Ever thought vests weren’t your thing? I get it. I was right there with you until an idea for the perfect vest took hold and refused to let go.

It all started when I was watching two besties on an Instagram Live. They were excitedly chatting about an upcoming vest-along and suddenly, I couldn’t think about anything else. Before the live even ended, I was sketching. The third sketch was the one: a simple, bottom-up, V-neck with the same striking cable and lace panel featured in my Meant to Vee sweater.

I ordered the yarn that night and, serendipitously, it landed on my doorstep just in time for a visit from my own best friend. I worked on the first sample while we watched You’ve Got Mail—a perfect, cozy memory that’s now woven into every stitch of this design. My husband started calling it the “Bestie Vestie,” and the name was too perfect to ignore.

This isn’t just a pattern; it’s a design born from friendship, the idea that a great vest can transform any outfit, and the joy of making something you love. It’s a quick, engaging knit with video tutorials to guide you, and it’s meant to be a piece you’ll reach for again and again.

Why you need this in your life

• An Addictive, Fun-to-Knit Project: The combination of easy cables and a little lace is completely engaging. It’s the kind of satisfying, fast-paced knit that you’ll find any excuse to work on. You’ll have this baby off the needles and on your body before your WIP pile even notices.
• Beginner-Friendly, Professional Results: New to vests? This is the perfect pattern to dive into. The clear, easy-to-follow instructions and video tutorials will give you the confidence to create a vest that looks polished and professional.
• Plush stitches, cozy payoff: Worsted weight or DK + lace mohair guarantees a soft, snuggly knit you’ll want to live in.
• A Wardrobe MVP: With two length options (cropped and mid-length), you can tailor it to your exact style. It’s a versatile piece that looks amazing layered over a button-up or T-shirt, styled with a dress, or worn all on its own.
• Tested & Adored: An incredible team of 90 test knitters helped bring this pattern to life, ensuring the fit is fantastic on a wide range of bodies. Many of them said it’s the best-fitting garment they’ve ever made! Check out the test knitter gallery on my website. ♥

Who it’s for:

• You, if you’re ready for a fun, rewarding project that’ll fly off your needles.
• Your knitting bestie. Level up from friendship bracelets with matching vests!
• That friend or family member who “borrows” your knits but never returns them.
• Anyone who loves a good layering piece that’s both cozy and stylish.

Not sure if vests are your thing or looking for more of a challenge? Start small with the Bittie Bestie Vestie or go big with the Meant to Vee sweater pattern, also available in my shop. Both patterns use the same gorgeous cable and lace panel along with other key techniques from the Bestie Vestie.

What you get:

• A super clear, easy-to-follow PDF
• Step-by-step video tutorials for all the key techniques (preview the playlist on YouTube!)
• Two length options—cropped for a playful, modern look or mid-length for a polished, office-ready vibe
• A size-inclusive pattern with 13 sizes and lots of customization tips to nail your perfect fit

I talk all about this pattern and what it includes in this YouTube video:

Will this be your first vest or your new favorite go-to? Either way, the Bestie Vestie is here to bring a little extra joy to your knitting queue!

The Knitty-Gritty

DESCRIPTION
Spice up your wardrobe with this cute yet cozy and refined vest! The Bestie Vestie is knit seamlessly from the bottom up using either one strand each of DK and lace weight yarn held together or a worsted weight yarn on its own.

Choose between a cropped or mid-length body to suit your personal style, and then get ready to watch this vest fly off the needles! You’ll begin at the hem, and the knitting remains easy yet engaging as you incorporate subtle shaping and optional bust darts. Next, the back and each front are worked separately, and the rows become shorter and shorter while a classic V neckline emerges organically from the striking cable and lace panel. Each shoulder is then joined with a sturdy three-needle bind off, and the armholes and neckline are trimmed with lovely twisted rib edgings that culminate in tubular bind offs.

SIZES
1 (2, 3, 4, 5) [6, 7, 8, 9] {10, 11, 12, 13}

FINISHED BUST CIRCUMFERENCES

• In Inches: 28.5 (31.75, 35, 38.25, 41.5) [44.25, 47.5, 50.5, 53.75] {55.75, 59, 62.25, 65.5}“
• In Centimeters: 71.5 (79.5, 87.5, 95.5, 103.5) [110.5, 118.5, 126.5, 134.5] {139.5, 147.5, 155.5, 163.5} cm

Instructions are also provided for making in-between sizes ranging 30–67” (75–167.5 cm). Vest is intended to fit with negative ease at the full bust when worn over another garment and up to 1” (2.5 cm) negative ease if worn by itself. Sample shown in size 3 with 1” (2.5 cm) of negative ease before layering, cropped body, and no bust darts.

YARN
Plied, DK weight yarn and lace weight mohair or suri/silk blend or plied, worsted weight yarn in the following amount(s) for a cropped/mid-length body:

• Yards: 380/485 (430/547, 480/610, 532/674, 585/739) [632/797, 688/865, 741/929, 788/989] {828/1037, 888/1109, 948/1182, 1010/1257} yards
• Meters: 348/444 (393/500, 439/557, 487/616, 535/676) [578/729, 629/791, 677/850, 721/904] {757/948, 812/1014, 867/1081, 924/1149} meters

Sample shown in Malabrigo Dos Tierras [DK weight; 50% merino wool, 50% baby alpaca] in colorway ‘Pearl’ held together with The Lamb & Kid Mho Mho [lace weight; 76% super-fine kid mohair, 24% silk] in colorway ‘Kitten.’

NEEDLES

• US 6 (4 mm) circular needle, 24” (60 cm), or needle size necessary to obtain correct gauge
• US 4 (3.5 mm) circular needle, 24” (60 cm), or needle size .5 mm smaller than gauge needle
• Circular needles in both sizes, 32” (80 cm) or length appropriate for body circumferences of the size chosen
• (1) Double-pointed needle or spare circular needle in same size as gauge needle

GAUGE
20 sts and 30 rows/rounds = 4” (10 cm) in stockinette stitch using larger needles, blocked

NOTIONS

• (1) Stitch marker, unique, for beginning of round
• (2) Stitch markers, color A, for cable and lace panels
• (1) Stitch marker, color B, for side
• (1) Locking stitch marker
• Cable needle
• (2) Double-ended stitch holders and smooth waste yarn
• Tapestry needle

#vanessasmithdesigns #bestievestie #sizeinclusive