Wuv

Wuv Waistcoat by Kathleen Sperling

What is Being Made

Wuv is a deliciously squishy seed stitch waistcoat designed for infants and young children, ranging from 12 months to 6 years old. This unisex layering piece features a charming cabled heart motif on the back and is constructed to be donned quickly and easily for extra warmth. The waistcoat is waist-length, with finished chest circumferences ranging from 20 inches for the 12-month size to 28 inches for the 6-year size. The unisex construction allows for flexible button placement, enabling you to re-sew the buttons on either the left or right band to switch the button orientation whenever desired.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

This intermediate-level knitting project showcases several key techniques that create both visual interest and tactile appeal:

• Seed Stitch: The primary stitch used throughout the garment, seed stitch creates a deliciously squishy, textured fabric with excellent drape and flexibility. This stitch is achieved by alternating knit and purl stitches in a checkerboard pattern, resulting in a dense, reversible fabric ideal for a children's layering piece.
• Cable Stitch: Featured prominently in the heart motif on the back of the waistcoat, cable stitches create dimensional, twisted rope-like patterns. The cabled heart adds a distinctive design element and visual focal point to the garment.
• Button Bands: The waistcoat includes button bands constructed to accommodate button placement, with the flexibility to position buttons on either side depending on preference.

Materials and Gauge

The Wuv waistcoat is worked in worsted weight yarn, requiring approximately 165 to 291 yards depending on the size selected. The model photographed uses Berocco Vintage™, a blend of 50% acrylic, 40% wool, and 10% nylon, offering durability and easy care for children's garments. The recommended gauge is 16 stitches and 28 rows to 4 inches, measured over seed stitch on 4.5mm needles. The pattern requires one set of 4.5mm straight needles and one set of 4.5mm needles (likely circular or double-pointed needles for any in-the-round sections), making this an accessible project for intermediate knitters.