Mercedes is a wear-it-over-anything vest with open sides, I-cord edging, and a swingy A-line shape. Using the Cocoknits Method, the back is completely knit top-to-bottom, followed by the shoulder tabs, rounded neckline, and front. The front is knit 3-4” (7-10 cm) longer than the back and tacked down at the underarms, giving it a unique silhouette with utilitarian charm. Our favorite detail: Version A has a garter band with decorative buttons and Version B has I-cord ties - take your pick! This layering piece wears beautifully over a tee, button-up shirt, dress, or however else you want to style it.

This pattern uses a modified Cocoknits Method. It requires an understanding of the first two sections of the Cocoknits Method, but uses different worksheets, which are supplied with the pattern. Front neckline shaping is accomplished with short rows.

Learn more about the Cocoknits Method here.

Check out our helpful Tools & Accessories here!
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BEFORE PURCHASING THIS PATTERN
This sweater is worked using the Cocoknits Method, a commonsense system for knitting seamless, tailored sweaters from the top down. The Cocoknits Method is explained in detail in Cocoknits Sweater Workshop by Julie Weisenberger, in her On Demand Classes, and in tutorials on cocoknits.com.

All of the page numbers in this pattern refer to pages in Cocoknits Sweater Workshop, where the techniques are explained in detail. Some knitters find that they can learn the new-to-them techniques with our free knit tutorials, while others are more comfortable purchasing an On Demand Class, or the Cocoknits Sweater Workshop book, available on our website and at many local yarn stores.
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Videos
How to Knit Shadow Wrap Short Rows
How to Pick Up Stitches Around a Neckline
How to Pick Up Stitches for a Button Band or Collar
How to Customize a Neckline: Decorative Details
How to Work an I-cord Cast-On with Lifted Increases (No Gaps!)
Mercedes Vest: How to Sew On The Back Band on YouTube

Sizes
1 (2, 3, 4)(5, 6, 7)(8, 9, 10)

Finished Measurements
Finished Bust: 31-34 (34-37, 38-41, 42-45)(46-49, 50-54, 55-8)(59-63, 64-67, 68-71)“ / 79-86.5 (86.5-94, 96.5-104, 106.5-114.5)(117-124.5, 127-134.5, 140-147.5)(150-157.5, 162.5-170, 178-185.5) cm
Finished Length:
Back Body length from shoulder: 16.75 (17.75, 19.25, 20.25)(21, 21.5, 22.5)(23.75, 25, 26.25)” / (42.5, 45, 48.5)(51.5, 53.5, 55)(57, 60.5, 63.5) cm
Front Body length from shoulder: 21 (22, 23, 24.25)(4.75, 25.25, 25.75)(26.75, 28, 29)“ / 53 (56, 58.4, 61.5)(63, 64, 65.5)(68, 71, 74) cm
NOTE: The bust and armhole measurements are flexible, depending where you secure Back to Front at underarm.

Yarn
Version A (21 sts = 4” / 10 cm)
570 (645, 735, 830)(915, 1005, 1095)(1225, 1335, 1485) yds / 520 (590, 675, 760)(835, 915, 1000)(1125, 1220, 1355) m of sport - dk weight yarn that gets gauge

Shown in:

Wooldreamers Cautiva
100% Spanish Wool; 186 yds / 170 m per 1.75 oz / 50 g skein
4 (4, 4, 5)(5, 6, 6)(7, 8, 8) skeins in color 746G (yellow)
Version A (22 sts = 4” / 10 cm)

Version A (22 sts = 4” / 10 cm)
720 (820, 935, 1055)(1160, 1275, 1390)(1555, 1695, 1885) yds / 660 (750, 855, 965)(1065, 1165, 1270)(1425, 1550, 1720) m of fingering to sport weight yarn that gets gauge

Shown in:

A Verb for Keeping Warm Nibble
100% California Fine Wool; 223 yds / 204 m per 1.75 oz / 50 g skein
4 (4, 5, 5)(6, 6, 7)(7, 8, 9) skeins in Wisteria (lilac)

Version B:(21 sts = 4” / 10 cm)
575 (650, 740, 835)(920, 1010, 1100)(1230, 1340, 1485) yds / 525 (595, 675, 765)(840, 920, 1005)(1125, 1225, 1355) m of sport - dk weight yarn that gets gauge

Shown in:

Wooldreamers Mallorquina Sport Weight
65% Mallorcan Red Wool, 35% Merino; 372 yds / 340 m per 3.5 oz / 100 g skein
2 (2, 2, 3)(3, 3, 3)(4, 4, 4) skeins in Natural

Needles
US 6 / 4 mm (or size needed to obtain gauge) circular needle, 32” / 80 cm or longer
Optional for Version B: 2 US 6 / 4 mm (or size needed to obtain gauge) dpn
US 4-5 / 3.5-3.75 mm 16” circular needle (or long enough to do magic loop) for Neck
Ribbing
US 3-4 / 3.25-3.5 mm needle for working bind-off
US 0-1 / 2-2.25 mm dpn or any length circular needle (for picking up stitches)

Notions
Stitch markers

• 6 markers in different colors
• 2 opening markers 2 Buttons for Version A (size is flexible, under 1.5” / 4 cm diameter) Row counter (optional)

Gauge
Row gauge for all versions is 32 rows = 4” / 10 cm in St st on largest needles.
Stitch gauge:
--21 sts = 4” / 10 cm in St st on largest needles for Versions A & B knit in Wooldreamers yarns.
--22 sts = 4” / 10 cm in St st on largest needles for Version A knit in Nibble