Episode 27 of my Knit Kind podcast is dedicated to this design!

Rosalind, the heroine of Shakespeare’s As You Like It, is often recognized for her resilience, sharp wit, strength, loyalty, and beauty. I named Rosalind Vest after this character as a nod to my grandmother who was my knitting inspiration and whose summer cottage was called “Azulikit.”

Rosalind Vest features Thorn Stitch, a slip stitch pattern that is a personal favorite. Thorns are often used as symbols in literature and art. They represent the complexity of life and overcoming adversity. In many cultures, they are also seen as guardians that protect against evil spirits. Rosalind Vest features Thorn Stitch in a way that captures its various meanings and, for those who embrace it, shields negative energy and supports holistic wellness.

Rosalind is a seamless vest worked top-down. It begins with cast-on stitches at the back neck, followed by shoulder shaping. The garment is knit flat until the underarm. Stitches are then picked up along the shoulders to knit the front, creating the appearance of a tailored shoulder seam. Once the front is knit to the underarm, both sides are joined to knit in the round. The colorwork employs slipped stitches and requires only one color of yarn per round. The vest is finished with a split hem of twisted rib. Garter selvage edges make finishing easier where trim is added to the neck and armholes.

Bonus! Included with the pattern are addenda instructions (which were used by some testers) to guide you through modifications for the neckline and placement of Thorn Stitch.

Garment dimensions at full chest: 32 (36.5, 40, 44.5, 48) 52.5, 56, 60.5, 64, 68.5” / 81.5 (92.5, 101.5, 113, 122) 133.5, 142, 153.5, 162.5, 174 cm

Sizing note for Sizes 7–10: These sizes are designed to fit chest measurements greater than 50” (127 cm) on bodies with breasts and/or more volume on the front of the body. More increases are distributed across the front, resulting in 3.5–4.5” (8.5–11.5 cm) of additional fabric width on the front than on the back.

Suggested needles: For the body, Needle A, US10 (6.0 mm) circular needle, or whatever needle size meets gauge, in a preferred length based on the garment circumference. For trim, Needle B, US9 (5.5 mm), or one size down from gauge Needle A, in your preferred method for working smaller circumferences at the armholes and neck, and for working the front and back hems flat.

Gauge: Measurements in 4” (10 cm) square, after blocking. Stockinette (flat), 14 sts x 20 R; Thorn Stitch (in the round), 14 sts x 24 R; Twisted Rib (on Needle B, flat and in the round), 15 sts x 26 R

Notions: 8 removable stitch markers, BOR marker, try-on cords or stitch holders, tapestry needle

Yardage Requirements: 460 (510, 595, 665, 735) 810, 875, 990, 1035, 1150 yards / 421 (466, 544, 608, 672) 741, 800, 905, 946, 1052 meters of MC; 60 (65, 85, 95, 110) 135, 145, 170, 180, 210 yards / 55 (59, 78, 87, 101) 123, 133, 155, 165, 192 meters of CC. Modifications may require additional yardage.

To explore yarn substitution ideas, please check out this link: Rosalind Yarn Alternatives

This pattern has been professionally tech edited and tested.