Meet the Hamnet Vest!

This 1940s does 1590s vest is an allover colorwork design that takes its core inspiration from Renaissance era colors, adornments, and the recent film adaptation of Hamnet, which utterly captured my soul and crushed my heart to pieces this summer.
If you could watch that film and not want to cast on something red, then you are a much stronger person than me!

This vest is knit from the bottom up and utilizes an “all in one” shaping method. This means that all optional bust or chest shaping will be completed once the main body begins, so there’s no side shaping to worry about as you begin the colorwork pattern. The colorwork is meant to look like tablet weaving, hence the bands and and repeated motifs on either side. Only a colorwork chart is provided for the main body pattern section, along with some notes on how to read it if you’re less versed in chart reading.
The pattern includes a chart using the sample knit colors, but there is also a light-contrast monochrome chart (or a “ghost chart”) at the end so you can plug in / color in your chosen palette and plan your own version!

Like always, my garment patterns use a body measurement x gauge system of pattern writing, making them fully size inclusive and tailored to your personal measurements.
Due to this unconventional method of instruction, patterns are only available at the Squid’s School of Vintage Knitting Patreon, and not for individual sale. There are plenty of resources at Squid School to get you started on this method of pattern instruction (it’s not as scary as it sounds!)

You can find this pattern and dozens of other vintage and historical inspired knits over at Squid’s School of Vintage Knitting! Get thee to a yarnery and come join in the fun!