Farm & Fiber Knits · Pattern
| Type | Pattern |
|---|---|
| From | Farm & Fiber Knits |
| Author | Sandi Rosner |
| Published | September 9, 2025 |
| Format |
This classic Fair Isle vest is knit in one piece with steeks for shaping, secured by needlefelting, and worked in DK-weight Shetland wool for a faster, colorful project.
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Traditional Fair Isle stranded colorwork never goes out of style. It gives the knitter endless opportunities to play with color while creating a warm, functional garment.
This classic button-front vest is knitted in one piece from the bottom up with steeks for the center front, armholes, and back neck. In a departure from traditional techniques, the steeks are secured with needlefelting before cutting. We’ve used traditional Shetland wool in DK weight, making this a quicker knit than you might expect.
YARN Jamieson’s of Shetland Double Knitting (100% Shetland wool; 82 yd [75 m]/0.88 oz [25 g]; DK weight): #640 Stonehenge (MC), 4 (4, 4, 5, 5) (6, 6, 6, 7) balls; #106 Mooskit (CC1), 2 (2, 2, 2, 2) (2, 3, 3, 3) balls; #336 Conifer (CC2), 2 (2, 2, 2, 3) (3, 3, 3, 4) balls; #1390 Highland Mist (CC3), 3 (3, 3, 4, 4) (4, 5, 5, 5) balls; #108 Moorit (CC4), 1 ball; #127 Pebble (CC5), 1 (2, 2, 2, 2) (2, 2, 2, 3) balls.
NEEDLES Size 4 (3.5 mm): 16" (40 cm) and 32" (80 cm) circular (cir). Size 7 (4.5 mm): 16" (40 cm) and 32" (80 cm) cir. Adjust needle size if necessary to obtain the correct gauge.
NOTIONS Markers (m); tapestry needle; needlefelting tool; needlefelting mat; six buttons, ½" diameter.
GAUGE 23 sts and 24 rows = about 4" (10 cm) in St st over Chart pattern using larger needles, blocked.
FINISHED SIZE 31¾ (36, 40¼, 44¼, 48½) (52¾, 57, 61, 65¼)" (80.5 [91.5, 102, 112.5, 123] [134, 145, 155, 165.5] cm) circumference at chest, buttoned. Sample shown measures 40¼" (102 cm) and is worn with 6¼" (16 cm) positive ease.
Visit farmfiberknits.com/abbreviations for terms you don’t know.
Learn more about what makes Shetland wool so special in this web article by Kate Larson.
Shetlander Hazel Tindall gives you a glimpse into her mother's approach to cutting and reshaping garments in this web article.
Sandi Rosner explains How & Why to Steek Your Swatches.
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