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The Pearla Vest
The Pearla Vest is a cabled vest featuring “horseshoe crab shapes“ made from simple cables throughout. It begins at the back of the neck, a chart is followed to increase the width of the shoulders and then worked back and forth to shape the back of the armholes. The front chest panels are picked up from each shoulder and worked individually until the neckline is shaped and joined. The front chest panel is worked back and forth to shape the front of the armholes. Once completed, the front and back panels are joined and worked back and forth until the length is completed. The vest is finished with a ribbed hem, armholes and button band with a simple applied i-cord neckline.
Schematics
Sizes: 1 (2, 3, 4) 5 (6, 7)
Ease: Positive Ease of 1 - 6”
Initial Shoulder Strap Width: 2.8 (4.4, 4.4, 6) 6 (7.7, 7.7)” or 7 (11, 11, 15.5) 15.5 (19.5, 19.5) cm
Armhole Circumference: 19.5 (21, 22.5, 24.75) 26 (28, 29.25) ” or 40.5 (53, 57, 63) 66 (71, 74.5) cm
Length (Shoulder to Hem; can be customized): 18.25 (20, 21, 22) 22.75 (23.75, 24.75)” or 46 (51, 53, 56) 58 (60.5, 62.5) cm
Bust Circumference: 31 (37.5, 44, 50.75) 57 (63.75”, 70.25)” or 79 (95.5, 112 , 128.5) 145 (162, 178.5) cm
Sample is worked in size 2, bust is 34”
Materials
US 6 / 4 mm 16”, 24” and/or 40” circular needles (for body) or needles used to obtain gauge.
US 4 / 3.5 mm (for edgings)
Cable needle of same size as needle used for body
Removable & regular stitch markers
Tapestry Needle
4-5 ½” buttons
Gauge
4” x 4” in Stockinette/Blocked: 19 stitches by 28 rows (for help with yarn choice)
4” by 4” in “Horseshoe Crab Stitch Repeat” Blocked: 22 stitches by 29 rows
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: 350 (450, 550, 650) 750 (875, 990) g
Yardage: 574 (738, 902, 1066) 1230 (1435, 1624) yds
Meters: 525 (675, 825, 975) 1125 (1312, 1485) 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: 15 (18, 21, 24) 27( 30, 34) g
Yardage: 25 (30, 34, 39) 44 (49, 56) yds
Meters: 22 (27, 31, 36) 40 (45, 51) m
Skills Needed
Reading charts
Increasing on RS & WS
Picking up stitches
Grafting/Kitchener Stitch
Cables
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- First published: November 2025
- Page created: November 16, 2025
- Last updated: November 16, 2025 …
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