This is a classic vest or a fairly conservative sleeveless shell but it’s knitted from the top down. Sometimes doing this makes it easier to get a nice bottom edge and to re-form the ribbing if working it by hand. Also, it’s just fun to try it for a change. I have always found working hand latched ribbing to be easier done from this direction. My theory is that having some fabric below to hold onto is helpful.

Originally, this pattern was only child sized and appears in my Top Down Togs book as Top Down Vest for Tots in chest sizes 26, 28 & 30”. My friend and fellow knitter, Jane Lane, wondered about doing it for adults and we collaborated. I did the numbers and the writing, she did the knitting and modeling and this is the result. It was her idea to add a crocheted flower. A link to the free instructions she used for the flower is included. Finished chest sizes are 3638, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48, 50, 52. Finished length is 27”s very easy to lengthen or shorten the vest by adding or subtracting rows after the hem and before the underarm begins. Any #4 yarn that will get 4 stitches/6 rows/inch may be used