A very close-fitting sleeveless vest or slipover knitted in two tone pin stripes from the bottom up with shaped bustier, neck and armhole binding. Stitches used are knit, purl, rib and slip stitch. Some basic chart reading and a small amount of sewing is required.

This vest is very flattering creating a two-tone optical illusion which accentuates your curves and pinches the waist into a traditional hourglass silhouette. You’ll find it looks great on all body shapes where the waist is smaller than the hips.

The style is very versatile and gives you many options for outfits.

• Dress it up with a floaty, voluminous print blouse
• Wear it to work with a business shirt and wide leg linen trousers
• Create a folk style with a peasant blouse and bohemian skirt
• or go casual with an unbuttoned long sleeve, slim fit top

This vest can make you feel feminine and saucy. “Come up and see me sometime.” as Mae West would say.

There are extensive fitting notes included in this pattern if you like a custom fit. Also included is a schematic diagram chart of measurements, a yarn chart, glossary and list of abbreviations in the pattern. Measurements are written in both cm and inches and have been professionally tech edited to give you assurance of a more accurate pattern.

Sizes
30 (34, 38, 42, 46, 50, 54)

Yarn
2 x fingering weight yarns in contrasting colours, a darker Main Colour (MC) and lighter Contrast Colour (CC). Make the CC colour more light (higher contrast) if you want your figure to look more shapely.

Gauge on 3.25mm (US size 3) circular needles
Stocking stitch 28 sts = 10cm x 10cm (4″ x 4″)
Slip stitch 36 sts x 58 rows = 10cm x 10cm (4″ x 4″)

Colours
This pattern uses two colours. If you’ve bought the pattern and feel unsure about the colours you have chosen; post a photo of your yarn in the comments section here on the pattern page asking for help. I am happy to give you my opinion before you start. By commenting on the pattern, the conversation can be seen by other knitters and, hopefully, this advice will help them as well.

Please note: There have been some pattern alterations since the sample photographs. The bustier below waist has been lengthened slightly, the upper front shape of the dark bustier has been shaped to be more curved, short rows have been added to the bust.

There are more notes on my website blog about designing the Mae West vest here. https://drummrollknitwear.com/mae-west-knitted-bustier-vest-or-slipover/ If you have any questions, I am here to answer and help you through your project. Let’s do it!

Connect with me
On my website: https://drummrollknitwear.com
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