Listen up, knitting queens and fiber fiends—your next obsession has arrived. The Bestie Vestie isn’t just a vest; it’s a moment. A bottom-up, V-neck beauty with just the right mix of easy cables, a little lace, and chef’s-kiss finishing details to make you feel like a total pro.

This design was born from the idea that a great vest can transform an outfit—and your knitting routine. With two length options, you can choose the cropped version for a playful, modern look or the mid-length version for a polished, office-ready vibe.

It’s quick, it’s cute, and it’s got video tutorials to hold your hand when you need it. No confusion, no frustration—just you, your needles, and a knit so fun you’ll be looking for excuses to make another.

WHY YOU NEED THIS IN YOUR LIFE:

✔ SO FAST, SO FUN. – You’ll have this baby off the needles and on your body before your WIP pile even notices.
✔ ADVENTUROUS BEGINNER-FRIENDLY, BUT MAKE IT FAB. – Simple stitches, easy shaping, and just enough detail to keep things spicy.
✔ VIDEO TUTORIALS FOR THE WIN. – Because you deserve stress-free knitting.
✔ A WARDROBE MVP. – Looks amazing layered, worn solo, or styled however your fabulous self desires.

Not sure if vests are your thing or looking for more of a challenge? The Meant to Vee sweater pattern, also available in my Ravelry shop, uses the same gorgeous cable and lace panel along with other key techniques from the Bestie Vestie. If you’re ready to level up your knitting, it’s the perfect next step for intermediate knitters!

WHAT YOU GET:

• A crystal-clear, easy-to-follow PDF pattern (no headache-inducing instructions here)
• Step-by-step video tutorials to guide you through the magic
• Two length options, because choices are everything (cropped for a fun, modern feel or mid-length for an effortlessly chic look!)
• Multiple sizes and lots of fit customization tips, because everyone deserves a Bestie Vestie

WHAT YOU NEED:

• DK weight + lace mohair yarn or a solo worsted weight yarn (pick your fave & make it yours)
• Some basic knitting skills (knit, purl, and a little patience—got it? You’re golden.)

WHO IT’S FOR:

• You, obviously. Because you deserve a handmade vest that turns heads.
• Your knitting bestie. Because nothing says “I love you” like matching vests.
• That stylish friend who “borrows” your knits and somehow never returns them. (Solve that problem by making them their own.)

Will this be your first vest or your new favorite go-to? Either way, the Bestie Vestie is here to bring a little extra joy to your knitting queue!

Click Add to Cart and get ready to cast on your new favorite knit!

PATTERN DETAILS

✨ Video Preview: I talk all about this pattern and what it includes in a podcast episode at https://youtu.be/SMMM09gR-0E?si=L7syOfNYoRRRgz_f

✔️ This #sizeinclusive pattern was thoroughly test knitted by 90 test knitters and professionally tech edited (both before and after testing).

SIZES
1 (2, 3, 4, 5) [6, 7, 8, 9] {10, 11, 12, 13}

FINISHED BUST CIRCUMFERENCES

• In Inches: 28.5 (31.75, 35, 38.25, 41.5) [44.25, 47.5, 50.5, 53.75] {55.75, 59, 62.25, 65.5}“
• In Centimeters: 71.5 (79.5, 87.5, 95.5, 103.5) [110.5, 118.5, 126.5, 134.5] {139.5, 147.5, 155.5, 163.5} cm

Instructions are also provided for making in-between sizes ranging 30–67” (75–167.5 cm). Vest is intended to fit with negative ease at the full bust when worn over another garment and up to 1” (2.5 cm) negative ease if worn by itself. Sample shown in size 3 with 1” (2.5 cm) of negative ease before layering, cropped body, and no bust darts.

YARN
Plied, DK weight yarn and lace weight mohair or suri/silk blend or plied, worsted weight yarn in the following amount(s) for a cropped/mid-length body:

• Yards: 380/485 (430/547, 480/610, 532/674, 585/739) [632/797, 688/865, 741/929, 788/989] {828/1037, 888/1109, 948/1182, 1010/1257} yards
• Meters: 348/444 (393/500, 439/557, 487/616, 535/676) [578/729, 629/791, 677/850, 721/904] {757/948, 812/1014, 867/1081, 924/1149} meters

Sample shown in Malabrigo Dos Tierras [DK weight; 50% merino wool, 50% baby alpaca] in colorway ‘Pearl’ held together with The Lamb & Kid Mho Mho [lace weight; 76% super-fine kid mohair, 24% silk] in colorway ‘Kitten.’

NEEDLES

• US 6 (4 mm) circular needle, 24” (60 cm), or needle size necessary to obtain correct gauge
• US 4 (3.5 mm) circular needle, 24” (60 cm), or needle size .5 mm smaller than gauge needle
• Circular needles in both sizes, 32” (80 cm) or length appropriate for body circumferences of the size chosen
• (1) Double-pointed needle or spare circular needle in same size as gauge needle

GAUGE
20 sts and 30 rows/rounds = 4” (10 cm) in stockinette stitch using larger needles, blocked

NOTIONS

• (1) Stitch marker, unique, for beginning of round
• (2) Stitch markers, color A, for cable and lace panels
• (1) Stitch marker, color B, for side
• (1) Locking stitch marker
• Cable needle
• (2) Double-ended stitch holders and smooth waste yarn
• Tapestry needle

#vanessasmithdesigns #bestievestie