The Dusk & Dawn Linen Stitch Vest: A Free Knitting Pattern for a Textured, Modern Layer

The Dusk & Dawn Linen Stitch Vest: A Free Knitting Pattern for a Textured, Modern Layer

This isn't your average vest; it's a study in texture and light, using a simple slipped stitch to create a fabric that shimmers like a heathered sky. Knit in two pieces and seamed, this relaxed-fit vest is the perfect layering piece for transitional weather. The Linen Stitch pattern creates a dense, woven fabric that is reversible, making this a sophisticated, modern layer that will become a staple in your wardrobe. Whether you're a confident beginner or an intermediate knitter, this pattern is designed to be both rewarding and achievable.

Materials Needed

• Yarn: Worsted weight cotton or linen blend (approx 500-600 yards for size M/L). Sample uses Knit Picks CotLin in 'Dusk' (Color A) and 'Dawn' (Color B).
• Needles: US 7 (4.5mm) 32-inch circular needle for working flat, or straight needles of the same size.
• Other: Stitch markers, tapestry needle for weaving in ends, scissors.

Gauge

20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in Linen Stitch pattern, after blocking. Take time to check your gauge; it's essential for a proper fit.

Sizes & Finished Measurements

Sizes: S (M, L, XL, 2XL)

Finished Chest: 36 (40, 44, 48, 52) inches

Pattern Notes

• The vest is worked flat in two pieces (Front and Back) from the bottom up.
• The Linen Stitch pattern creates a dense, woven fabric that is reversible.
• Slip stitches are purlwise with yarn in front (wyif) on the RS, and purlwise with yarn in back (wyib) on the WS.
• All bind-offs should be done loosely to maintain the fabric's drape.

Stitch Pattern: Linen Stitch (multiple of 2 + 1)

Row 1 (RS): K1, *sl1 wyif, k1; repeat from * to end.

Row 2 (WS): P1, *sl1 wyib, p1; repeat from * to end.

Repeat Rows 1-2 for pattern.

Step-by-Step Instructions

BACK

With Color A (Dusk), cast on 91 (101, 111, 121, 131) stitches.

Work in Linen Stitch pattern until piece measures 12 (12.5, 13, 13.5, 14) inches from cast-on edge, ending with a WS row.

Shape Armholes:

Bind off 5 (6, 7, 8, 9) stitches at the beginning of the next 2 rows. (81, 89, 97, 105, 113 sts)

Decrease 1 stitch at each end of the next 4 (4, 6, 6, 8) RS rows. To decrease: On RS rows, k2tog at the beginning of the row, work in pattern to last 2 stitches, ssk at the end. (73, 81, 85, 93, 97 sts)

Continue straight in pattern until armhole measures 8 (8.5, 9, 9.5, 10) inches from bind-off edge, ending with a WS row.

Shape Shoulders and Neck:

Bind off 6 (7, 7, 8, 8) stitches at the beginning of the next 2 rows. (61, 67, 71, 77, 81 sts)

Bind off 6 (7, 7, 8, 8) stitches at the beginning of the next 2 rows. (49, 53, 57, 61, 65 sts)

Bind off remaining 49 (53, 57, 61, 65) stitches loosely for back neck.

FRONT

Work same as Back until armhole measures 6 (6.5, 7, 7.5, 8) inches from bind-off edge, ending with a WS row. (73, 81, 85, 93, 97 sts)

Shape Neck:

Work across first 28 (31, 32, 35, 36) stitches, join a second ball of yarn and bind off center 17 (19, 21, 23, 25) stitches, work to end.

Working both sides at the same time, decrease 1 stitch at each neck edge every RS row 4 (4, 4, 5, 5) times. To decrease at neck edge: On RS rows, k2tog at the beginning of the right neck edge, work in pattern to the left neck edge, ssk at the end. (24, 27, 28, 30, 31 sts each shoulder)

Continue straight until armhole measures same as Back, ending with a WS row.

Shape Shoulders:

Bind off 6 (7, 7, 8, 8) stitches at armhole edge 2 times. (12, 13, 14, 14, 15 sts)

Bind off remaining 12 (13, 14, 14, 15) stitches.

FINISHING

Block pieces to measurements. Sew shoulder seams. Sew side seams, leaving 8 (8.5, 9, 9.5, 10) inches open for armholes.

Armhole Edging:

With Color B (Dawn), pick up and knit approximately 80 (84, 88, 92, 96) stitches around armhole. Tip: Pick up 1 stitch for every bound-off stitch and 3 stitches for every 4 rows along the armhole curve.

Knit 3 rows. Bind off loosely.

Neckband:

With Color B, pick up and knit approximately 100 (108, 116, 124, 132) stitches around neckline. Tip: Pick up 1 stitch for every bound-off stitch and 3 stitches for every 4 rows along the neckline curve.

Knit 3 rows. Bind off loosely.

Weave in all ends. Block again lightly if desired to even out the edgings.