As of May 2022, I’ve expanded the size range and instructions for Patty Ann, one of my very first patterns.

Perfect as a light layering piece, Patty Ann is a casual, open front vest knit in Seed stitch with rib edgings. Worked from the bottom up with gentle shaping at the hip and bust and a few short rows to shape the shoulders, only minimal finishing of the back neckband and armhole edging is required. The lean, simple shape is easy to wear and attractive for any body, and the textural stitches bring just enough interest and show off a beautiful hand dyed yarn.

Construction: An easy knit worked from the bottom up, Patty Ann is a long vest with gentle shaping at the hip and bust for an attractive fit. Stitches are cast on for the hem and worked in K2P1 Rib, then the body transitions to textured Seed stitch, with K1P1 Rib bands worked simultaneously at the front edges. After the body shaping, front and back are divided at the underarm, with armhole shaping to reduce bulk. A few short rows shape the shoulders, which are joined with a 3-needle bind off. Only minimal finishing is required; the front bands are worked at the same time as the body, then extended beyond the shoulders and seamed to the back neck, and the armhole ribbing is picked up and knit to match the ribbed hem.

Techniques & Skills Used: longtail CO, knit/purl, working in pattern, increasing/decreasing, picking up stitches, short rows, 3-needle BO.

Size: 34 (36, 38, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60)” bust circumference, shown in second size worn with 1” positive ease. Patty Ann is designed to be worn open with the front edges barely meeting; for a similar fit, choose a size close to your actual bust measurement.

Yarn: Malabrigo Yarn Merino Worsted (100% merino wool; 210 yards/192m/ 100g), shown in Uva; 3 (4, 4, 4, 5, 5, 6, 6, 7) skeins, or approximately 625 (675, 725, 775, 900, 1000, 1100, 1225, 1350) yards of worsted weight yarn.

Other Materials: US 8 (5mm) 32” circular needle or size to match gauge; Spare US 8 needle for 3-needle BO; Stitch markers (4); Stitch holders (5); Yarn needle.

Gauge: 16 st and 30 rows/4” in Seed stitch, after blocking.

Thank you to my lovely testers!