Library Vest Using Brooklyn Tweed Arbor

The Design

“Portland hipster.”

With simple styling that lends itself to the classroom, workplace or weekend, this vest is so classic, so quintessential, it could become your uniform! Designed for your favorite DK-weight yarn, our jumper length version is shown here in one of our faves, Brooklyn Tweed Arbor. A smooth, worsted-spun yarn, this hardy fiber gives strength and structure to our vest, while maintaining a bounce and elasticity that make it a joy in the hand. Once blocked, this round three-ply wool softens into a smooth and pleasing fabric with crisp stitch definition.

Arguably the most substantial of our Library Vests so far, this is sure to be a key layering piece in your capsule wardrobe!

Read more about the Library Vest here, and the primer of techniques built into the pattern.

The Details

SIZES
Finished bust: 39 (43, 47, 51, 55)”/ 99 (109, 119.5, 129.5, 140)cm, after seaming.

To fit bust: 32–34 (36–38, 40–42, 44–46, 48–50)”/81–86 (91–96, 102–107, 112–117, 122–127)cm.

With ease of: Approx. 5–7″/ 12.5-18cm; for more ease, choose a larger size.

LENGTHS
Finished body length:
Measured from high shoulder (where shoulder meets neck) to hem.

Shorter version: 24 (24½, 25, 25½, 26)”/61 (62, 63, 65, 66)cm.
Longer version (shown): 32 (32½, 33, 33½, 34)”/81 (83, 84, 85, 86)cm.

YARN
Longer version (shown): 8 (9, 10, 11, 12) skeins Brooklyn Tweed Arbor (145 yds/133m per skein); Shown in size 47″ in color Degas.

For custom lengths: To lengthen or shorten body, add or subtract approx. 35 (39, 42, 45, 49) yds/32 (36, 39, 42, 45)m of yarn per 1″/2.5cm of knitted length.

NEEDLES & NOTIONS
US 6 (4mm) needles, or size to obtain gauge.
US 4 (3.5mm) 24″/60cm and 16″/40cm circular needles, or 2 US sizes/.5mm smaller than gauge needle.
Locking markers or coiless safety pins for ‘clip-and-turn’ and for button placement.
Stitch holders.
Darning needle to finish.
⅝”/16mm buttons: 7 for shorter version, 9 for longer version. Needle; thread or yarn.

GAUGE
22 sts/30 rows = 4″/10cm in stockinette stitch on larger needle, after blocking.

Errata & Clarifications

KNITTER’S NOTES
To be sure your garment turns out the right size, it’s important to swatch until you get the correct gauge. Stitch gauge determines the fit; row gauge affects the length.

This vest is knitted at 22 sts/30 rows = 4″/10cm. Cast on enough sts for a 6″/15cm-wide swatch; work in St St for 6″/15cm; bind off loosely. Measure and note unblocked gauge for reference when knitting.

Wet block your swatch; let rest for a day or two—gauge can change after it relaxes. Measure again.

If you have more sts or rows per “/cm, your gauge is a little tight; try swatching again on larger needle.

If you have fewer sts or rows per “/cm, your gauge is a little loose; try again on smaller needle.