Balboa is an unusual waistcoat design, which is superb for protecting your neck and back against chilly evenings and is so light, you almost forget you are wearing it (apart from the copious amounts of compliments you’re getting)! Knitted on 7mm needles with Purl Alpaca DK yarn, Balboa grows quickly and the constant shaping and edge pattern makes it both interesting and fun to knit. The short-row shaping technique ensures the garment fits into the small of your back and each row includes the fabulous blackberry stitch border giving textured detail to the collar and edge.

The shaping is extremely flattering and this is an interesting and fun project to make; something to snuggle into during the cold winter months. Balboa can be fastened at the front with a broach, button or pin to give an extra indication of the hour-glass figure.

Balboa waistcoat is knitted in Purl Alpaca DK and photographed in colours Alpaca Night (black) and Alpaca Light (ivory).

Skill level: intermediate
Sizes:
X-Small: UK sizes 4-6, to fit approx 73cm/29? bust (5 balls of yarn)
Small: UK sizes 8-10, to fit approx 83cm/33? bust (5 balls of yarn)
Medium: UK sizes 12-14, to fit approx 93cm/37? bust (6 balls of yarn)
Large: UK sizes 16-18, to fit approx 102cm/40? bust (6 balls of yarn)
X-Large: UK sizes 20-22, to fit approx 112cm/44? bust (7 balls of yarn)

Knitted on 7 mm needles
Tension: 13sts and 28 rows to 10cm square over Garter Stitch