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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