Richelieu Vest by Kirsten Johnstone

Richelieu Vest

Knitting
October 2017
Worsted (9 wpi) ?
18 stitches and 27 rows = 4 inches
in pattern stitch
US 7 - 4.5 mm
1440 - 2160 yards (1317 - 1975 m)
34 (37½, 41, 44½, 48, 51½)" (76 (84, 92, 100, 108, 116) cm) bust circumference
English
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Striking linear fabric is worked up this longline vest. Careful tailoring is incorporated within this elegant design to enhance the shape: A-line shaping detail to back waist and tapered front lapels ensure a flattering fit to the standup collar. Considered application of the rib pattern plus concealed in-seam pockets and seams provide structure to this deceptively casual design.

Construction Notes

  1. Vest is worked flat, from the bottom up to underarm, then fronts and back are worked separately to shoulders. Front lapels are worked separately and joined at the back neck using the three-needle bind off, then sewn to fronts of body leaving pocket openings open. Inset pockets are worked in the round with short row shaping, then tacked down to inside of fronts.
  2. Depending on your tension, the tubular cast on may require a smaller size needle for a neat edge.
  3. Row gauge in alpaca yarn will change significantly after blocking; instructions include approximate row counts for guidance.

Finished measurements
34 (37½, 41, 44½, 48, 51½)“ (76 (84, 92, 100, 108, 116) cm) bust circumference, closed with fronts overlapped (measurement is based on Back width doubled)
Sample shown in size 37½” (84 cm)
Suggested ease: Positive 1–3” (2.5–7.5 cm)

Yarn
Owl by Quince & Co. (50% wool, 50% Alpaca; 50 g / 120 yd (110 m))
12 (13, 15, 16, 17, 18) skeins in Bubo
OR
1440 (1560, 1800, 1920, 2040, 2160) yd (1320 (1430, 1650, 1760, 1870, 1980) m) in worsted weight yarn

Needles
One 32” 80 cm and one spare circ in size US 7 4.5 mm
One set dpns in size US 7 4.5 mm
Or size to obtain gauge

Other
Stitch markers
Stitch holders or waste yarn
Tapestry needle
Optional: 18” 46 cm cotton twill tape, ½“ 1.25 cm wide
Sewing needle and matching thread

Gauge
18 sts and 27 rows = 4” 10 cm in 3x1 Richelieu Rib, after blocking.
Note: For Richelieu Rib, each elongated stitch in a column of knit sts represents two rows; when counting these it will appear that 13½ rows = 4” 10 cm
18 sts and 30 rows = 4” 10 cm in St st, after blocking.

Skill Level
3/5