This pattern is part of The Confluence Collection.

With the fronts and back yoke knit in one piece this vest is a wardrobe staple from the front, with a bit of attitude when viewed from behind. Short rows shape the yoke, and allow the textured front band to stand up as it becomes the collar.

The two fronts and back yoke of this sweater are knit in a single piece, beginning with the right front panel, continuing across the back, and then down the left front panel, using short rows for shaping. After the back is knit separately, the two pieces are sewn together at the side seams and the center of the back yoke. The narrowest point of the sweater should hit at the natural waist. All waist shaping is done on the back piece. All side edges that will be seamed together are worked with a slip stitch edging so they will be even and easy to sew.

Yarn: 720 {810, 900, 990 1080, 1170, 1260} yards of DK weight yarn. Sample shown in Anzula Mariposa (50% Huacaya Alpaca/25% Suri Alpaca/25% Tussah Silk, 190 yds per 3 oz skein) in ‘Claret’; 12 wpi

Needles: 3.75mm (US 5) needles for flat knitting on body, or size needed to obtain gauge, and 3.5mm (US 4) (or needles one size smaller) for facings

Gauge: 21 stitches & 32 rows in 4 inches (10cm) square in stockinette stitch after blocking using larger needle.

Finished Sizes: XS{S, M, L, 1x, 2x, 3x} corresponding to bust circumference of 32{36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56} inches (81.5{91.5, 101.5, 112, 122, 132, 142}cm). For specific measurements, see schematic on page 2.

Notions: stitch markers, tapestry needle to weave in ends and seam. 8 hook & eye sets and matching thread.

This sweater is meant to be worn with no ease, and to avoid gaping, it is closed with hooks and eyes. For an alternate closure you could use a shawl pin. If you wish to sew button loops and buttons on the sweater to make a more permanent closure, you may wish to choose a size with a little bit of positive ease for a fuller fit across the bust when the vest is buttoned.

Cast on should be worked with a long-tail method over a circular needle held double (or two needles held together) as shown in the tutorial video at http://youtu.be/IhQaIckH5H0. When the extra needle is removed, the cast on is even, but loose enough to block easily. It also makes knitting your first row a breeze.

Chart is also given with text transcriptions of the chart.

Sweater is shown in 36” size on a 36” bust.

Short rows in this pattern are to be worked as follows: w&t on RS: sl next st purlwise, bring the yarn to the front between the needles, return slipped stitch to the left needle. Bring the yarn to the back of the work, turn and continue. w&t on WS: sl next st purlwise, bring the yarn to the back between the needles, return slipped stitch to the left needle. Bring the yarn to the front of the work, turn and continue. Pick up Row on RS: insert the right needle from bottom to top through the wrap and then through the wrapped stitch as if to knit. Knit the two sts together. Pick up Row on WS: insert the left needle from top to bottom into the wrap and then through the wrapped stitch as if to purl, then purl these two loops together as one. It might be helpful to lift the wrap onto the left hand needle first and then purl the two sts together.

Stitches Used: knit, purl, k2tog, ssk, slipped stitches with yarn in front and with yarn in back, use of markers, wrap and turn short rows with descriptions included, make 1 right, make 1 left.

Photos Copyright Caro Sheridan