge, plus 5 sts from BO section. Total approx. 53 sts per armhole)*
Work in 2x2 Rib (k2, p2) for 1" (2.5 cm). BO in rib.
Rep for second armhole.
4. **V-Neckband:**
Using smaller needles (US 7 / 4.5 mm), with RS facing, pick up and knit stitches starting from right shoulder seam: Pick up approximately 3 sts for every 4 rows along right V-neck edge, pick up 2 sts from center front holder/BO, then pick up approximately 3 sts for every 4 rows along left V-neck edge, then pick up 1 st in each BO st along back neck. *(Target approx. 42 sts along each V-neck side, plus 2 center sts, plus 30 sts along back neck. Total approx. 116 sts)*
Place a marker on the center 2 sts at the front V for mitered decrease.
Work in 2x2 Rib (k2, p2) for 1" (2.5 cm), decreasing 1 st each side of the center 2 sts every other row (or every row for a sharper V).
*Example decrease for V-neck:* Work in rib to 2 sts before marker, ssk, k2 (center sts), k2tog, work in rib to end.
BO in rib when band measures 1" (2.5 cm).
5. **Seam Sides:** Join front and back side seams using mattress stitch or your preferred seaming method.
6. **Weave in Ends:** Weave in all loose ends.
Enjoy your new Solstice Cable Vest!
Disclaimer: This pattern was generated by AI and should be reviewed for accuracy before use. While we strive for quality, AI-generated content may contain errors. Please verify measurements, stitch counts, and instructions before beginning your project. Generated by purlJam.uk
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