Vest Tops is the perfect beginner-friendly knitting pattern!

This Vest Top has been designed with an absolute beginner in mind to enable you to make a garment rather than an accessory, such as a scarf (like most people start with). This pattern will introduce you to basic knitting stitches, garment construction and how to follow a knitting pattern. It’s made up of two knitted rectangle pieces which are worked flat from the bottom up, making it fully reversible. This means the pattern contains options for you to get creative with colourwork and ribbing along the hem and neckline to create multiple designs and styles. Vest Tops is perfect for the Australian climate as the yarn used is a durable and breathable mix, making it the ideal wearable all year round! Wear it as a vest in the cooler months with an under garment and outer layer, or simply on its own as a top in the warmer months.

Construction
Vest Tops is worked flat from bottom up using straight or circular knitting needles. The front and back are rectangular pieces seamed together at the sides and top, allowing you to customise how large or small you want the arm holes and boatneck to be. You can also customise the colours for the front and back for two looks in one, use a different colour for the ribbing and neckbands, or try some colour blocks or stripes!

Techniques
Techniques used in this pattern include casting on and off, knitting, purling, stocking stitch, binding off, fastening off, seaming together, mattress stitch, whip stitch and weaving in ends. I suggest familiarising yourself with these techniques prior to casting on for this pattern. YouTube is your best source for tutorials on these techniques. VeryPink Knits and Purl Soho have some wonderful knitting help and basic technique tutorials on their YouTube channels.

Sizing
Finished Chest Circumference
Size 1 (XS): 79cm/31”
Size 2 (S): 89cm/35”
Size 3 (M): 99cm/39”“
Size 4 (L): 109cm/43”
Size 5 (XL): 119cm/46.75”
Size 6 (2XL): 130cm/51.25”
Size 7 (3XL): 140cm/55”
Size 8 (4XL): 150cm/59”
Size 9 (5XL): 160cm/63”

The measurements provided are a guide only. When measuring your chest, select a size that will give you 5cm/2” of positive ease (your chest measurement + 5cm/2”). Make your Vest Top in a larger size if you want more positive ease (a more generous fit), or in a smaller size for a more fitted version.

Yarn
3 (4) 4 (5) 6 (6) 7 (8) 8 balls
Panda Soft Cotton Chunky 55% acrylic 45% cotton, 70m (76.5yd) / 100g
The above yarn quantity is suggested for a solid colour only. If you’re introducing colourwork and/or ribbing for the hem
and neck, you will need to adjust your yarn amounts accordingly.

Materials
Yarn needle and scissors

Note
If you’re using Panda Soft Cotton Chunky yarn for this pattern, I can source the yarn from my supplier and post to you for a discounted rate. Please email me or contact me via any of my social media platforms for more information. Australia only.

For pattern support, questions, feedback or notes, please email me at knitsbyjessicajade@hotmail.com

Please feel free to share photos of your finished Vest Tops on social media! Don’t forget to tag #VestTops and me at
@knitsbyjessicajade so I can see your gorgeous work and celebrate your creation too :)

Email: knitsbyjessicajade@hotmail.com
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