Vests are timeless layering pieces and always add style to any outfit. Depending on the fiber you choose, they can be worn all year. They are so fast to knit and can work in any kind of yarn weight. A wool chunky vest? Perfect for winter! A fingering cotton vest? It's a must for summer! In this class you will learn how to self draft a seamless bottom-up vest pattern.

You will learn how to take accurate body measurements, calculate the number of stitches to cast on, plan ease, and self draft a good shaping vest! You can choose between a V-neck or a crew neck. You will also learn how to calculate the increased and decreased stitches to design a beautiful armhole. In the end, we will put front and back together with a 3-needle-bind-off technique.

In class, you will make a 6-month-baby size vest to understand how to calculate all the steps, write the pattern, and learn the techniques required. You will leave the class ready to write a pattern and knit a vest in any size and any wool weight at home. Note: Grading is not part of this class.

Technique Requirements: knit/purl, cast on/bind off, increase/decrease, basic finishing techniques

Using a worsted-weight wool, work a 4 inches gauge resulting 18 st x 22 rows over stockinette stitch on 8 US/5mm needles.

• Worsted-weight wool yarn. I recommend Malabrigo Rios (210 yards/ 192 meters/ 100g/ 3.53 ounces) or similar
• 8 US/ 5 mm circular needle with a 16 inch/24 inch cable
• markers
• tapestry needle
• printed handout
• pen and pencils
• calculator (you can use your cell phone!)