Play with Fisherman’s Rib in This Fun Long Vest Project

Brioche knitting has been popular for a while now, but I feel like maybe fisherman’s rib is starting to catch up in terms of seeing it more in patterns. They have a very similar look but a lot of people feel that fisherman’s rib is easier. (I do, too, and I know a lot of people love it because one of the most popular posts on my blog is a fisherman’s rib scarf.)

Both brioche and fishermans rib make a kind of thick, squishy fabric that might not feel appropriate for hotter weather, but the Yapa vest by Cecilia Lalanne and Maria Cano for Maos del Uruguay definitely feels like something you can wear when the weather is warm.

It’s worked flat in pieces from the bottom up, so you can make it any length you like, but I like this long version. It uses two different colors of their Alegria yarn, which is a fingering weight blend of merino wool and polyamide, which brings a little coolness to the party (as do these pretty candy colors).

The pieces include integrated I-cord edging, which makes the finishing that much easier. All you have to do is sew the shoulder seams together and join the sides as much or as little as you want. (As shown the color change and the armhole shaping mark the border of where the sides are joined, but if you don’t want such a deep armhole or split hem you can sew up more of it.)

The pattern comes in eight sizes ranging from a bust circumference of 34.5 to 56.5 inches, or 88 to 144 cm. It looks best with a few inches of ease and is shown here with 4.5 inches/12 cm of positive ease.

This is a free pattern available as a download on Ravelry.

If you need help learning how to knit fisherman’s rib, check out my post on the subject.

[Photo: Manos del Uruguay]

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There is something wonderfully nostalgic about a pair of handmade bed socks, isn’t there? They are practical, pretty, and just the sort of project that feels like it belongs beside a cup of tea, a good film, and a basket of wool that is pretending not to be overflowing.

This vintage Bed Socks knitting pattern is one of those sweet little patterns that still feels useful today. Originally from the Jaeger Hand-Knit Series No. 44, the design features a simple garter-stitch foot, a ribbed cuff, eyelet holes, a crochet chain tie, and little tassel-style pom-poms at the front. The original pattern even describes them as “a very acceptable present,” and honestly, I don’t think much has changed there.

These would make a lovely handmade gift for someone who is always cold, someone recovering or resting, or anyone who appreciates a bit of old-fashioned comfort. They would also be beautiful as a Mother’s Day gift, a winter birthday present, a Christmas stocking filler, or a “just because you deserve cozy feet” project.

The pattern itself is delightfully simple in construction. The socks are knitted flat, beginning at the lower edge, with the foot worked in garter stitch before moving into the ribbed upper section. The decorative eyelet row allows for a crochet chain cord to be threaded through, and the finishing tassels give the socks that charming vintage look. The top edge is finished with a row of double crochet, which adds a neat handmade touch.

The original measurements list the socks as approximately 10½ inches from the top to the lower edge of the heel, with a 9¾ inch foot length, and the pattern notes that the size can be adapted. As with many vintage knitting patterns, modern knitters will want to check gauge carefully and choose a soft yarn that feels comfortable against the skin. A cozy wool blend, soft acrylic, or washable yarn would all work depending on whether you are making these for everyday use or as a special gift.

I especially love that this pattern has that “giftable” quality without being a massive project. It is small enough to feel achievable, but still special enough that the finished pair looks thoughtful. And let’s be honest, handmade socks with pom-poms are always going to beat a last-minute candle from the supermarket.

The PDF version has been cleaned up and formatted for easier reading while keeping the original vintage design intact. It also includes a modern pink mockup image and the original vintage scan, so you get both the historical charm and a fresh idea of how the finished socks could look today.

If you enjoy vintage knitting patterns, cozy handmade gifts, or quick projects that feel useful rather than just decorative, this sweet little bed socks pattern is a lovely one to add to your collection.

You can find the Vintage Bed Socks Knitting Pattern PDF in the CraftGossip Etsy store.

For supplies, this is also a nice stash-friendly project. A soft yarn from Mary Maxim or Amazon would work well, and if you make pom-poms regularly, a small pom-pom maker is one of those inexpensive tools that saves a surprising amount of fiddling.

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