With a slightly cropped, boxy fit, Kaffi is a modern vest to update any classic outfit. Simple slipstitch colorwork creates a nubby houndstooth texture with delightful charm, whether you choose traditional or whimsical color pairings.

Construction: Kaffi is cast on at the back neck, the shoulders are shaped with a few short rows, then the back is worked in a textured slipstitch pattern using one color per row. The back is put on hold while stitches are picked up for each front shoulder and worked in pattern to the armscye depth, with classic V neck shaping. Back and front are united, then the body is worked in pattern in the round to the ribbed hem. Armhole and neckline trim begin with picking up stitches, then are joined in the round and worked in K1P1 rib, with a mitered V at the front neckline.
If you love this kind of slipstitch colorwork, check out my matching accessories, Kaffi Hat and Cafe Cowl.

Techniques & Skills Used: cable CO, backwards loop CO, knit/purl, slipstitch colorwork, increasing/decreasing, working in simple pattern, German short rows, picking up stitches. Pattern instructions are fully written, with a link to my short rows tutorial.

Size: 30 (34, 38, 42, 46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66)” bust; sample shown in third size worn with 3” positive ease. I chose a slightly oversized fit for myself; consult the schematic for bust and other measurements, and choose a size that provides the amount of ease you prefer.

Yarn: Blue Sky Fibers Woolstok Worsted (100% fine highland wool; 123 yards/112m/50g); shown in No. 1314 Deep Velvet (MC) and No. 1324 Morning Frost (CC) in about a 1 to .85 ratio; 2 (2, 3, 3, 3, 4, 4, 4, 5, 5) skeins MC and 2 (2, 2, 3, 3, 3, 3, 4, 4, 4) skeins CC, or approximately 220 (245, 285, 320, 365, 405, 430, 475, 515, 550) yards MC, and 180 (205, 240, 280, 310, 345, 370, 400, 435, 475) yards CC of worsted weight wool yarn.

Other Materials: US 8 (5mm) 32” circular needle or size to match gauge; Stitch markers (3, 2 removable); Stitch holders (2); Yarn needle.

Gauge: 16 st and 40 rows/4” in slipstitch pattern, lightly blocked; 16 st and 24 rows/4” in K1P1 rib.

Thank you to my wonderful tech editor Kate Vanover.