Arenda asked me to update an older design of hers: the Basic Men’s Vest that accompanied the Vest Lesson in the Spring 2009 issue of Cast On. I was honored to take up the task! I really liked the timeless look of the wide rib, so I kept the same wide rib pattern and the fit ideas of deep armholes and a high neck, but I expanded the range of sizes to fit chests from 33–61”. I made a few changes from the original besides the size range, however. I chose a yarn that would keep this pattern appropriate as a choice to work for the Level 2 Master Hand Knitting vest requirement. A tubular cast on and bind off are used and the shoulders use stair-step shaping instead of short rows. Full-fashioned decreases are used at the front neckline to keep the ribbing flowing right up to the neck ribbing.

While this pattern would be appropriate for the MHK Level 2 vest, it is a nice straightforward knit that would be a satisfying project for any knitter and would make a wonderful classic wardrobe piece for anyone!