The Rita Quilted Vest by Rita Dowd

The Rita Quilted Vest

Knitting
September 2025
DK (11 wpi) ?
18 stitches and 26 rows = 4 inches
in Quilted Squares Stitch Repeat
US 6 - 4.0 mm
US 4 - 3.5 mm
467 - 1498 yards (427 - 1370 m)
1 (2, 3, 4) 5 (6, 7, 8) 9
English
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The Rita Quilted Vest features a mix of stockinette, reverse stockinette, and seed stitch squares to create a quilt-inspired texture. Designed with a slightly boxy fit, this vest is both modern and versatile.
Construction is straightforward.
-The back panel is worked flat, with increases to shape the back armholes.
-The front chest panels are picked up from the shoulders and worked separately to shape the V-neckline and armholes.
Front & back panels are then joined and worked flat to the desired length.
-The hem, neckline, and armholes are finished with 3-stitch applied I-cord for a clean, polished edge.
-Finishing options include ties, buttons, or a sewn closure, making this vest easy to customize.

Includes Size Selection Guidance
This pattern features detailed instructions for choosing a size based on your swatch, allowing flexibility for variations in yarn thickness and gauge. With guided, informative notes, it helps you make a confident, informed decision on sizing to achieve your desired fit.

Schematics

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

Ease: Positive Ease of 3-8” (Also works if negative ease is preferred)

Finished Bust Circumference:
32.8 (38.2, 43.5, 48.9) 54.2 (59.5, 64.9, 70.2) 75.5” or 84 (97, 111, 124) 138 (151, 165, 178) 192 cm

Finished Length (Shoulder to Hem):
17.8 (19, 20.3, 21.5) 23.4 (24.6, 25.8, 27) 28.3” or 45 (48, 52, 55) 59 (63, 66, 69) 72 cm

Armhole Opening:
19 (20.2, 20.8, 22) 23.9 (25.1, 26.4, 27) 28.2 ” or 48 (51, 53, 56) 61 (64, 67, 69) 72 cm

Sample is worked in size 2, bust is 35”.

Skills Needed

Provisional & knit cast on
3-stitch I-cord
Reading charts
Increasing on RS
Picking up stitches
Grafting/Kitchener Stitch

Materials

US 6 / 4 mm 16”, 24” and/or 40” circular needles (for body, hem & armholes) or needles used to obtain gauge.
US 4 / 3.5 mm (for ties)
Removable & regular stitch markers
Tapestry Needle
Scrap yarn
Crochet hook
Optional: 3-5 1” buttons

Gauge
4” by 4” = 18 stitches by 26 rows (blocked) in Quilt Square Stitch Repeat. Swatching Tip: Knit a swatch slightly bigger than the gauge to achieve an accurate swatch.

Yarn
Yarn: Hobbii Rainbow 8/8 100% Cotton (82 yards/75 meters per 50 grams)

Weight: 285 (343, 406, 475) 565 (643, 728, 817) 914 g
Yardage: 467 (562, 665, 778) 926 (1055, 1194, 1339) 1498 yds
Meters: 427 (514, 609, 711) 846 (964, 1092, 1225) 1370 m

10% waste and yardage needed for up to a 6x6” swatch has been factored in.

If you choose to knit a longer vest, you will need additional yardage per inch of length:
19 (22, 25, 29) 32 (35, 38, 41) 44 yards / 18 (20, 23, 26) 29 (32, 34, 38) 40 meters