Published on 21 February 2023
4 min read
Knitted sweater vests are getting a revamp! Whether it's a remixed cabled classic or a campus-cool knit in lollypop shades, this crop of knitted sweater vest patterns are making cosy layers cool again. From preppy to classic, statement or minimalist, sleeveless silhouettes are back. Which one is your favourite?
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1. Vicky's Vest
For a bright preppy knit that will bring some zing to any outfit Vicky's Vest is a top pick. Designed in lollypop shades, these college cool knits are beginner-friendly so even knitting newbies can amp up the handmade style stakes at work or on campus!
Vicky's Vest By Vicky Knits
2. Snug Season Sweater Vest
As sweater weather rolls in, this super snug sweater vest from Paintbox Yarns is the one! With cosy cables and simple knit, purl repeats this is the best to layer for the changing of the seasons. What's more, the pattern it's completely free!
Snug Season Sweater Vest - Free Slipover Knitting Pattern for Women in Paintbox Yarns Wool Blend Worsted - Downloadable PDF By Paintbox Yarns
3. Neve tank top
This irresistible snow-soft cashmere and merino tunic-style tank sees plump cables flow through its longline silhouette for maximum impact. Dressed up or dressed down, you'll love curling up with this unforgettable Debbie Bliss pattern on long winter nights!
Neve Top - Knitting Pattern For Women in Debbie Bliss Iris By Debbie Bliss
4. The Classic V-Neck Vest
This chic and slouchy classic V-neck vest by Bethany Mulcahy is effortlessly cool. Knit in one piece from back to front for a knitted sweater vest that's superb for layering when the weather gets chilly.
The Classic V-Neck Vest By Bethany M
5. Anyday Vest
This beautiful Anyday Vest by Lily Kate France is a top pick for makers and there's no wonder! With its beautiful minimalist chunky design and flattering shape that can be worn any day of the week, it's certainly on our knit-list this autumn!
Anyday Vest By Lily KateMakes
6. Keaton Vest
Remixing the iconic Annie Hall-style with modern cropped cut, the Keaton Vest is an instant classic. Designed by Two of Wands, this cabled pattern is best for experienced knitters with a few stitches under their belt. Great for teaming with a dress or wearing with jeans for a cosy fashion ode to the city that never sleeps!
Keaton Vest By Independent Designer
7. Lana Vest
For a knitted sweater vest that reminds us of windswept walks and beaten coastal paths, the Lana Vest is sure to ignite the imagination with its whimsical collision of cables. Ambitious yet classic, with its slouchy v-neck and loose fitting drape, we can't get enough of this charming vest by Irene Lin!
Lana Vest By Independent Designer
8. Caroline Vest
This beautiful beginners knitted vest pattern in oatmeal coloured yarn is a wardrobe staple. Worked top down this minimalist Caroline vest by Vanessa Pellisa is designed in DK worsted yarn for a chic and versatile knit you can layer to your hearts content!
Caroline Vest By Vanessa Pellisa
9. Contrast Vest
In case you had major style envy for the kid's version of the Contrast Vest, you're in luck! This adult sized version is just as cool for grown ups. Crammed with modern fairisle motifs like its miniature, this edition boasts an elongated shape and effortlessly slouchy fit that you'll love wearing as a statement piece.
Contrast Vest My Size By Independent Designer
10. Simple Tank Top
This beautiful classic design reminds us of wild walks and cream teas. The Simple Tank by Debbie Bliss is so easy to make, even beginners can knit up!
Simple Tank Top - Knitting Pattern for Women in Debbie Bliss Cashmerio Aran by Debbie Bliss - Downloadable PDF By Debbie Bliss
11. Sugar Maple vest
For those chilly days nothing beats a low-key woolly knit that you can pair with jeans for immediate comfort. We can't get enough of this beautiful boxy Sugar Maple Vest by Evin Bail O'Keeffe.
Sugar Maple Vest By Independent Designer
12. Latke Vest by Alix Kramer
We absolutely adore this cheeky sweater vest design by Alix Kramer. This Hanukkah colourwork vest is worked in panels for the body and uses intarsia, or duplicate stitch to add the cheeky phrase to the front. If you want to buff up on your intarsia first, follow along with Merion'sHow to Knit Intarsia video
13. Vest Slipover
This fab beginner's aran Vest Slipover by Knitty Little Thing is so easy to make with its classic design. Easily adapted for a fitted look, with positive or negative ease, this classic knitted sweater vest will keep you cosy and on-trend through the changing seasons.
Vest Slipover By Independent Designer
More sweater vest pattern picks we love!
Sale Colour Block Sweater and Vest Top - Knitting Pattern for Women in Debbie Bliss Nell by Debbie Bliss £1.75 £3.50 Sale Orla - Tank Top Knitting Pattern For Women in Debbie Bliss Erin Tweed by Debbie Bliss £1.75 £3.50 Zoe 7025 £3.50
Into the Wild Tank £6.50 Child s Fair Isle Tank Top £3.60 Sale "Jessamine Top" - Top Knitting Pattern For Women in Debbie Bliss Iris £1.75 £3.50 Explore More Jumpers Patterns
FAQs
Sweater vests are the perfect layering piece
Sweater vests are back in a big way and they're your new layering staple, from winter to the warmer months. From trending lilac to chic neutrals and studious navy hues, this season the high street has come through with something for every outfit.
Can you knit a vest with straight needles? ›
Panels are knitted flat from bottom up. Both panels can be knit either on straight or circular needles. Neckline is knit in the round by picking up stitches around the neck.
How much wool to knit a vest? ›
You actually can easily detemine how much yarn to order since all you need is the yardage. Your vest requires 400 yards and the sale yarn comes in 57.5 yard balls.
What is the point of a sweater vest? ›
Even though people thought it was a fashion faux pax, the sweater vest was actually designed keeping functionality in mind. It was made for people indulging in sports like rowing, in order to encourage sweating and weight loss.
Are knitted vests in fashion in 2024? ›
The Versatility of Knitted Vests as a Fashion Trend
Knitted vests are a popular and versatile trend that come in a variety of designs, such as cable knit, V-neck, button-down, and crew neck. They can be styled in many different ways, and there are numerous reference points to guide you in navigating this trend.
What to wear under a knitted vest? ›
For a laid-back, weekend look, pair a knitted vest with a t-shirt and shorts. For something more polished, layer it over a button-down shirt and add tailored trousers. The possibilities are endless, and with the right styling, a sweater vest can be worn for any occasion.
Is a sweater vest easy to knit? ›
The Open Trails Sweater Vest is a fun, quick knit that's great for beginner knitters and fun for the more advanced. The vest can be worn on its own or over your favorite t-shirt, dress, or collared shirt. It's knit in the round from the bottom up, divided for the fronts and backs, and then seamed at top.
What is a knitted vest called? ›
A sweater vest (known as a tank top, sleeveless sweater, slipover or sleeveless pullover in the UK) is an item of knitwear that is similar to a sweater, but without sleeves, usually with a low-cut neckline.
Are knitted vests business casual? ›
The majority of offices allow for sweaters or sweater vests. Chunky knit sweaters may be appropriate during the winter, but in general, stick to fine-knit sweaters that can go over button-downs or shirts, leaving the collar visible for one of the more classic men's business-casual looks.
How much can you knit with 100g of wool? ›
For both knit and crochet, the general rule of thumb is that a typical 100g skein of yarn will safely make you a hat.
Note that the default instructions are for a small vest, but necessary size-based alterations are noted in the substeps. You'll need five balls of yarn for a small, six for a medium or large, and seven for an extra-large.
How many balls of yarn do I need for a sweater? ›
How much yarn do I need to make a ____?
| Yarn Weight 1 | Yarn Weight 3 |
|---|
| Shawl | 550-850 Yards | 400-625 Yards |
| Adult Sweater | 3375 Yards | 1500-2250 Yards |
| Baby Blanket | 1500-1625 Yards | 1125-1250 Yards |
| Afghan | 3750-4125 Yards | 3000-3500 Yards |
3 more rowsBeloved by everyone from sitcom dads to hip-hop icons to Emma Chamberlain, the sweater vest has vast appeal. And although it has slipped in and out of style for decades, if you're wondering whether sweater vests are cool at the moment, the answer would be a definitive yes.
How to make a sweater vest look good? ›
If you're wearing a more fitted vest, consider balancing it with a higher volume pant or skirt. Longer vests look great with skinny jeans, faux leather leggings, or tights with tall boots. Don't be afraid to pair your sweater vest with a top that has statement sleeves or a more ornate collar.
Do people wear sweater vests in the summer? ›
Can you wear a sweater vest in summer? Yes, you can.
Do people wear vests anymore? ›
Whether as standalone tops, base layers, or part of a summer suit, this trend continues to stick around to become — dare we say — a wardrobe essential.
Are sweater vests here to stay? ›
Over the past few years, and especially during the summer season, the summer sweater vest has proven that it's here to stay. What was once a slightly ironic play on the grandad aesthetic has become a pretty standard fixture not only on the backs of celebs but also on the runway.
When to wear a sweater vest? ›
A sweater vest is the perfect layering piece for fall. Wear a slimmer cut vest under a blazer for a fun workwear look. Take the blazer off for a fun after work drinks and dinner look! How to wear a sweater vest on date night…
When did vests go out of style? ›
But while the vest was a menswear mainstay from 1666 through the mid-20th century, its popularity has diminished significantly since the 1960s or so.
