Anyday Vest by Lily Kate France

Anyday Vest

Knitting
January 2021
Bulky (7 wpi) ?
14 stitches and 18 rows = 4 inches
in stocking stitch
7.0 mm
US 10 - 6.0 mm
316 - 726 yards (289 - 664 m)
to fit bust 28-30 (32-34, 36-38, 40-42, 44-46) [48-50, 52-54, 56-58, 60-62] {64-66; 68-70} inches
English
This pattern is available for £7.50 GBP buy it now

The chunky vest that quickly became my go-to layering item – I hope it will for you too! My Anyday Sweater (2019) became an Anyday Cardigan (2020) became an Anyday Vest (2021).

YARN
Chunky / bulky weight yarn, approximately 290 (322; 356; 389; 419) 457; 504; 541; 586 {635; 666} metres / 316 (351; 389; 424; 457) 498; 550; 590; 639 {692; 726} yards.
Sample shown in Debbie Bliss Merion, a blend of 50% merino and 50% acrylic, in shade Mint. If using this yarn, you will need 3 (4; 4; 4; 5) 5; 6; 6; 6 {7; 7} balls.

Other yarns used by test knitters:

  • Lion Brand Hue & Me
  • Rowan Big Wool
  • Cascade 128 Superwash
  • West Yorkshire Spinners Re:Treat
  • Three Irish Girls Springvale Chunky

NEEDLES & NOTIONS
7mm and 6mm circular needles of length 24” / 60cm for the main body, and 6mm needles of your preferred length for working smaller circumferences on the neckband and armbands (eg. 16” circulars or long needle for magic loop).
You will also need 4 stitch markers of 2 different types, scrap yarn, and a tapestry needle.

GAUGE
14 sts and 18 rows to 4” / 10 cm in stocking stitch on 7mm needles, blocked.

SIZING
To fit bust: 28-30 (32-34; 36-38; 40-42; 44-46) (48-50; 52-54; 56-58; 60-62) (64-66; 68-70) inches / 71-76 (81-86; 91-97; 102-107; 112-117) (122-127; 132-137; 142-147; 152-157) (162-167; 172-177) cm

Finished bust: 31.5 (36; 39.5; 44; 47.5) (52; 55.5; 60; 63.5) (68; 71.5) inches / 80 (91; 100; 112; 120) (132; 141; 152; 161) (173; 181) cm.

CONSTRUCTION: the Anyday Vest is worked inside out, seamlessly, from the bottom up.

YARN CHOICES: the merino / acrylic blend used in my sample made for a reasonably dense but lightweight fabric that keeps its shape well. During the test knitting process it was established that more drapey yarns such as alpaca produce a fabric that is more prone to stretching out, especially for the larger sizes where the garment is heavier. When choosing yarns, its worth considering how much your yarn is likely to grow / bloom / stretch over a larger surface area, and potentially dropping a needle size or sizing down to account for this.

I LOVE seeing people knit my patterns and make them their own - if you could tag @lilykatemakes and #AnydayVest on Instagram that would be great!