August 18, 2021

Puzzle Summer Vest

A year and a half ago, before the pandemic/lockdown changed everyone’s shopping habits, I was browsing yarn in Walmart (not unusual behavior for me). For some reason the Premier Puzzle yarn had been catching my eye for months. This was, I believe, in March of 2020, just before Minnesota decided to close schools. My director had mentioned (I think that same day) that he was convinced schools would be closed the following week. I didn’t believe him, but for some reason I figured now would be a good time to buy a few skeins of Puzzle yarn and check it out. I bought two colors that caught my eye - one skein of each. For much of the lockdown these two skeins taunted me, challenging me to make something with them. I tried a couple different ideas using both colors together. I think they paired relatively well, but everything I tried just felt forced. I even got halfway through one attempt before frogging it to try something else. It would have made a pretty cute vest, but I just didn’t think it was something I would wear. #knitdesignerproblems

I finally came up with a stitch pattern I really liked that had a lot of openwork to it (it was, after all, summer by now), but I still tried to use both colors. Nothing really seemed to work. I eventually, now that the stores had opened up a little more, picked up a second skein of the pretty green. Now that I had two skeins to work with, the idea quickly came together. I finished the vest and took pictures last fall, but didn’t finish the written pattern until this year.

This vest works up quick, and the size L actually only takes about 1 ½ skeins of Puzzle yarn. It’s a great step up pattern for a beginner. Although the written pattern appears a bit complex, the construction is simple. The pattern itself is just repeating a set of stitches for a specific number of repeats, with some knit and purl stitches in between to separate the openwork sections.

I hope you enjoy the fun little vest. Remember that you can purchase the ad-free, printable pdf on Etsy, or add it to your Ravelry queue.

On to the pattern!

Puzzle Summer Vest

Knitting Pattern

The Puzzle Summer Vest is knitted with a very open, lacy stitch to be light and airy for spring and summer wear. It will also add a stylish layer to fall outfits. The front panels are narrow and not meant to provide coverage or meet in the middle.

Difficulty

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Finished Sizes

This pattern is written for the following sizes (bust measurement):

XS (28-30), S (32-34), M (36-38), L (40-42), XL (44-46), 2XL (48-50), and 3XL (52-54), 4XL (56-58), and 5XL (60-62). It is designed to be worn slightly loose, with a positive ease of 2”-4”. Choose a size with a back width that is 1-2” greater than half of your bust measurement. Sizes are listed as XS (S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL, 5XL)

All measurements are approximate as this fabric has a significant amount of stretch.

Length: 34 (35, 36, 36, 37, 37, 38, 38, 38)”/86 (89, 91, 91, 94, 94, 97, 97, 97) cm
Back width: 16 (18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32)”/41 (46, 51, 56, 61, 66, 71, 76, 81) cm
Shoulder to shoulder (upper back) width: 12 (12.7, 13.3, 14, 14.7, 15.3, 16, 16.7, 17.3)”/30 (32, 34, 36, 37, 39, 41, 42, 44) cm
Front panel width: 5.7 (6.3, 7, 7.7, 8.3, 9, 9.7, 10.3, 11)”/14 (16, 18, 19, 21, 23, 25, 26, 28) cm

Length Adjustment

This vest can be made longer or shorter by knitting more or fewer rows before dividing for the armholes.

Instructions are written using standard US abbreviations.

CO - cast on
K - knit
P - purl
K2tog - knit 2 together
P2tog- purl 2 together
Yo - yarn over
M1r - make one right
M1l - make one left
M1k - make one knit
Kfb - knit front and back

Materials

Premier Yarns Puzzle (7 oz./200 g; 328 yds/300 m): 2 (2, 2, 2, 2, 3, 3, 3, 3) skeins in Dominoes (#1050-18)
Size 10 ( mm), 36” - 48” circular knitting needles (larger sizes will require longer circular needles to accommodate the width)
Tapestry needle (for seams and weaving in ends)
Stitch markers (2)
Stitch holders (or spare circular needles)

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Gauge

Approximately:

12 stitches in main pattern stitch = 4”

16 rows in main pattern stitch = 4”

Gauge Swatch

CO 22 stitches using the cable cast on

Row 1: K2, p1, k1, p1; [yo, k2tog] 6 times; p1, k1, p1, k2. Turn.

Row 2: k1, p1, k1, p1, k1; [yo, p2tog] 6 times; k1, p1, k1, p1, k1. Turn.

Repeat Rows 1-2 seven more times.

BO in pattern for 1x1 rib, then *k2tog, slip last stitch back to left hand needle. Repeat from * to end of openwork stitches. BO remaining stitches in pattern for 1x1 rib. Swatch should measure 4” x 4” between (not including) the ribbed edges. If swatch is too small, increase needle size; if swatch is too large, decrease needle size.

Notes

The body of the cardigan is knitted in one piece from the bottom up. It is composed of 5 sections like the gauge swatch, so it is recommended that you knit the swatch to help understand the pattern. The vest is then worked separately from the armholes. The only seams required are the shoulder seams. The first and last stitch of every row is knit to create a neat exposed edge. This edge stitch is included in the written pattern.

Special Stitches

If you need help, many knitters post tutorials for these common stitches.

Cable Cast On - Make a slip stitch on left hand needle. Insert right hand needle knitwise and cast on one stitch using a knit cast on. *Insert right hand needle between the first two loops on the left hand needle. Draw up a loop with the right needle and slip it to the left needle. Repeat from * until you have the desired number of stitches cast on. (need photo tutorial here?)

Yo, k2tog - To yarn over when knitting the next stitch, bring the yarn to the front. Insert the needle into the next two stitches to knit two together. Bring the yarn over the right hand needle to complete the stitch. You should have one yarn over and one knit stitch on your right hand needle.

Yo, p2tog - To yarn over when purling the next stitch, bring the yarn to the front (if it is not already there), then over the right hand needle and back to the front. Then insert the needle into the next two stitches at the same time, purlwise. Purl the two stitches together. You should have one yarn over and one purl stitch on the right hand needle.

Instructions

Body

With size 10, 36” circular needles, CO 96 (106, 116, 126, 136, 146, 156, 166, 176) stitches using a cable cast on (see Special Stitches).

Row 1 (RS): K first stitch (k1, p1) twice. [Yo, k2tog] 7 (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15) times. *P1, k2, p1, [yo, k2tog] 7 (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15) times. Repeat from * 3 more times (for a total of 5 openwork sections separated by knit stitches). (P1, k1) twice. K last stitch. Turn.

Row 2 (WS): K1, (p1, k1) twice. [Yo, p2tog] 7 (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15) times. *K1, p2, k1, [yo, p2tog] 7 (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15) times. Repeat from * 3 more times. (K1, p1) twice. Knit last stitch. Turn.

Repeat rows 1 and 2 until piece measures 24 inches (or desired length to underarms).

Set up for armholes

Row 1 (RS): K first stitch (k1, p1) twice. [Yo, k2tog] 7 (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15) times. P1, m1r, k2, m1l, p1. *[Yo, k2tog] 7 (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15) times, p1, k2, p1. Repeat from * 1 more time. [Yo, k2tog] 7 (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15) times. P1, m1r, k2, m1l, p1. [Yo, k2tog] 7 (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15) times. (P1, k1) twice. K last stitch. Turn. [100 (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180) stitches]

Row 2 (WS): K first stitch (p1, k1) twice. [Yo, p2tog] 7 (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15) times. K1, p2, m1k, p2, k1. *[Yo, p2tog] 7 (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15) times, k1, p2, k1. Repeat from * 1 more time. [Yo, p2tog] 7 (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15) times. K1, p2, m1k, p2, k1. [Yo, p2tog] 7 (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15) times. (K1, p1) twice. Knit last stitch. Turn. [102 (112, 122, 132, 142, 152, 162, 172, 182) stitches]

Row 3 (RS): K first stitch (k1, p1) twice. [Yo, k2tog] 7 (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15) times. P1, k2, kfb, k2, p1. *[yo, k2tog] 7 (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15) times, p1, k2, p1. Repeat from * 1 more time. [yo, k2tog] 7 (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15) times. P1, k2, kfb, k2, p1. [yo, k2tog] 7 (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15) times. (P1, k1) twice. K last stitch. Turn. [104 (114, 124, 134, 144, 154, 164, 174, 184) stitches]

Row 4 (WS): K1, (p1, k1) twice. [yo, p2tog] 7 (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15) times. K1, p2, k1. PM to separate left front from upper back stitches. *K1, p2, k1 [yo, p2tog] 7 (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15) times. Repeat from * 2 more times. K1, p2, k1. PM to separate upper back from right front stitches. K1, p2, k1 [yo, p2tog] 7 (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15) times. (k1, p1) twice. K last stitch. Turn.

Divide for armholes

Each section will be worked separately, beginning with the right front panel.

Right Front Panel

Row 1 (RS): K first stitch (k1, p1) twice. [Yo, k2tog] 7 (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15) times. p1, k3. Turn. [23 (25, 27, 29, 31, 33, 35, 37, 39) stitches] (Remove marker and place remaining stitches on spare needle or stitch holders.)

Row 2 (WS - decrease row): K first stitch, p2, k1. (do NOT yo) P2tog, [yo, p2tog] 6 (7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14) times. (K1, p1) twice. Knit last stitch. Turn. [22 (24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36, 38) stitches]

Row 3 (RS - decrease row): K first stitch (k1, p1) twice. [Yo, k2tog] 6 (7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14) times. P2tog, k3. Turn. [21 (23, 25, 27, 29, 31, 33, 35, 37) stitches]

Row 4 (WS - no decrease): K first stitch, p2, k1. [Yo, p2tog] 6 (7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14) times. (K1, p1) twice. Knit last stitch. Turn.

Row 5 (RS - no decrease): K first stitch (k1, p1) twice. [Yo, k2tog] 6 (7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14) times. p1, k3. Turn.

Repeat Rows 2-5 [2 (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)] more times, decreasing the number of (yo, k2tog) or (yo, p2tog) repeats by one each time. Total number of stitches will decrease by 2 each time you repeat these four rows.

Work additional rows in pattern (no decreases) until armhole measures 9 (10, 11, 11, 12, 12, 13, 13, 13)”/23 (23, 25, 25, 28, 28, 30, 30, 33) cm, ending with a WS row. This should be approximately 23 (23, 23, 19, 19, 17, 17, 11, 7) additional rows.

On a RS row, BO in rib pattern for first 4 stitches, then *k2tog, slip last stitch back to left hand needle. Repeat from * to end of openwork stitches. BO remaining stitches in pattern (knit the knit stitches and purl the purl stitches).

Upper Back

Place next 58 (64, 70, 76, 82, 88, 94, 100) stitches for upper back onto needle. Attach yarn at right underarm with right side facing.

Row 1 (RS): K3, p1. (do NOT yo) K2tog, [yo, k2tog] 6 (7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14) times. P1, k2, p1, [yo, k2tog] 7 (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15) times. P1, k2, p1, [yo, k2tog] 7 (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15) times. P1, k3. Turn. [57 (63, 69, 75, 81, 87, 93, 99) stitches]

Row 2 (WS): K first stitch, p2, k1. (do NOT yo) P2tog, [yo, p2tog] 6 (7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14) times. P1, k2, p1, [yo, k2tog] 7 (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15) times. P1, k2, p1, [yo, p2tog] 6 (7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14) times. K2tog, p2, knit last stitch. Turn. [55 (61, 67, 73, 79, 85, 91, 97) stitches]

Row 3 (RS): K3, p1. [Yo, k2tog] 6 (7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14) times. P1, k2, p1, [yo, k2tog] 7 (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15) times. P1, k2, p1, [yo, k2tog] 6 (7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14) times. P2tog, k3. [54 (60, 66, 72, 78, 84, 90, 96) stitches]

Row 4 (WS): K first stitch, p2, k1. [Yo, p2tog] 6 (7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14) times. P1, k2, p1, [yo, k2tog] 7 (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15) times. P1, k2, p1, [yo, k2tog] 6 (7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14) times. P1, k3. Turn.

Repeat Rows 1-4 [2 (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)] more times, decreasing the number of (yo, k2tog) or (yo, p2tog) repeats in the first and last openwork sections by one each time. The number of repeats in the middle openwork section will remain the same. The total number of stitches will decrease by 4 each time you repeat these 4 rows.

Work in pattern until upper back measures 9 (10, 11, 11, 12, 12, 13, 13, 13)”/23 (23, 25, 25, 28, 28, 30, 30, 33) cm - or the same length as right front armhole (count rows to be sure).

On a RS row, BO in pattern for all knit and purl stitches, and [k2tog, slip last stitch back to left hand needle] for all openwork stitches.

Left Front Panel

Place remaining 23 (25, 27, 29, 31, 33, 35, 37, 39) stitches on needle. Attach yarn at left underarm with right side facing.

Row 1 (RS - decrease row): K3, p1. (do NOT yo) K2tog, [yo, k2tog] 6 (7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14) times. (K1, p1) twice, k last stitch. Turn. [22 (24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36, 38) stitches]

Row 2 (WS - decrease row): K first stitch (p1, k1) twice. [Yo, p2tog] 6 (7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14) times. K2tog, p2, knit last stitch. Turn. [21 (23, 25, 27, 29, 31, 33, 35, 37) stitches]

Row 3 (RS - no decrease): K3, p1. [Yo, k2tog] 6 (7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14) times. (K1, p1) twice, k last stitch. Turn.

Row 4 (WS - no decrease): K first stitch (p1, k1) twice. [Yo, p2tog] 6 (7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14) times. K1, p2, knit last stitch. Turn.

Repeat Rows 1-4 [2 (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)] more times, decreasing the number of (yo, k2tog) or (yo, p2tog) repeats by one each time. Total number of stitches will decrease by 2 each time you repeat these four rows.

Work additional rows in pattern (no decreases) until armhole measures 9 (10, 11, 11, 12, 12, 13, 13, 13)”/23 (23, 25, 25, 28, 28, 30, 30, 33) cm - or the same length as right front armhole (count rows to be sure). This should be approximately 24 (24, 24, 20, 20, 16, 16, 12, 8) additional rows.

Sew shoulder seams, matching knit stitches and openwork stitches on front panel and upper back. Weave in ends.

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The pattern and photographs of this design are the property of Sharon Hansen/Yarnmare. This pattern and design are subject to copyright, and are for personal, non-commercial use only. You may not distribute or sell this pattern or any items created using the directions in this pattern without consent. Please email yarnmare@gmail.com with any questions.

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