Daisy Vest

Daisy Vest by Irene Lin

What is Being Made

The Daisy Vest is a knitted waistcoat designed by independent designer Irene Lin. This garment is a sleeveless layering piece available in six graduated sizes, with the sample photographed in size 1. The vest features a fitted silhouette with an armhole circumference ranging from 50 to 113 cm depending on size selection, and a total length varying from 50 to 66.5 cm to accommodate different body proportions and styling preferences.

Construction Techniques

The Daisy Vest employs a strategic top-down construction method that maximizes fit and shaping control. The garment begins with the back piece, which is knitted from the top down to the base of the armholes. Both front pieces are then picked up from the back piece and knitted separately, incorporating short rows for precise shoulder shaping. This technique allows the designer to create custom shoulder angles and ensure proper garment drape. Once the back and fronts are completed to the armhole level, all pieces are joined together and knitted flat to the hem, creating a seamless integration of the upper and lower body sections.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary decorative element of the Daisy Vest is the Daisy Flower stitch, which serves as the main stitch pattern throughout the garment. This stitch pattern is worked at a specific gauge of 32 stitches and 30 rows over a 10 by 10 centimeter (4 by 4 inch) swatch after blocking, which is essential for achieving proper fit and drape. Knitters must check their personal gauge and adjust needle size accordingly to match the designer's specifications, as even minor gauge variations can significantly impact the final garment dimensions.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Daisy Vest is designed to be worked in 3-ply yarn, a lightweight yarn weight that creates a refined, elegant drape suitable for a layering garment. The specific yarn yardage and fiber content recommendations are provided in the full pattern document. Knitters should select needles appropriate to their yarn choice while maintaining the required gauge of 32 stitches and 30 rows per 10 centimeters.

Sizing and Fit

Six sizes are available, organized in three pairs: sizes 1, 2, and 3 form the first group, while sizes 4, 5, and 6 comprise the second group. Shoulder width ranges from 37 to 41 centimeters across the size range. The recommended ease is 0 to 10 centimeters, with the sample garment shown with 0 centimeters of ease for a closer fit. Knitters can customize their fit by selecting their desired ease amount within this range.

Skill Level

The Daisy Vest is rated as an intermediate difficulty project, suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle garment construction techniques including top-down shaping, short rows, and stitch pattern work.