This plaid vest is worked in one piece with a grid of contrast colors placed over a neutral main color. The horizontal stripes are knitted in as the vest is worked. The vertical stripes are cleverly created by a row of applied crochet chain stitch worked into a column of purl stitches. (A tutorial of the technique is available on the designer’s blog at: http://woolly-wits.blogspot.com/2014/05/crochet-chain-applique-tutorial.html.) But this grid goes off the rails as it fades out on the lower left corner of the front. For a more traditional look, work the entire vest in the plaid pattern. Sizing from XXS to 4XL makes this vest pattern an option for boys and women, too.

SIZE
XXS XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Chest: 2832, 36, 40, 44, 48, 53, 57, 61 inches
Length: 22.523, 23.5, 24, 25, 25.5, 26, 26.5, 27 inches
Sample shown in size M and worn on a model with a 40 inch chest.

MATERIALS
Rowan Felted Tweed Aran 95 yds/ 87 m per 50 g ball; 50% wool, 25% alpaca, 25% viscose;
MC #729 Soot; 44, 5, 6, 7, 7, 8, 8, 9 balls
CC1 #721 Cork; CC2 #732 Cherry; CC3 #733 Glade; 11, 1, 1, 1, 1, 2, 2, 2 balls each

1 ea 16 & 24 inch Size 8 US / 5 mm circular needle
Adjust needle size if necessary to obtain correct gauge.
1 US H / 5 mm crochet hook
2 stitch markers
Tapestry needle
Dritz Fray Check (optional)

GAUGE
15.5 sts and 22 rows = 4” / 10 cm in st st using Size US 8/5 mm circular needles.

PATTERN NOTES

• Sweater is worked in one piece beginning at the lower back, up over the shoulder, and ending at the lower front.

• After the knitting is complete, the vest is appliqued with crochet chain stitch before assembly.

• Columns of purl stitches are worked into the base striped fabric for easier placement of applied crochet chain stitch applique.

• When adding the one row contrast stripes, you can work them as knit rows, and then reposition the stitches on the needles to continue with the main color.

• Crochet chain cast on used in sample sweater because it most closely resembles a traditional bound off edge.