Knitting

Patterns, projects and techniques

Knit a Vest with Cabled Details

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When it comes to knit vests, I definitely have an ideal in mind. I like pretty simple shapes, and often simple stitch patterns, too, because I tend to wear vests as a layer, and not necessarily the top one.

But there are definitely vest patterns out there that make the arguments for being front and center in your outfit.

Example: the Maple Vest from Yun Jeong.

At first glance this looks like a pretty simple design, mostly stockinette, maybe not even that interesting. Then you notice the pretty edgings made with cables and twisted stitches. And the deep split on the sides that show off a bit of what you’re wearing underneath. There’s also a high-low hem for added ease of wearing. The armholes are pretty deep for comfort and ease of layering, and it looks like the neckline might be folded over and seamed, which gives it a bit more stability.

This vest is rated for intermediate knitters and uses a strand of fine and a strand of super fine yarn held together (or use a single strand of sport weight). The designer used a sock yarn combined with a mohair yarn for a piece that’s lightweight but warm and fuzzy, but that still highlights the graphic element of the cables.

The design comes in four sizes, with chest measurements ranging from 98 to 156 centimeters (that’s 38.5 to 61.4 inches). It’s clearly meant to be worn with a fair bit of ease, but the pattern notes on Ravelry don’t give any more details than “easy fit” so you can choose the size that fits you with the amount of ease you are comfortable with, bearing in mind this is meant to be worn over other clothes (but probably not over a sweater, which is what I would probably do).

You can get a copy of this pattern on Ravelry.

[Photo: Yun Jeong]

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Felted Bag Knitting Patterns

I feel like felting is a knitting genre that deserves a resurgence. My first knitting book (which came out in 2008, eek!) was all about felting, but I don’t feel like there are a lot of felting knitting projects out there these days. I really like the technique as an easy way to make a thicker, more durable knit fabric, and it’s actually perfect for knitting bags.

The ZZ Bag from yamagara recently caught my eye and got me thinking about felted bags, and maybe remaking one of the bags that was in that book. This one has a fun zigzag pattern and is worked in worsted weight yarn. You can find the pattern on Ravelry.

A lot of the other knit and felted bag patterns I could find were older, but that doesn’t make them bad patterns. I’ve always loved the booga bag from Black Sheep Bags (the pattern is on their website but the photo is broken so you can also check it out on Ravelry). This is a fun one because you can use all your leftovers or a self-striping yarn (the original was made with Noro) to give it a colorful look that’s super easy to knit. 

An envelope purse is another easy shape to knit, and this version from Lavender Hill Knits on Etsy comes in different sizes for younger girls and teens or adults. The small version is worked with one strand of worsted weight yarn, while the larger uses two held together.

The Japanese knot bag is a classic, and a felted version is a lot of fun. You can find this pattern from Cindy Pilon on Ravelry and knit one for yourself using bulky yarn. I also love her bag The Curve, which is also on Ravelry and has a fun rounded shape and contrasting handles.

And there’s also the amazing stained glass bag from Knitting Dream, which also uses a Noro yarn, but you could use wool scraps on the different fans to give it a unique look. There are two size options to choose from and it’s not as tricky as it looks.