If you would like to be the first to hear about new pattern releases, get special subscriber only discounts, and generally keep in touch with Knitwise Design, you may want to sign up for my newsletter: News and Notes from Knitwise Design.

This vest was designed to be a special birthday gift for my dad - “Bumpa” to his grandchildren. Simple texture patterns combine to give interest to both the design and the knitting. Handy, knit-in pockets are a must for my dad - but are optional for your special man.

The design features a simple garter rib pattern below the armholes and garter stitch above, with a nice welt making the transition. After seaming, the front edges are trimmed with i-cord, which also forms the buttonholes. Shank-type buttons work best with this type of buttonhole.

The pattern is appropriate for an advanced beginner knitter. It consists of 5 pages, with a full schematic, and has been test knit and professionally tech edited to be clear and free of errors.

Sizing:
Finished chest circumference after seaming: 35 1/2 (39 1/2, 43, 49, 52 1/2, 56 1/2, 60) in/ 90.5 (101, 110, 125, 134, 144, 153) cm
Choose a finished measurement to give approx. 2 to 4 inches/ 5 to 10cm of ease when worn. Bumpa is modeling his with 3 inches/ 7.5cm of ease.

Gauge over 4 in/ 10cm:
garter rib pattern: 17 sts and 27 rows garter stitch pattern: 17.5sts and 34 rows

What You Need:
✦ Jamieson’s Shetland Heather Aran (100% Shetland Wool; 100 yds/92m per 1.75 oz/50g skein) color: #1340 - Midnight; 8 (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15) skeins. Or 761 (857, 948, 1063, 1176, 1286, 1429) yds/ 687 (771, 853, 957, 1059, 1157, 1286) m of similar aran or heavy worsted weight wool.
✦ Straight needles or a circular needle of sufficient length to hold sts for back in size required to obtain gauge. I used a US #7/ 4.5mm. You may need a size or two above or below that.
✦ One set of dpns for i-cord in same size as above
✦ 7 - 3/4 inch shank type buttons
✦ 3 stitch holders or scrap yarn
✦ tapestry needle for seaming