Try our two-in-one reversible waistcoat knitting pattern
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Try our two-in-one reversible waistcoat knitting pattern

Get two brilliant looks in one with our reversible ladies knitted waistcoat, perfect for all your summer fun and festival fashion

Linda Parkhouse

Published: August 30, 2022 at 11:48 am

This funky ladies knitted waistcoat is reversible – choose between sophisticated grey or bright textured green to complement a whole host of outfits. You’ll get plenty of choice, with half the storage space!

Constructed using the double knitting technique, this project is one to get your teeth stuck into. It is worked in one piece up to the armholes, so you’ll be knitting the two layers of the waistcoat at the same time. To find out more about this technique, see our double knitting tutorial.

If you are new to double knitting, it’s worth doing a swatch first to get to grips with the technique before tackling the full garment. Although it isn’t complicated, you do need to pay attention so that you use the right yarn at the right time. Practice makes perfect!

Linda created the waistcoat knitting pattern using King Cole Maxi-Lite Super Chunky yarn. This yarn is no longer readily available, but you can substitute it with any other chunky weight yarn.We’d recommend the Stylecraft Life Chunky yarn as it has a similar acrylic/wool blend to the original yarn used.

For a colour coded version of this waistcoat knitting pattern, see our waistcoat knitting pattern download This is a printer-friendly version of the pattern, too.

Things you need to know before starting this waistcoat knitting pattern

Tension: Yarn used in this waistcoat knitting pattern knits as chunky to this tension: 20 sts (stitches) and 16 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over double knitting pattern using 8mm needles and yarns A and B. To see more about tension in knitting and why it is important, see our article on knitting tension squares

Abbreviations: All of our knitting patterns use standard UK knitting abbreviations. If you are unfamiliar with any of the terms used in the pattern, see our knitting abbreviations guide.

Sizes: See the chart below for the different sizes and measurements for this waistcoat knitting pattern

What you’ll need to make this Ladies knitted waistcoat pattern

King Cole, Maxi-Lite Super Chunky (Steel (938), maximum 9 balls for size 22)

King Cole, Romano Chunky (Moss (448) Max 13 balls for size 22)

7mm knitting needles

8mm knitting needles

Casting on the ladies knitted waistcoat

You will need:

  • King Cole, Maxi-Lite Super Chunky (Steel (938), maximum 9 balls for size 22)
  • King Cole, Romano Chunky (Moss (448) Max 13 balls for size 22)

Step 1

This waistcoat knitted pattern is worked in one piece up to the armholes, so to start we’re simply going to
cast on 192 (202: 212: 222: 232: 242: 252: 262) sts using 8mm needles and Yarn A.

Step 2

Then just knit a single row before starting on our double knitting pattern.

Knit 1 row

How to work the Double Knitting Pattern

Step 1

Row 1 (WS) With Yarn B *K1, yf, sl1 pwise, yb; rep from * to end, then slip sts to other end of needle and take up strand of Yarn A.

Row 2 With Yarn A *sl1 pwise, yf, P1, yb; rep from * to end, then turn work and take up Yarn B.

Row 3 With Yarn B *sl1 pwise, yf, P1, yb; rep from * to end, then slip sts to other end of needle and take up Yarn A.

Row 4 With Yarn A *K1, yf, sl1 pwise, yb; rep from * to end, then turn work and take up Yarn B.

These 4 rows form the double knitting pattern and are repeated throughout.

Step 2

<p>Work a further 12 rows in the double knitting pattern. Mark both ends of this last row with stitch markers or pieces of contrasting yarn. </p>

Step 3

Change to 7mm needles, work a further 12 rows, then mark both ends of this last row with contrasting yarn for ease of sewing up.

Step 4

Change to 8mm needles. Continue straight until the work measures 40 (40: 41: 41: 42: 42: 43: 43)cm from the cast on edge, ending with row 3 of the double knitting pattern.

Divide the Ladies knitted waistcoat for Front and Back

Now we’re going to divide our single piece of knitting to allow for the arm holes. You’ll need a spare needle for this next step!

Patt first 48 (50: 52: 56: 58: 60: 64: 66) sts, place these sts on a spare needle, patt next 96 (102: 108: 110: 116: 122: 124: 130) sts, turn, leave rem 48 (50: 52: 56: 58: 60: 64: 66) sts on a spare needle.

a lady looks over her shoulder back towards the camera. Sghe wears a grey knitted waistcoat seen from the back

Knitting the back of the ladies knitted waistcoat

Work straight on 96 (102: 108: 110: 116: 122: 124: 130) sts, until work measures
60 (61: 62: 63: 64: 65: 66: 67)cm from cast-on edge, ending with pattern row 3.

Knitting the shoulders of the ladies knitted waistcoat

Patt first 30 (32: 34: 34: 36: 38: 38: 40) sts, place these sts on a spare needle, cast off next 36 (38: 40: 42: 44: 46: 48: 50) sts, patt to end turn, leave last 30 (32: 34: 34: 36: 38: 38: 40) sts on a spare needle.

Return to held set of 48 (50: 52: 56: 58: 60: 64: 66) sts for Left Front, rejoin yarn to armhole edge and continue to work in Double Knitting pattern, increasing as follows:

Row 1 (inc row) (Worked as row 1 of Double Knitting pattern, WS). With Yarn B, patt to last 4 sts, K into front and back of next st, yf, sl1 pwise, yb, K1, yf, sl1 pwise, yb. Slip sts to other end of needle, take up Yarn A.
(1 st inc’d)

Row 2 (inc row) With Yarn A, patt to last 5 sts, sl2 pwise, P into front and back of next st, yb, sl1 pwise, yf, P1, yb. Turn work, take up Yarn B.
(1 st inc’d)

Row 3 With Yarn B, sl1 pwise, yf, P1, yb, sl2 pwise, yf, P2, yb, patt to end. Slip sts to other end of needle and take up Yarn A.

Row 4 With Yarn A, K1, yf, sl1 pwise, yb, K2, yf, sl2 pwise, yb, patt to end. Turn work, take up Yarn B.

Row 5 (inc row) With Yarn B, patt to last 6 sts, K1, yf, M1A, yb, K1, yf, sl1 pwise, yb, M1B, yf, sl1 pwise, yb, K1, yf, sl1 pwise, yb. Slip sts to other end of needle and take up Yarn A, ready for row 2 of Double Knitting patt.
(2 sts inc’d)

Row 6 With Yarn A, patt to last 6 sts, sl1 pwise, yf, P1tbl, yb, (sl1 pwise, yf, P1, yb) twice. Turn work, take up Yarn B.

Row 7 With Yarn B *sl1 pwise, yf, P1, yb; rep from * to end, then slip sts to other end of needle, take up Yarn A.

Row 8 With Yarn A, K1, yf, sl1 pwise, yb, then turn work, take up Yarn B.

Rep the last 8 rows 3 times more. [64 (66: 68: 72: 74: 76: 80: 82) sts]

Work straight until same number of rows has been worked to shoulder shaping, ending at armhole edge, ending with pattern row 4.

Shaping the shoulder of the ladies knitted waistcoat

Break off yarns. Place first 30 (32: 34: 34: 36: 38: 38: 40) sts on a holder for shoulder, rejoin yarn to rem sts.
Work rows 1&2 on these 34 (34: 34: 38: 38: 42: 42: 42) sts.
.

Shaping the collar of the ladies knitted waistcoat

Row 3 With Yarn B *sl1 pwise, yf, P1, yb; rep from * 9 (9: 9: 10: 10: 11: 11) times, then slip sts to other end of needle and take up Yarn A.

Row 4 With Yarn A *K1, yf, sl1 pwise, yb; rep from * 9 (9: 9: 10: 10: 11: 11) times, turn work and take up Yarn B.

Row 5 With Yarn B *K1, yf, sl1 pwise, yb; rep from * 9 (9: 9: 10: 10: 11: 11) times, slip sts to other end of needle and take up strand of Yarn A.

Row 6 With Yarn A *sl1 pwise, yf, P1, yb; rep from * 9 (9: 9: 10: 10: 11: 11) times, turn work and take up Yarn B.

Row 7 With Yarn B *sl1 pwise, yf, P1, yb; rep from * to end, slip sts to other end of needle and take up Yarn A.

Row 8 With Yarn A *K1, yf, sl1 pwise, yb; rep from * to end, turn work and take up Yarn B.

Row 9 With Yarn B *K1, yf, sl1 pwise, yb; rep from * to end, then slip sts to other end of needle and take up strand of Yarn A.

Row 10 With Yarn A *sl1 pwise, yf, P1, yb; rep from * to end, then turn work and take up Yarn B.

Rows 11&12 As rows 7&8.

These 12 rows form the patt for Collar shaping.

Rep these 12 rows until short edge of Collar fits halfway across back neck, when slightly eased.

Leave these sts on a holder.

Return to held set of 48 (50: 52: 56: 58: 60: 64: 66) sts for Right Front, rejoin yarn to armhole edge.
Patt to end.

Row 1 (inc row) (Worked as row 1 of Double Knitting pattern, WS). With Yarn B, K1, yf, sl1 pwise, yb, K into front and back of next st, yf, sl1 pwise, yb, patt to end. Slip sts to other end of needle and take up Yarn A. (1 st inc’d)

Row 2 (inc row) With Yarn A, sl1 pwise, yf, P1, yb, sl2 pwise, yf, P into front and back of next st, yb, patt to end. Turn work, take up Yarn B. (1 st inc’d)

Row 3 With Yarn B, patt to last 6 sts, sl2 pwise, yf, P2, yb, sl1 pwise, yf, P1, yb. Slip sts to other end of needle and take up Yarn A.

Row 4 With Yarn A, patt to last 6 sts, K2, yf, sl2 pwise, yb, K1, yf, sl1 pwise, yb. Turn work, take up Yarn B.

Row 5 (inc row) With Yarn B, K1, yf, sl1 pwise, yb, K1, yf, M1A, yb, K1, yf, sl1 pwise, yb, M1B, yf, sl1 pwise, yb, patt to end. Slip sts to other end of needle and take up Yarn A, ready for row 2 of patt. (2 sts inc’d) .

Inc row 6 With Yarn A, sl1 pwise, yf, P1, yb, sl1 pwise, yf, P1tbl into next st, yb, patt to end. Turn work, take up Yarn B.

Row 7 With Yarn B *sl1 pwise, yf, P1, yb; rep from * to end, slip sts to other end of needle and take up Yarn A.

Row 8 With Yarn A, K1, yf, sl1 pwise, yb, turn work and take up Yarn B.
Rep the last 8 rows 3 times more. [64 (66: 68: 72: 74: 76: 80: 82) sts]

Work straight until same number of rows has been worked to shoulder shaping as Left Front and Back, ending at armhole edge with a row 4 of patt. .

Shaping the shoulder of the ladies knitted waistcoat

Break off yarns.

** Patt (Row 1) Patt 34 (34: 34: 38: 38: 42: 42: 42) sts, place rem 30 (32: 34: 34: 36: 38: 38: 40) sts on a holder for shoulder. Work rows 2–4 on these sts.

Shaping the collar of the ladies knitted waistcoat

Row 5 With Yarn B *K1, yf, sl1 pwise, yb; rep from * 9 (9: 9: 10: 10: 11: 11) times, slip sts to other end of needle and take up strand of Yarn A.

Row 6 With Yarn A *sl1 pwise, yf, P1, yb; rep from * 9 (9: 9: 10: 10: 11: 11) times, turn work and take up Yarn B.

Row 7 With Yarn B *sl1 pwise, yf, P1, yb; rep from * 9 (9: 9: 10: 10: 11: 11) times, slip sts to other end of needle and take up Yarn A.

Row 8 With Yarn A, *K1, yf, sl1 pwise, yb; rep from * 9 (9: 9: 10: 10: 11: 11) times, turn work and take up Yarn B.

Row 9 With Yarn B *K1, yf, sl1 pwise, yb, rep from * to end, slip sts to other end of needle and take up strand of Yarn A.

Row 10 With Yarn A *sl1 pwise, yf, P1, yb; rep from * to end, turn work and take up Yarn B.

Row 11 With Yarn B *sl1 pwise, yf, P1, yb; rep from * to end, slip sts to other end of needle and take up Yarn A.

Row 12 With Yarn A *K1, yf, sl1 pwise, yb; rep from * to end, turn work and take up Yarn B.

These last 12 rows from ** form the patt for Collar shaping.

Rep these 12 rows from ** until short edge of Collar fits halfway across back neck, when slightly eased.
Leave these sts on a holder.

A lady wears a chunky knitted waistcoat in patches of green and brown with a grey knitted collar on show

Making up the ladies knitted waistcoat

Graft the shoulder seams together from front and back of work. Graft back collar seam together from front and back of work. Join collar to back neck. Darn in any loose ends.

Crocheting the edging of the ladies knitted waistcoat

This waistcoat knitting pattern uses a Double crochet trim. If you have not crocheted before, see our how to double crochet article for a complete step-by-step guide.

With 5mm crochet hook and RS of work facing, work one row of double crochet stitches around the outer edge of the waistcoat. Then, without turning the work, work one more row of double crochet into this first row of double crochet. This row should be reverse double crochet aka crab stitch. Learn how to crochet crab stitch.

Work backwards until you reach the start of the edging. Slip stitch into 1st chain and fasten off securely. Rep these instructions for both armhole edges.

Crocheting the ties of the ladies knitted waistcoat

For the optional ties, work 2 lengths of crochet chains, each approx. 70 stitch chain, then sew them in place on front edges, either at waist or at base of collar, so that you can fasten the waistcoat. Alternatively, you can fasten the waistcoat knitting pattern with a belt, as in our photograph.

Download the chunky waistcoat knitting pattern

We know many of you would like a version of this pattern colour coded up for sizes, and you’ll find that in this PDF download.

Click to download the waistcoat knitting pattern PDF.

Choosing your yarn for this waistcoat knitting pattern

We love how chunky yarn garments knit up quickly. With its clever double knitting technique, this chunky waistcoat will grow quickly on your needles too.

Plus there’s loads of fantastic chunky yarns available in a huge range of shades and fibre types, so it’s easy to find one to suit your own style. .

The best chunky yarns to knit with Gathered

If you like your yarns big and bulky, we think you’ll love Gathered’s pick of the best chunky yarns. Take a look and find the perfect yarn to use in your next project.

Linda Parkhouse

Knitting and crochet designer and photographer

Linda is a knitting and crochet designer whose patterns features in prominent specialist craft magazine like Simply Crochet and The Knitter. She runs her own PR company specialist in craft called Parkhouse PR. She was Fashion Editor of a national leading consumer magazine, heading up direction of photography and the styling of each shot on the Fashion pages, leading two her ontest an expertise in photographic styling.
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