This stunning lace tie front vest is sure to integrate seamlessly into your wardrobe, adding a little bit of feminine whimsy. It’s fitted through the upper torso, then skims gently over your curves. The armhole depth allows for easy layering, leaving sleeves unbunched. Meanwhile the tie front is adjustable, so it can be tied more loosely when layering over bulkier pieces. Looks great over loose blouses, dresses, turtlenecks, and even t-shirts.

Construction:
The Lace Whimsy Vest is worked from the top down using an English Tailored Shoulder construction. It is worked flat without seaming. The back is worked first, then stitches are picked up for the fronts, which then connect to the back with an underarm cast on. From then on the body is knit straight down, with optional bust short rows, ending with front notch shaping. Finally stitches are picked up to work the I-cord ties and trim around the neckline, and a crochet edging is worked around the armholes and body.

This pattern has been professionally tech edited by Sarah Endres, and has been test knit.

Included:
-Main Pattern PDF
-PDF with charts (pages grouped by size, main PDF explains which pages are needed)
-Illustrated Construction Overview
-Modification for A-line body shaping
-Modification for working in ribbing instead of lace
-Optional Bust Short Row instructions
-Hyperlinks and page references in the pattern for easy navigation to different sections
-Links to video tutorials and explanations of special techniques

Sizing:
I recommend choosing a size based on your upper chest measurement, or the one that will fit your shoulders best.

Finished garment bust circumference:
31.24”, 34.5”, 37.75”, (41”, 44.25”, 47.5”){50.75”, 54.25”, 57.25”. 60.5”}
/ 78 cm, 86 cm, 94.5 cm, (102.5 cm, 110.5 cm, 118.5 cm) {126.5 cm, 135.5 cm, 143.5 cm, 151.5 cm}

Graded to be worn with neutral ease at the upper chest (garment is the same circumference as your upper chest measurement). The cross shoulder measurement is intended to be close to your cross front measurement. See photos to see where the shoulders are meant to end on the body.

Body length and Armscye Depth are easily adjustable. The stockinette panels at the underarms also allow for body shaping to be added easily.

Sample is size 2, with .75” / 2 cm bust darts, worn with neutral ease at the Upper Chest, and 2.25” / 5.5 cm of negative ease at the full bust.

Please see the size chart and schematic in the photos for additional garment measurements. A-D are finished garment measurements.

As with all my size inclusive garment patterns, you can use the code ANTIFATTAX to get 20% off the pattern. Intended for sizes 6-10 to help combat the extra costs incurred by knitting larger sizes.

Gauge:
30 stitches and 38 rows in 4” / 10 cm in lace pattern on (Larger) needles, after blocking.

NOTE: Several test knitters had row gauges closer to 36/37 rows in 4” / 10 cm. Check your row gauge carefully. The pattern includes instructions for how to adjust if this is the case for you.

Needles & Notions:
(Larger) US 3 / 3.25 mm circular needles, or size needed to obtain gauge after blocking.

(Smaller) US 2.5 / 3 mm circular needles, or 1/2 size smaller than (Larger) needles, used for the I-cord trim.

2.5 mm crochet hook, used for the crochet trim.

6 stitch markers, 5 removable stitch markers, darning needle, scissors, tape measure, waste yarn or stitch holders (optional).

Yardage:
Explorer Knits + Fibers Cashmere Caverns Sock 2, 2, 2, (3, 3, 3), {3, 3, 4, 4} skeins (435 yards / 398 meters per 100 g), 80% Merino, 10% Nylon, 10% Cashmere, in the color ‘Dusk’.

OR 675, 741, 834, (902, 992, 1062) {1144, 1211, 1319, 1362} yards / 618, 678, 763, (825, 908, 971) {1047, 1108, 1206, 1246} meters of comparable fingering weight yarn.