The Grandma Vest was designed to be worked from the top down in one piece with integrated armhole and neck borders to minimize finishing. Length can be cropped or tunic length depending on how much yarn is available. The intention is to use up stash or make use of a happy surprise gleaned from the clearance shelf. The name comes from my husband’s memory of the vests his grandmother knit for herself with bright acrylic yarn in the 1970’s.

Pattern includes instructions for seven sizes from 32” to 51” finished chest measurement. Gauge is 20 stitches and 29.5 rows over 4” of lace pattern on US 6 (4mm) needles.

Lace Pattern repeat is 8 stitches wide and 16 rows high with the same stitch count in each row making it easier to identify and rectify mistakes before starting the next pattern row/round.

Cardigan Border edging on neck and armholes includes 3 stitch I-cord and 5 stitches of ribbing measuring about 1” wide. Edging is worked along with the lace pattern on the body and joined together at the v-neck and underarms.

Construction
The garment is begun by casting on for the shoulders of the back and worked straight (back and forth) from the shoulder, through armhole increases, to the bottom of armhole. Working several repeats of the Lace Pattern in this flat section without shaping provides an opportunity for the knitter to become familiar with the motif and be prepared to incorporate the pattern into increases as appropriate.

Stitches for the left front are picked up from the left back shoulder and worked through the left neck shaping, including the edging at the neck and armhole. Stitches for the right front are picked up from the right back shoulder and, in addition, stitches for the back neck edging is picked up from the back neck. The back neck edging is worked back and forth in a continuation of the left front neck edging and attached to the back at the same time. Stitches for the back neck edging continue into the right front neck edging.

When the right front is complete through the neck shaping, the right and left side are joined and front armhole shaping begins, still working flat. When front armhole shaping is complete and front length matches the back, the back and front are joined and the piece is worked in the round to desired length.