Purl Soho Cardigan Vest
A light bulb more than went off when Whitney (yes, of Whit’s Knits) walked into our Bee meeting and proclaimed, “I’d make that vest!” I was trying on the Purl Soho Cardigan Coat mid-project, pre-sleeves, when Whitney pointed out that there was a vest pattern not so stealthily hiding in my coat pattern. Honestly, I was so focused on the sweater coat of my dreams that I hadn’t stopped to notice the sweater vest of my dreams!
In my defense, it was September when I made the Purl Soho Cardigan Coat; sleeves seemed smart at the time. But it’s six months later and signs of spring’s arrival are finally appearing. And so, rather than unravel the sleeves of my sweater, I thought a re-knit was in order. (Plus, for my vest I needed less room for layers and decided to go down a size for a more snug fit!)
If you love the yarn used in this project, you’ll love all of our other yarn, too! Explore our 35+ lovingly created yarn collections, in nearly every natural fiber and spectacular color you can imagine… Only available here at Purl Soho’s online yarn shop!
Like the Cardigan Coat, the Cardigan Vest is made of Purl Soho’s delightfully soft and springy Worsted Twist merino wool. This time I used Oyster Gray, a luminescent neutral color, perfect for pairing with just about anything! -Laura
Designed by Purl Soho designer, Laura Ferguson.
Share your progress and connect with the community by tagging your pics with #PurlSoho, #PurlSohoBusyHands, #PurlSohoCardiganVest, and #PurlSohoWorstedTwist. We can’t wait to see what you make!
Materials
You will need…
- Vest: 3 (3, 3, 4, 4, 5, 5, 6 , 6, 7, 8) skeins of Purl Soho’s Worsted Twist. Each skein is 164 yards/ 100 grams; approximately 345 (385, 425, 515, 575, 655) yards required. This is the color Oyster Gray.
- Coat: 4 (4, 5, 6, 7, 7, 8, 8, 9, 10, 11) skeins of Purl Soho’s Worsted Twist. Each skein is 164 yards/ 100 grams; approximately 545 (615, 675, 820, 910, 1035) yards required.
- A US 8 (5 mm), 24 or 32-inch circular needle
- A US 8, 16-inch circular needle (for Collar + Coat sleeves)
- A US 7 (4.5 mm), 16-inch circular needle (for Collar)
- A set of US 8, double pointed needles (for Coat sleeves)
- Stitch markers
- Stitch holders or scrap yarn
- 5 (5, 5, 6, 6, 6, 6, 6, 6, 6, 7) 3/4-inch buttons
- A Purl Soho Cardigan Coat + Vest Pattern (Please Note: This pattern is no longer available for purchase. For assistance, please contact us at customerservice@purlsoho.com.)
Gauge
18 stitches and 24 rows = 4 inch in stockinette stitch, using larger needle
Sizes
NOTE For help picking a size, please check out our Understanding Ease + Selecting Size Tutorial!
Child’s 2 (4, 6, 8, 10, 12, Women’s X-Small, Small, Medium, Large, 1X-Large)
- Finished Chest Circumference: 25¾ (28, 29¾, 32, 34¼, 36, 36, 37 3/4, 42¼, 46¼, 50¼) inches, buttoned
- Finished Length from Shoulder to Bottom Edge: 14 (14¼, 15½, 18, 19, 21, 21¼, 22, 22, 23¼, 24) inches
- Finished Length from Underarm to Bottom Edge: 8½ (8¾, 9, 11, 12, 13½, 13¾, 14, 13½, 14¼, 15) inches
EASE: The garment is designed with a 2 to 4-inch ease.
SAMPLE: The sample pictured here is a Women’s X-Small.
Pattern
The Cardigan Coat + Vest pattern is available for purchase as a hard copy or download.
Looking for more inspiration? Explore all of our free knitting patterns and knitting tutorials, buy one of our many knitting kits and yarn bundles, and shop for beautiful yarn. We have over 35 gorgeous natural fiber yarns in 100’s of magnificent colors, designed to bring integrity, beauty, and joy to your next knitting project and only available at Purl Soho!
Great idea! It looks very good. xx
Ah, lovely! And it plays right in to my current love affair with garter stitch 🙂
What level knitter would you recommend for this vest? Wonder if this is complicated for an advanced beginner/intermediate knitter.
Lovely! My favorite part of this design is the tall neck. Looks perfect for spring.
Hi Donna.
Great question. This is a wonderful project for an Advanced Beginner!
There is some shaping at the back, it's fairly straight forward, but if you have any questions at all we are here to help. You can comment on this page and I'll respond back within a few days.
Laura
Any suggestions for adding pockets? I've been wanting to knit a vest, but to me, any vest (or cardigan sweater for that matter) needs pockets!
Hi Liz,
What an idea! Pockets would be fantastic on this. I know a ton of people are crazy for Elizabeth Zimmermann's "Afterthought Pocket" technique. We do not have a sample of it here on the Purl Bee, but she writes about it in a few of her books and it is extremely easy to google.
If you'd like to add pockets while knitting the piece… you could reference the Knit Tee Shirt pattern. There is a section called MAKE INSET POCKETS (https://www.purlsoho.com/create/the-purl-bee/2013/4/10/lauras-loop-knit-t-shirt.html). Essentially, you figure out where you'd like your pocket to be then rather than working to the end of your row, you work back and forth the width of the pocket for as long as you'd like it deep, then you continue to the end of your row. You sew the sides of the pocket up later. This is a bulkier method however because you end up with three layers of fabric to create the pocket.
Let us know what you end up doing! I'd love to see it.
Laura
Hello,
I am knitting the cardigan and am at the point of shaping the back and back shoulders. I am struggling with the directions on the short rows for the back. I have completed the short row shaping on the fronts with no issue.
Does the shaping in back generally form a U-shape wight he shoulders a bit higher? If I follow the directions, it doesn't seem that this is the case that the center is higher. Also on the front, there were alternating rows of knitting without the wrp-t. In the instructions for the back, the instructions do not include these alternating knit rows.
Can you help?
Thanks!
Lisa
Wondering why the instructions say to slip the first stitch knit wise on the button row instead of working the stitch. It made my edge look indented on those rows.
Hi Donna,
That instruction is for consistency's sake.
There is a note in the PATTERN NOTES section that says “Slip the first stitch of each row along the button and buttonhole bands knitwise.” Because I slipped the first stitch along these edges, I wrote it into the instructions for the Buttonhole Row as well.
If you have not been slipping the first stitch along the edges of the button bands, then I wouldn't slip the first stitch of the Buttonhole Row, again for the sake of consistency.
It's just a personal preference. I love the look of garter stitch with the first stitch slipped, to me it's cleaner and tidier looking. But it definitely isn't necessary.
I hope this clears things up.
Thanks for writing in.
Let me know if you have any questions.
Laura
Hi Lisa,
Thanks for writing in. Let's get this all crystal clear for you.
First… Have you seen our Short Row Tutorial? https://www.purlsoho.com/create/knitting-tutorials-advanced-te/2008/6/18/short-rows.html This may help a little.
As for the front versus the back… On the front you are working short rows to shape just one side of your fabric, the neckline. (the neckline). On the back you are working to build up the center of the back so you are working with two edges in mind, the armholes on both sides. So on the back (if you were making the smallest size for example) you work up to 8 stitches to one armhole and then up to 8 stitches to the other edge or armhole, then you work up to 16 stitches, then again up to 16 stitches, then up to 24 stitches and up to 24 stitches again. Going back and forth building up the center of the back.
I hope this helps clear things up. PLEASE let me know if you have any questions.
Laura
I'm at the point in the vest for FRONT LEFT. I worked the (43) stitches, placed them on a stitch holder, binded off 6 stitches, and I am confused! What do I do with the stitch left on the bind-off? Do I leave it on the needle and then knit the (76) stitches for the back? Seems like that gives me an extra stitch.
Also, want to clarify that I will be working the garter stitch on each section separately (front left, front right and back)?
Hi Donna,
After you work 43 stitches and place them on hold, you knit 6 and place them on hold and then knit 76 and place those on hold, then knit 6 again and place those on hold and then knit to the end. It sounds like you bound off the 6 rather than knit them?
And yes. You work the FRONT LEFT, then the FRONT RIGHT and then the BACK. Then you'll graft the SHOULDERS and then pick up for the COLLAR and then either finish the armhole or pick up for SLEEVES.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Thanks,
Laura
This is what the directions say under VEST, FRONT LEFT after putting 43 stitches on hold:
Front Right, bind off 4 (6, 8, 8, 8, 10, 6, 8, 10, 10, 10) stitches for Right Underarm
Actually seems correct to me. Hope I don't have to start over:(
Thanks for your help. You are very patient!!!
Oh Donna!
You are correct. I apologize, I was reading the instructions for the sweater, not the vest. Are you still stumped by the stitch left over when binding off…
I am happy to help however I can. Apologies for any confusion before.
Best.
Laura
Where can I get the pattern and yarn for the soho vest and coat
Thanks
Lesley
Hey Lesley…
If you click the link below it will take you to our e-commerce store where you can purchase the pattern! Thanks for writing in. -Laura
https://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/item/9245
I love this vest — I’m wondering how I might adapt it for a man. It reminds me of a fencing vest, and I think my son might really like it. Any thoughts on how that might work before I purchase the pattern?
Hi Deb-
We don’t have a men’s version of this pattern, but if you like the look of it for your son you might look at the finished measurements (under the Sizes headline) because the larger sizes might fit as is! You could simply switch it to button on the other side if you’d like.
Thanks for getting in touch!
Molly
Hello,
I buy the instruction. Now my question:
Do you have the instruction also in German? I am vom German, Bavaria, and is hard for me to translate it.
sunny greetings vom Germany,
Cordula
Cordula,
I am so sorry. We do not have the pattern in German.
If you have any questions though, I am happy to try and help you!
Thank you for your purchase and for writing in.
Laura
Hi, I just wanted to point out that there are 2 – 36 inch finished chest circumference which point to the Child’s 12 and Women’s X-Small.
Wendy
Hi Wendy,
Yes. Thank you.
The standard chest circumference measurements of a 12 year old child align with the standard chest circumference measurements of the Women’s X-Small. Other measurements of these two sizes differ, but the chest circumference measurements align.
Let me know if you have any questions!
Best,
Laura
Just bought the pattern and was wondering if this could be worked in one piece? I’m not too big on seaming….. 🙂
Hi Deb.
You are in luck! This piece is made with very little seaming.
To begin you cast on at the base of the sweater work the body in one piece up to the armholes, then work each side and then the back. You do then have to seam at the shoulders and then you pick up for the collar and that’s it (other than finishing the armholes, sewing on the buttons, sewing in your ends and blocking).
Please let me know if you have any questions!
Laura
Thanks for your help, Laura! I finished the vest for my son in time for Christmas and it turned out great — he loved it! Fun piece to work on — I might try the cardigan for ME next!
Hi,
I finished the fronts of the vest and am working on shaping the neckline of the back. For some reason I have 124 stitches instead of 104. (31-42-31).
I started with 238 stitches. 57 For left front, 57 for right front, leaves 124 for the back.
Where did I go wrong having 20 stitches too much at the end?
Thanks 🙂
Hi Diana.
Did you place 10 stitches on hold for each underarm? That would account for the mysterious 20 extra stitches!
Write me back! Let’s figure this out together!
Laura
Is there a cotton that you would recommend. I have moths that will not go away, I won’t dare make a garment that could be destroyed. Thank you!
Hi Angelika.
Thanks for writing in. For a cotton yarn for this project, I would recommend Blue Sky’s Worsted Cotton: https://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/item/721-Blue-Sky-Worsted-Cotton
Let me know if you have any questions!
Thanks.
Laura
I love these best patterns but just cannot get used to knitting with circular needles. They make my hands ache, and I can’t knit as fast as I can with just 2 needles. Still it looks very nice.
What does +2 or +4 ease mean? That the garment instructions make the vest loose or tight?
Thanks
Hi Susan.
Our suggested ease of +2 to +4 inches means that if you have a 34 inch bust, we recommend you make the size that is around 36 to 38 inches in circumference. I have a 35ish inch bust and for me I like the Small in the Cardigan Coat and the X-Small in the vest for a bit more of a snug feel.
I hope this helps.
Please let me know if you have any questions!
Laura
I love it but can’t do funnel necks. Would it work without the neck/collar?
Hi Su!
Yes. It would. The pattern will instruct you to pick up for the Collar… simply work an inch or so rather than the suggested amount and you’ll have a nice crewneck vest! Let me know if you have any questions while you’re modifying it.
Thanks.
Laura
Hello,
I was interested in knitting this for my friend’s mom. The thing is, she wants a light vest. I am aware the gauge is for a worsted weight yarn. Is it too heavy to wear? She is a short woman just like me and she personally does not like heavy clothing. Thanks.
Hi Rose.
Thanks for writing in.
I don’t think of this piece as being heavy or bulky, but it’s all very personal… I love big knits!
If this piece was entirely in stockinette stitch I would not hesitate to say… Go for it! But because the bottom, button band and shoulders are in garter stitch, the garment does have a bit of dimensionality to it… perhaps more than you are looking for. It’s not physically heavy, but it may have a bulkier look than you want. I love this piece. I find it perfect for Spring and Fall, but if she likes tight knits and thin clothing, I don’t want to mislead you.
Have you seen our other garments: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/category/knit/projects-knit/garments-projects-knit/
Please let us know if you have any questions!
Laura
Hi Laura,
Sorry for the late response. I have asked people who knitted this as well on Ravelry and has substituted for a different yarn. They have also said it’s not heavy so I will just go for it 🙂 Thank you.
Hello,
I’ve come to the place where I am to start shaping (short rows) for the front left. I’m assuming that I’m supposed to shape as if it’s a knit row, as I’m on the right side? And if so, I end up at the end of the wrp-t with my yarn in the front, as if to purl, when I need to be knitting back.
Please advise.
Thanks!
Jessica
Hi Jessica.
Thanks for writing in.
If you take a look at the Pattern Notes section one the first page, it describes how to work the short row when working in garter stitch. You work the wrp-t the same way on both the right and wrong sides… Keeping the yarn in back, slip the next stitch purlwise from the left needle to the right needle. Bring the yarn forward as if to purl. Slip the stitch from the right needle back to the left needle. Turn the work.
Please let me know if you have any questions!
Laura
Hi,
I am working on the front left of the vest pattern. After completing each short row that includes wrp-t, the next row is a knit row. Do you knit beyond the marker to the rest of the stitches on the needle, or do you knit to the end where the wrp-t occurred on the previous row?
Kind regards,
S
Hi Stacy.
I’m glad you wrote in.
On the right side rows you work up to the indicated number of stitches before the marker and then wrap the following stitch and turn your work so that you can work the wrong side row. On wrong side rows you’ll work all the way to the end of the row to what is the edge of your armhole.
I do hope this helps!
Please write us back if you have any questions.
Thanks.
Laura
Is this vest pattern still available? The links don’t work, and I can’t see it in the Purl knit patterns?
I really want to make it!!
Victoria!
Thank you so much for writing in. The pattern is definitely still available. Here is a link:
https://www.purlsoho.com/purl-soho-goods/purl-soho-patterns/purl-soho-cardigan-coat-vest-pattern.html
Also, thanks to you, I have fixed the links in the story as well.
Thank you again,
Laura
Help! I’m a new knitter and doing the vest with a friend who’s more experienced but lives 2000 miles away I know, too ambitious. Here are my two questions. I’m using 24″ circular needles and am just up to the first button hole row. button hole row. I slipped the first stitch, did the yarn over knit two together and then the directions say to knit to the marker. Does that mean that I only do one yarn over knit two together? Also I will definitely have a seam going all the way up. Do I need to start over and do it in the round?
Hi Deborah,
Thanks for writing in and bravo on challenging yourself! The way the pattern is written, you are building up fabric from the bottom up. Each time the you make a button hole, there will only be one in that row and it is knit as a yo, k2tog. Then after another several inches before creating another button hole as you work up the front of the vest.
As to the seam, I am not quite sure that I understand what you mean. This vest will be open at the front and close the the buttons that you will sew on and the button holes that you create. You will not need to join in the round as this would create a closed vest without the buttons or button holes. Please forgive me if I am misunderstanding and let me know if you have any further questions.
Best,
Cassy
This is gorgeous. I’m just curious – how long after learning to knit do people usually start getting into making clothing (not just accessories)? I can do adult and baby accessories and blankets, but I really want to try clothes. How technical is a pattern like this and how long does it take to make for an experienced knitter?
Hello Camille,
Thank you for reaching out! I would say that if you are comfortable with hats and mittens clothing is a great next step. For this particular pattern you will be using short rows, a three needle bind off and some basic decreases all of which we have tutorials for. I hope this answers your question and please let me know if I can clarify anything for you.
Happy knitting!
-Marilla
Love the look of this, can it be worn with the top undone and lying open like a revere collar?
Hi Anne,
Thanks for writing in! Absolutely! We have seen many folks wear this lovely cardigan with the collar left open. You may be able to see some photos of this on Ravelry!
Best,
Cassy
I like all your patterns and I say Thank you for letting me use them and I am going to knit that cardigan for myself
Hi Kathleen,
Thanks for writing in! We are so glad that you like it!
Best,
Cassy
I would love to see this on a manikin with the top of the vest opened…how it drapes that way…I would not be able to wear it buttoned up.
Hello Wanda,
Thank you for reaching out and for your suggestion! While we do not currently have a photo like this, I will certainly pass it along.
Happy knitting!
-Marilla
Is the women’s size version of this pattern no longer available? The links are sending me to the children’s only version or a page not found. Thanks!
Hi Amy,
Thanks for reaching out! We selected a number of patterns to be discontinued over the last year for a number of different reasons. Some of these felt off-brand now and would have required new graphic design and regrading as we’ve been going through a process to update our catalog of paid patterns to be more size-inclusive and include our new logo.
This has been no small feat and has been going on for at least the last two years and is still going! Unfortunately, the women’s size version of this pattern wasn’t popular enough to make the cut and invest the time needed to include it in the revamp process, so we are now only offering the children’s version for purchase.
However, we’re now offering the women’s version of this pattern for free to anyone that asks, so please email our customer service team at [email protected] and they can help you further from there!
Happy knitting!
Gianna
Is this pattern available for women’s sizes? All I see is for kids
Hi Carol,
Thanks for reaching out! Please send us an email at [email protected], and we would be happy to send you the version of this pattern for adult sizes.
All the best,
Lili
Can you substitute seed stitch for garter stitch?
Hi Sheila,
Thanks for writing in! I would not recommend using seed stitch instead of garter stitch in this pattern. That’s because seed stitch has a taller row gauge than garter stitch, so the measurements won’t work out correctly if you change to seed stitch.
All the best,
Lili