IBE is an oversized cardigan/vest that can be dressed up or down. It is ideal for layering. IBE stands for Inspired By Eskandar, the British clothing designer. Eskandar’s patterns are based on rectangles, and IBE is too. It is worked bottom up in pieces with row-by-row instructions and then seamed. Design details include cozy pockets and a flattering curved hemline.

The reversible all-over texture is worked in a luscious 9-strand marl from Catherine Lowe. This gorgeous yarn is called Catherine Lowe Marl 5 and can be ordered here in 400 yd (364 m) balls in eight different colorways.

IBE is a size-inclusive garment by design. It is unstructured with an open front and a hem that is higher in the front and lower in the back.

There are nine sizes: three circumferences and three lengths: 0, 1, 2, and P, M, and T. 0, 1, and 2 are 54, 64.5, and 73 inches around and P, M, and L are 24.5, 28.25, and 32.25 inches from center back neck to hem. Making the vest shorter than P or longer than T is straightforward by removing or adding repeats.

To determine your size, measure the largest circumference on your torso, whether it be your chest, bust, waist, or hips. There should be at least 8 inches of ease from this measurement, but it can be much more. The amount of ease depends on your body: If you are less curvy, aim for more ease, if you are more curvy, aim for less ease. The red and brown versions in the photos are size 1M. I wear this size with 10 inches of ease; the model is wearing the same size with over 25 inches of ease.

When you purchase the pattern you will see 10 pdfs that you can download, a main document and 9 size-specific row-by-row instructions. Download the main document first and use it to determine your size; then download the pdf for your size.

The yarn needed per size is:

1700 (2000, 2200) yd / 1555 (1830, 2015) m for sizes 0P (0M, 0L)
2000 (2300, 2600) yd / 1830 (2105, 2380) m for sizes 1P (1M, 1L)
2200 (2600, 2900) yd / 2015 (2380, 2655) m for sizes 2P (2M, 2L)