About the pattern
My lovely friend Hannah asked me if I would write a crew neck, sleeveless top pattern for her to knit, in Aran weight yarn, with an all over pattern of wandering cables framing lace.
She told me it had to be simple because she is not a very clever knitter. Although I disagree with her on the latter point, this pattern is fairly straightforward with no fancy stitches, just simple lace holes and cables.
The vest is knitted in the round from the bottom up, without shaping. The cable and lace pattern can be worked from a chart or written instructions. After dividing at the underarms, the upper front and back are knitted separately with shaping for the armholes. The shoulders are joined, after which stitches are picked up around the armholes and neck to work a ribbed edging.
Skill Level
This is a nice pattern to try if you want to have a go at lace and cables but are a bit nervous about it. There are no really complicated stitches. Techniques include casting on, binding off, knit, purl, yarnovers, left and right leaning decreases, picking up stitches and cables. Short rows and three-needle bind-off are optional.
Sizing
The pattern is described in nine sizes, XS to 5XL.
Finished measurements (after blocking)
Finished bust/chest circumference 80[90, 100, 110, 120] {130 140, 150, 160} cm 31.5[35.5, 39.25, 43.25, 47.25] {51.25, 55, 59, 63} in.
The photo shows size S worn with about 3 inches/7.5 cm of ease.
Choose a size which is 7.5-15 cm 3-6 inches above your actual bust size. If you prefer a looser garment, you could go up another size above this.
Yarn
Stylecraft Special Aran, 100% premium acrylic, 196m/214yds per 100g ball. Shown in colourway Teal
You will need 3[4, 4, 5, 5] {5, 6, 6, 7} balls. This includes an extra 10% for swatching and slight differences in gauge.
And in metres and yards: 561[641, 730, 809, 883] {979, 1070, 1173, 1269} metres 614[701, 798, 885, 966] {1071, 1170, 1283, 1388} yards.
Gauge
Each repeat of the cable and lace pattern measures 10cm/4 inches in width and 11cm/4.25 inches in length, measured after light blocking. The fabric should be gently stretched widthwise when blocking to open up the lace pattern.
Needles and Notions
Long circular needle in size needed to achieve gauge; I used a 4.5mm (US 7) needle.
Long circular needle two sizes smaller for rib at hem. I used a 3.75mm (US 5) needle
Circular needle of your choice in the smaller size for working smaller circumferences at armholes and neck – long DPNs, short circular or magic loop as you prefer.
Stitch markers – at least 1 for marking beginning of rounds, more if you want to mark each pattern repeat.
Stitch holders or waste yarn for holding stitches.
Tapestry needle for sewing in ends.