The Winter Prairie Vest is a beautifully textured, versatile piece perfect for layering during the colder months. With a simple yet flattering shape, this vest can be worn belted for a more structured look or with open fronts for a relaxed, flowing style. Its cozy texture adds warmth without sacrificing style, making it the perfect companion for skinny jeans or a midi skirt paired with boots. Whether you’re heading out for a casual day or dressing up for a cozy evening, the Winter Prairie Vest will effortlessly elevate your winter wardrobe. Ideal for those seeking a comfortable and stylish layering option, this vest combines both practicality and chicness, ensuring you stay warm and fashionable all season long.
Time: 1 Week Project
Skill Level: Intermediate
Size: Finished Bust Size 34.75 (39.75, 44.5, 49.5, 54.5)”
3-4″ positive ease recommended.
Shown in size 39.75″
Gauge: 13 sts and 21 rows = 4″ [10 cm] in St st after wet blocking
Materials
Yarn: Katia Merino Tweed (51% Merino, 43% Acrylic, 6% Viscose; 87 yards [80 meters]/50 grams: 301 Beige 8 (9, 11, 13, 15) balls).
Needles: US Size 10 (6 mm) 40 and 47″ circulars
Notions: Stitch markers, Tapestry needle
Special Stitches
Seed stitch
Row 1: *P1, k1; rep from * to end.
Row 2: *K1, p1; rep from * to end.
Rep Rows 1-2 for pattern.
Lace Pattern (multiple of 8 sts +1)
Row 1 (RS): *K1, yo, skp, k3, k2tog, yo; rep from * until last st, k1.
Rows 2, 4 & 6: Purl
Row 3: *K2, yo, skp, k1, k2tog, yo, k1; rep from * until last st, k1.
Row 5: *K3, yo, sk2p, yo, k2; rep from * until last st, k1.
Rep Rows 1-6 for pattern.
Beg Dec (at the beginning of the row) (RS): (P1, k1) 3 times, p1, skp, work Lace patt/Seed st until 6 sts rem, (k1, p1) 3 times.
End Dec (at the end of the row) (RS): (P1, k1) 3 times, work Lace patt/ Seed st until 9 sts rem, k2tog, (p1, k1) 3 times, p1.
Pattern Notes
The body of this vest is worked back and forth in one piece to the armholes, then divided for working the fronts and back separately.
Circular needles are used to accommodate large number of sts. Do not join, work in rows.
Slip st at the beginning of every row.
Pattern
Body
CO 113 (129, 145, 161, 177) sts.
Work 12 rows in Seed st, then 6 rows as follows: 8 sts in Seed st, work Lace Pattern until 8 sts rem, 8 sts in Seed st, ending with a WS row.
Rep Rows 1-18 five more times, then Rows 1-12 once more.
Separate Fronts and Back
Split sts so there are 27 (31, 35, 39, 43) sts for right front, 56 (64, 72, 80, 88) sts for right armhole and back, 30 (34, 38, 42, 46) sts for left armhole and left front. (113 (129, 145, 161, 177) sts)
Right Front
Next Row (Beg Dec, RS): (P1, k1) 3 times, p1, skp, work Lace Pattern until 6 sts rem, (p1, k1) 3 times.
Cont working in established pattern, alternating 6 rows Lace Pattern and 12 rows in Seed st 3 (3, 3, 4, 4) times.
Rep Dec Row every 6 rows 8 (8, 8, 11, 11) more times. (18 (22, 26, 27, 31) sts)
BO knitwise.
Back
With WS facing, join yarn at left of the Right Front edge.
Next Row (RS): BO next 3 sts for right armhole, 6 sts in Seed st, work Lace Pattern until 6 sts rem, (p1, k1) 3 times.
Work even in established pattern, until the armhole meas same as the Right Front, ending with a WS row. (53 (61, 69, 77, 85) sts)
BO knitwise.
Left Front
With WS facing, join yarn at left Back edge.
Next Row (End Dec, RS): BO next 3 sts for the left armhole, 6 sts in Seed st, work Lace Pattern until 9 sts rem, k2tog, (p1, k1) 3 times, p1.
Cont working in established pattern, alternating 6 rows Lace Pattern and 12 rows in Seed st 3 (3, 3, 4, 4) times.
Rep Dec Row every 6 rows 8 (8, 8, 11, 11) more times. (18 (22, 26, 27, 31) sts)
BO knitwise.
Finishing
Weave in all ends.
Block to dimensions given in schematic.
Seam shoulders using Mattress stitch.
Skp , slip knit purl?
Hello! I’ve reached out to the designer for advice and she or I will reply as soon as possible. Thanks! – Nicola, Editor
Hello! Skp (slip, knit, pass slipped stitch over) is a left-slanting decrease: slip one stitch knitwise, knit the next stitch and pass the slipped stitch over the knit stitch. – Blazenka, Designer
I like this pattern. But, the supply list for the needles states US Size J/10 (6 mm) 40 and 47″ circulars. When I read this, I immediately thought it was referring to a crochet hook. I know this is knitting but it is a bit confusing. Because I knit so much, I understand that the knitting needle size is US 10 (that’s 6 mm). You might want to clarify this requirement.
Hello! I’ve reached out to the designer for advice and she or I will reply as soon as possible. Thanks! – Nicola, Editor
Thank you, I really enjoyed designing this pattern and I’m so pleased you like it!
This is a typo (kind of automatic, because I’m also a crochet pattern designer), my sincerest apologies for this! You’re right, US Size J/10 is a crochet hook size and instead it should be knitting needles US Size 10 (6 mm) 40 and 47″ circulars. – Blazenka, Designer