ATTENTION: As of August 31st, 2026, Size 8 is untested. Contact me if you would like to test knit Size 8, no purchase required.

The Dahana Sweater Vest is inspired by its namesake Dahana (@dahanadcr on IG), who is known for her chic style, bold and strategic colorways, and clever layering. The vest is worked flat from the bottom up with an oversized fit to wear as a layering piece for colder days. The tabard-style vest features a ribbed hem with a high-low design between the front and back, crewneck-style folded collar with modified double knit collar (inspired by SofiaKnitsThings) worked in the round, textured side trim, and side straps with a slide buckle.

SKILL LEVEL
3 of 5

SIZES
1 (2, 3, 4, 5) (6, 7, 8, 9)

FINISHED FLAT ACROSS UPPER CHEST AND SHOULDERS
19.5 (21.5, 23.5, 25.5, 27.5) (29.5, 31.5, 33.5, 35.5) in
49 (54, 59, 64, 69) (74, 79, 84, 89) cm

The Dahana Sweater Vest has 7 to 9 in (17.5–22.5 cm) of built-in positive ease. Sizes 1 (2, 3, 4, 5) (6, 7, 8, 9) correspond to a bust/chest circumference of:
30–32 (34–36, 38–40, 42–44, 46–48) (50–52, 54–56, 58–60, 62–64) in
75–80 (85–90, 95–100, 105–110, 115–120) (125–130, 135–140, 145–150, 155–160) cm

For example: If you measure a 40 in (100 cm) bust/chest, you will make Size 3 and will have an approx. positive ease of 7 in (17.5 cm). If you measure 51 in (129.5 cm) and choose to make Size 6, you will have approx. 8 in (20.25 cm) of positive ease.

Note: This is a loose-fitting garment with light chest shaping. The wearer’s bust/chest will fall within the chest shaping section and shoulder to shoulder measurement will be slightly larger than the bust/chest width. For a closer fit, size down 1 size.

GAUGE
18 sts and 25 rows = 4 x 4 in (10 x 10 cm) in Stockinette stitch with Needle A, after blocking.

NEEDLES
Needle A (Main): US 8 (5 mm) 32 in (80 cm) or larger circular needle, or size needed to achieve gauge.

Needle B (Ribbing): US 6 (4 mm) 32 in (80 cm) or larger circular needle , or size needed to achieve gauge.

Needle C (Cast-On): 32 in (80 cm) or larger circular needle 1–2 sizes smaller than Needle B: US 4 (3.5 mm) OR US 5 (3.75 mm)

Needle D (Shoulder Bind-Off): 16 in (40 mm) or larger circular needle OR 10 in (25 mm) or larger straight needle OR double-pointed needle, 1–2 sizes larger than Needle A.

YARN
Sample Yarn: Purl Soho Plenty–Fresh Pickle.
100% Extra-Fine Merino Wool
139 yds (127 m) per 100 g hank
6 (7, 8, 8, 9) (9, 10, 11, 12) hanks

Or approx. 810 (890, 985, 1070, 1170) (1270, 1360, 1480, 1575) yds / 740 (815, 900, 980, 1070) (1160, 1245, 1355, 1440) m of corresponding yarn that meets gauge.

NOTIONS
Slide adjusters for side straps: 1 pair of 2 in / 50 mm, Sample used 2-Inch Cast Concave Slide, (3) stitch holders or waste yarn, (4) stitch markers, tapestry needle

TECHNIQUES
Knitting flat, knitting in the round, Italian Tubular Cast-On, increasing, decreasing, German Short Rows, 3-Needle Bind-Off, stretchy folded collar bind-off, repeats, holding stitches, picking up stitches, wet blocking, steam blocking, sewing straps to garment.

Italics indicates linked video tutorial

Schematic included.