The Marina Vest by Rita Dowd

The Marina Vest

Knitting
November 2025
DK (11 wpi) ?
19 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches
in Stockinette
US 6 - 4.0 mm
377 - 1328 yards (345 - 1214 m)
1 (2, 3, 4) 5 (6)
English
This pattern is available for $7.75 USD buy it now

The Marina Vest features a modified Old Shale stitch to create a beautiful wavy textured fabric. The construction is simple, oversized and slightly boxy. The back is worked back and forth and then increased to shape the back of the armholes. The front chest panels are picked up from each shoulder and worked individually until the v-neckline and armholes are shaped. Once completed, the fronts and back panels are joined and worked flat until the length is completed. The hem is worked with a 3-stitch applied I-cord and then the same thing is done with the buttonband and armholes. Buttons are added last to finish the vest.

Includes Size Selection Guidance
This pattern features detailed instructions for choosing a size based on your swatch, allowing flexibility for variations in yarn thickness and gauge. With guided, informative notes, it helps you make a confident, informed decision on sizing to achieve your desired fit.

Schematics

Sizes: 1 (2, 3, 4) 5 (6)

Ease: Positive Ease of 4.5 - 13.5” (or choose size based on preferred ease - fitted, relaxed or oversized)

Sample is worked in size 2, bust is 35”.

Bust Circumference: 31.6 (42.6, 50.25, 57.75) 65.3 (72.9)” or 80 (108.5, 127.5, 147) 166 (185) cm

Length (Shoulder to Hem): 16.5 (20.3, 22, 24) 25.8 (27.7)” or 42 (51.5, 56, 61) 65.5 (70) cm measurement can be customized

Armhole Circumference: 21.8 (22.4, 24.2, 25.4) 26.6 (27.8)” or 55.5 (57, 61.5, 64.5) 67.5 (70.5) cm

V-Neck Depth: 11.3 (12.9, 13.9, 14.5) 15 (15.7)” or 29 (33, 35, 37) 38 (40) cm

Skills Needed

Provisional & knit cast on
Applied I-cord
Reading charts
Increasing on RS
Picking up stitches
Grafting/Kitchener Stitch

Materials

US 6 / 4 mm 16”, 24” and/or 40” circular needles (for body, hem & armholes) or needles used to obtain gauge.
US 4 / 3.5 mm (for armhole & neck/buttonband)
Removable stitch markers
Tapestry Needle
Scrap yarn
Crochet hook
Optional: 3-5 ½” buttons

Gauge

4” x 4” in Modified Old Shale Stitch/Blocked: 20 stitches by 29 rows

4” x 4” in Stockinette/Blocked: 19 stitches by 28 rows

Textured stitches can shift depending on the yarn or blocking; the Stockinette gauge is provided as an initial check. It helps confirm overall tension before committing to yarn choice.

Swatching Tip: Knit a swatch slightly bigger than the gauge to achieve an accurate swatch.

Yarn

Yarn: Hobbii Rainbow 8/8 100% Cotton (82 yards/75 meters per 50 grams) - DK/True Worsted)
Weight: 230 (365, 455, 565) 680 (810) g
Yardage: 377 (598, 746, 926) 1115 (1328) yds
Meters: 354 (546, 682, 846) 1019 (1214) m

10% waste and yardage needed for up to a 6x6” swatch has been factored in.

If you choose to knit a longer vest, you will need additional yardage per inch of length:
Weight: 11 (15, 17, 20) 23 (25) g
Yardage: 18 (24, 28, 33) 28 (41) yds
Meters: 16 (22, 25, 30) 35 (38) m