The Fair Isle vest: a classic wardrobe staple that never goes out of style. The Wellspring vest features an allover, easy-to-memorize colorwork pattern offset by flattering vertical stripes on each side. For the most timeless result, knit this in two solid, complementary colorways. For the more adventurous knitter, this vest is a great opportunity to show off a variegated yarn by pairing it with a solid neutral colorway.

The vest is knit in the round from the bottom hem up to the base of the armhole and neck shaping, at which point steeks are added so that the body can be knit in the round to the shoulders. The shoulders are seamed and the steeks are cut and secured, after which the armhole and neck edgings are knit.

Materials:

Sportweight yarn at 360 yds (329 m) per approx 118 g (4.25 oz):
» MC: 580 (655, 730, 875, 955, 1,035) yds / 530 (600, 670, 800, 875, 950) m
» CC: 410 (470, 525, 640, 700, 760) yds / 375 (430, 480, 585, 640, 695) m
» Sample shown in Madelinetosh Pashmina (75% merino, 15% silk, 10% cashmere; 360 yds/118 g): “Glazed Pecan” (MC) and “Natural” (CC), 2 skeins each.

Needles:

US 2 (2.75 mm): 24” (60 cm) circular needle (for hem) and DPNs (for edgings), or size needed to obtain gauge
US 3 (3.25 mm): 24” (60 cm) circular needle (for body), or size needed to obtain gauge

Notions:

Stitch markers; waste yarn or three stitch holders; yarn needle

Gauges:

29 sts / 31 rnds = 4” (10 cm) in Colorwork Pattern on larger needle, after blocking
28 sts / 41 rnds = 4” (10 cm) in 1x1 Rib on smaller needle, after blocking