This waistcoat began, like many of my designs, with a knitter’s wish. A new knitter popped into the Skipton Studio and told me they’d love to knit a garment but felt a bit nervous about where to begin. As we chatted, we came up with the idea for this very waistcoat – and the Matilda Waistcoat was born.

It’s a simple knit with no sleeves (of course!), just one button, and no stitches to pick up. A lovely first project for those building confidence. And for more experienced knitters? It’s a great quick knit – perfect to relax with while watching a film, reading a book or catching up with friends.

If you’re looking for a version with sleeves, I’ve designed the Marian Cardigan just for you!

CONSTRUCTION
The back, left front and right front are knitted flat from the bottom up in separate pieces and joined together. The neck edge is knitted at the same time as when knitting the fronts so no stitches to pick up.

TECHNIQUES USED
Cast on, knit, purl, decreasing at neck shaping, buttonhole, cast off, sewing on button. Joining seams. Optional but recommended to create a joy of joining your pieces: mattress stitch and three needle cast off.

YARN
8(9:10:11:12) 50g balls of Donegal Aran Tweed.
100% Pure new wool, 80m/88yds per 50g

SUGGESTED KNITTING NEEDLES
4.5mm.

NOTIONS
One button.

GAUGE (tension)
17 stitches and 24 rows to 10cm/4ins square over pattern. I obtained this gauge with 4.5mm needles.
It is important to obtain the correct gauge so do work a swatch before you start the pattern and change your needle size to achieve the correct gauge if you need to.

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
I recommend a positive ease of 3-7ins/8-18cm at the chest.

Size
1, (2, 3, 4, 5)

Chest circumference
94, (103, 115, 127, 138)cm
32-34, (36-38, 40-42, 44-46, 48-50)ins

Length (from top of shoulder to cast on edge)
58, (60, 64, 66, 68)cm
22¾, (23½, 25¼, 26, 26¾)ins

NEED HELP?
I am here for you! Pop into the Skipton studio, send an email, or check out the Purl &Jane YouTube channel for tips, inspiration and guidance including handy resources like gauge (tension) guides and how to tutorials.