Frank Vest began as a personal project: I wanted to make a garment for my dad as a gift for his zodiac year—the Year of the Horse. In Chinese tradition, wearing red during one’s zodiac year is believed to bring protection and good luck. I set out to create a design that feels classic and professional enough for workplace everyday wear for my dad, yet still agree with my own aesthetic—clean and modern. For I, of course, could not resist making one for myself.

This vest features a classic cable-and-rib texture with a V-neck silhouette. It is worked top-down, beginning with the back panel. Stitches for the shoulders are picked up and worked separately. The V-neck and armholes are shaped simultaneously with increases. The front and back are then joined to work in the round. Finally, the neckline and armholes are finished with double ribbing.

Instructions are provided in both charted and written formats.

Size: 1 (2) 3 (4) 5 with finished bust circumference of 91 (103) 116 (122) 129 cm OR 35.5 (41) 46 (48) 51 inches. This pattern is designed to be worn with 8–15 cm (3–6 inches) of positive ease, depending on your preferred fit. For example, if your bust circumference is 95 cm (37.5 inches) and you would like 10 cm 4 inches of positive ease, your target finished bust circumference would be 105 cm (41.5 inches). In this case, you would choose SIZE 2.

Gauge: 22 sts x 28 rows = 10 cm x 10 cm (4 inches x 4 inches)

Yarn: Approx. 300 (350) 400 (450) 500 g OR 580 (705) 800 (860) 925 meter OR 635 (780) 880 (945) 1020 yard of Worsted weight yarn
Sample yarn:
Red: Cascade Woolpaka (400 g for SIZE 3);
Silver: 3 strands of UPW England + 1 strand of THINGER Mohair (350 g for SIZE 2)

Needles:
4.5 mm (US 7) 80 cm (32 inches) circular needles
4 mm (US 6) 80 cm (32 inches) circular needles
4 mm (US 6) 40 cm (16 inches) circular needles

Notions: Cable needle | Stitch holder or wasted yarn | Stitch markers | Tapestry needle | Row Counter (optional)

If you have any questions regarding the pattern, please reach out to me at mmmayin.yst@gmail.com or message me on Instagram (@mayinmade) or Ravelry (@mayinmade).

Share your progress and finished project with me by tagging @mayinmade #mayinmade #frankvest— I can’t wait to see your knits!