Lorelai Knit Vest Lesson 4 – Shape the Armholes and Start the Neckline
This is where your vest really begins to take shape! In this lesson, you’ll work on the armhole shaping while starting the front neck shaping, creating the structure that gives your vest its elegant fit.
You’ll also continue the garter stitch column along the neckline, a special design detail that makes the Lorelai Knit Vest so unique. Be sure to watch the video for tips on keeping track of your shaping and maintaining symmetry.
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Don’t forget to share your progress in the Marly Bird BiCrafty Community—we can’t wait to see your creativity in action!
If you haven’t joined the event yet, it’s not too late! Visit link to Turkey Trot event page to sign up, grab your yarn, and stitch along with us.
⭐️ For VIP participants, the upgrade includes full charts that clearly show pocket placement and row-by-row check sheets to keep you on track every step of the way. These exclusive resources make adding pockets a breeze!
As always, watch the Lorelai Knit Vest Lesson 3 video for demonstrations, tips, and extra insights to help make your vest uniquely yours. Whether you’re enhancing your vest with one pocket, two pockets, or no pockets at all, this section is all about crafting a piece that fits your style and needs. 🧶✨
Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of these links and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps support the content and free patterns I provide here on MarlyBird.com. Thank you for your support—it means the world to me! 💖
Lorelai Knit Vest – Turkey Trot 2024
Designed by Marly Bird
SKILL LEVEL
Adventurous Beginner
MEASUREMENTS
To Fit Size
XS (S, M, L-XL, 2X, 3X, 4X-5X)
Finished Measurements
(also see schematic)
Bust 28 (34, 39½, 45, 51, 56.5, 62)” [71 (86.5, 100.5, 114.5, 129.5, 143.5, 157.5) cm]
Length 20½ (21, 23¾, 24½, 25¼, 28, 30½)” [52 (53.5, 60.5, 62, 64, 71, 77.5) cm]
- Designed to have 2-4” of positive ease
Gauge
See Gauge Swatch Instructions Below
17 sts in and 28 rows in Stockinette Windows pattern = 4 x 4” [10 x 10 cm]
- Note: Work a gauge swatch in the Stockinette Windows pattern stitch over 36 stitches and at least 3 full repeats, then rows 1-4 once more. Bind off and measure.
Begin with the Gauge Swatch
Before you start with the pattern, it is important you begin with a gauge swatch to confirm you are using the right size needles for you.
For the gauge swatch, use size 8 [5mm] needles and work up these instructions:
Cast on 36
Row 1 (WS): Knit.
Rows 2-4: Knit.
Row 5: * K2, p8, k2; repeat from * to end.
Row 6: Knit.
Row 7: * K2, p8, k2; repeat from * to end.
Row 8: Knit.
Row 9: * K2, p8, k2; repeat from * to end.
Row 10: Knit.
Row 11: * K2, p8, k2; repeat from * to end.
Row 12: Knit.
Row 13: * K2, p8, k2; repeat from * to end.
Row 14: Knit.
Repeat rows 1-14 two or three times more, then rows 1-4 once more. Bind off.
Measure the swatch.
Gauge: 17 sts in and 28 rows in Stockinette Windows pattern = 4 x 4” [10 x 10 cm]
- If you get TOO MANY STITCHES = Go Up A Needle Size ⬆️
- If you get TOO FEW STITCHES = Go Down A Needle Size ⬇️
MATERIALS
Yarn
Red Heart, Roll With It Melange (100% acrylic, 389 yds / 356 m, 5.29 oz / 150 g CYCA #4 worsted)
3 (3, 3, 4, 4, 4, 5) skeins: #Autograph
Note: Yarn amounts include an extra ball for color-matching when working the upper front sections.
Knitting Needles
Two 32” [81 cm] U.S. 8 [5 mm] circular needles, or size required for gauge.
Note: Vest is worked back-and-forth in rows; a circular needle is used to hold the full length of the sts. A second needle is included for working both upper front sections at the same time.
Notions
Stitch Holders
ABBREVIATIONS
K – Knit
K2tog – Knit Two Stitches Together
P – Purl
Pm – Place Marker
RS – Right Side
St(s) – Stitches
WS – Wrong Side
SPECIAL STITCHES
⭐️ Ssk (Slip, Slip, Knit): Slip 2 stitches, one at a time, as if to knit. Insert left hand needle into the front of these two stitches and knit them together from this position (1 stitch decreased)
PATTERN STITCHES
Stockinette Windows Pattern (for sizes S, L-XL, 3X)
Worked over a multiple of 12 sts.
Row 1 (WS): Knit.
Row 2: Knit
Row 3: Knit
Row 4: Knit.
Row 5: * K2, p8, k2; repeat from * to end.
Row 6: Knit.
Row 7: * K2, p8, k2; repeat from * to end.
Row 8: Knit.
Row 9: * K2, p8, k2; repeat from * to end.
Row 10: Knit.
Row 11: * K2, p8, k2; repeat from * to end.
Row 12: Knit.
Row 13: * K2, p8, k2; repeat from * to end.
Row 14: Knit.
Repeat Rows 1-14 for Stockinette Windows Pattern.
Stockinette Windows Pattern (offset – for sizes XS, M, 2X, 4X-5X)
Worked over a multiple of 12 sts.
Row 1 (WS): Knit.
Row 2: Knit
Row 3: Knit
Row 4: Knit.
Row 5: P4, k2, * k2, p8, k2; repeat from * to end to last 6 sts, k2, p4.
Row 6: Knit.
Row 7: P4, k2, * k2, p8, k2; repeat from * to end to last 6 sts, k2, p4.
Row 8: Knit.
Row 9: P4, k2, * k2, p8, k2; repeat from * to end to last 6 sts, k2, p4.
Row 10: Knit.
Row 11: P4, k2, * k2, p8, k2; repeat from * to end to last 6 sts, k2, p4.
Row 12: Knit.
Row 13: P4, k2, * k2, p8, k2; repeat from * to end to last 6 sts, k2, p4.
Row 14: Knit.
Repeat Rows 1-14 for Stockinette Windows Pattern, offset.
SCHEMATIC
CHART
✅ Full charts for each size is exclusive to the ad-free pdf only available with VIP Upgrade.
NOTES
- Directions are for the smallest size; changes for all other sizes are in parentheses. When only one number is given then that number applies to all sizes.
- Vest is worked from the bottom up in 2 pieces, then seamed together. Optional pockets are worked as-you-go.
VIDEO TUTORIALS
- Long Tail Cast-On >> Click Here for Video Help <<
- Knit Stitch (continental style) >> Click Here for Video Help <<
- Purl Stitch (continental style) >> Click Here for Video Help <<
- How to Tink >> Click Here for Video Help <<
- How to Add Lifeline >> Click Here for Video Help <<
- How to Bury Ends >> Click Here for Video Help <<
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LORELAI KNIT VEST LESSON 4 TURKEY TROT 2024
Lesson 4
Shape Back Armholes
Next 2 Rows:
Row 1 (WS): Bind off 4 sts, p1, knit to last st, p1 – 58 (70, 82, 94, 106, 118, 130) sts.
Row 2: Bind off 4 sts, knit to end – 54 (66, 78, 90, 102, 114, 126) sts.
For last 5 sizes only (M and up):
Next 2 Rows:
Row 1 (WS): Bind off 4 sts, p1, knit to last st, p1 – x (x, 74, 86, 98, 110, 122) sts.
Row 2: Bind off 4 sts, knit to end – x (x, 70, 82, 94, 106, 118) sts.
For last 3 sizes only (2X and up):
Next 2 Rows:
Row 1 (WS): Bind off 4 sts, p1, work in established Stockinette Windows Pattern to last st, p1 – x (x, x, x, 90, 102, 114) sts.
Row 2: Bind off 4 sts, k1, work in established Stockinette Windows Pattern to last st, k1 – x (x, x, x, 86, 98, 110) sts.
For last 2 sizes only (3X and up):
Next 2 Rows:
Row 1 (WS): Bind off 4 sts, p1, work in established Stockinette Windows Pattern to last st, p1 – x (x, x, x, x, 94, 106) sts.
Row 2: Bind off 4 sts, k1, work in established Stockinette Windows Pattern to last st, k1 – x (x, x, x, x, 90, 102) sts.
For All Sizes:
Next 2 Rows:
Row 1 (WS): P1, Work in established Stockinette Windows Pattern to last st, p1.
Row 2: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1 – 52 (64, 68, 80, 84, 88, 100) sts.
Repeat the last 2 rows 1 (1, 3, 3, 5, 7, 7) more times – 50 (62, 62, 74, 74, 74, 86) sts.
Work 42 (46, 46, 50, 50, 50, 52) more rows evenly in Stockinette Windows Pattern, keeping the first and last sts in Stockinette st, and ending after a Row #6 (10, 2, 6, 12, 4, 6) of pattern.
Shape Front Armholes
Next Row (WS): Bind off 4 sts, p1, knit to last st, p1 – 58 (70, 82, 94, 106, 118, 130) sts.
For last 5 sizes only (M and up):
Next 2 Rows:
Row 1 (RS): Bind off 4 sts, knit to end – x (x, 78, 90, 102, 114, 126) sts.
Row 2: Bind off 4 sts, p1, knit to last st, p1 – x (x, 74, 86, 98, 110, 122) sts.
For last 3 sizes only (2X and up):
Next 2 Rows:
Row 1 (RS): Bind off 4 sts, knit to end – x (x, x, x, 94, 106, 118) sts.
Row 2: Bind off 4 sts, p1, work in established Stockinette Windows Pattern to last st, p1 – x (x, x, x, 90, 102, 114) sts.
For last 2 sizes only (3X and up):
Next 2 Rows:
Row 1 (RS): Bind off 4 sts, k1, work in established Stockinette Windows Pattern to last st, k1 – x (x, x, x, 86, 98, 110) sts.
Row 2: Bind off 4 sts, p1, work in established Stockinette Windows Pattern to last st, p1 – x (x, x, x, x, 94, 106) sts.
Split Front Neck
For all sizes:
With RS facing, identify the center 4-st Garter column, and place a marker on the needle just to the left of these 4 sts.
Next Row (neck split row, RS): Bind off 4 sts, k1, work in established Stockinette Windows Pattern to marker, remove marker, mark the last 4 sts worked for picking up later (these sts are marked with Xs on the chart), turn work, place remaining 25 (31, 33, 39, 41, 43, 49) sts on a holder or spare needle for Right Front Shoulder – 29 (35, 37, 43, 45, 47, 53) sts on the needle for Left Front Shoulder.
Next Row (WS): P1, work in established Stockinette Windows Pattern to last st, p1.
Shape Left Front Armhole and Neck
For Sizes S, L-XL, and 2X Only:
Next 2 Rows:
Row 1 (armhole and neck decrease row, RS): K1, ssk, knit to last 5 sts, k2tog, k3 – x (33, x, 41, 43, x, x) sts.
Row 2: K4, work in established Stockinette Windows Pattern to last st, p1.
Repeat the last 2 rows x (1, x, 3, 1, x, x) more times – x (31, x, 35, 41, x, x) sts.
For Sizes XS, M, 2X, 3X, and 4X-5X Only:
Next 4 Rows:
Row 1 (armhole and neck decrease row, RS): K1, ssk, knit to last 5 sts, k2tog, k3 – 27 (x, 35, x, 39, 45, 51) sts.
Row 2: K4, work in established Stockinette Windows Pattern to last st, p1.
Row 3 (armhole decrease row, RS): K1, ssk, knit to end – 26 (x, 34, x, 38, 44, 50) sts.
Row 4: K4, work in established Stockinette Windows Pattern to last st, p1.
Repeat the last 4 rows 0 (x, 1, x, 1, 3, 3) more times – 26 (x, 31, x, 35, 35, 41) sts.
For All Sizes:
Next 4 Rows:
Row 1 (neck decrease row, RS): Knit to last 5 sts, k2tog, k3 – 25 (30, 30, 34, 34, 34, 40) sts.
Row 2: K4, work in established Stockinette Windows Pattern to last st, p1.
Row 3: Knit.
Row 4: K4, work in established Stockinette Windows Pattern to last st, p1.
Repeat the last 4 rows 7 (11, 11, 12, 12, 12, 11) more times – 18 (19, 19, 22, 22, 22, 29) sts.
For Sizes XS and 4X-5X Only:
Next 6 Rows:
Row 1 (neck decrease row, RS): Knit to last 5 sts, k2tog, k3 – 17 (x, x, x, x, x, 28) sts.
Row 2: K4, work in established Stockinette Windows Pattern to last st, p1.
Row 3: Knit.
Row 4: K4, work in established Stockinette Windows Pattern to last st, p1.
Row 5: Knit.
Row 6: K4, work in established Stockinette Windows Pattern to last st, p1.
Repeat the last 6 rows 1 (x, x, x, x, x, 0) more times – 16 (x, x, x, x, x, 28) sts.
For All Sizes:
Next 2 Rows:
Row 1 (neck decrease row, RS): Knit to last 5 sts, k2tog, k3 – 15 (18, 18, 21, 21, 21, 27)Row 2: K4, work in established Stockinette Windows Pattern to last st, p1.
Shape Right Front Armhole and Neck
For this section, cycle through your ball of yarn to match the color of the first Left Front row worked at neck split.
Next 2 Rows:
Row 1 (pick up row, RS): With RS facing but working into WS of work, and using new color-matched yarn, pick up and knit the purl bumps of the 4 marked sts at neck split, then knit across all held Right Front sts – 29 (35, 37, 43, 45, 47, 53) sts.
Row 2: P1, work in established Stockinette Windows Pattern to last st, p1.
For Sizes S, L-XL, and 2X Only:
Next 2 Rows:
Row 1 (armhole and neck decrease row, RS): K3, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1 – x (33, x, 41, 43, x, x) sts.
Row 2: P1, work in established Stockinette Windows Pattern to last 4 sts, k4.
Repeat the last 2 rows x (1, x, 3, 1, x, x) more times – x (31, x, 35, 41, x, x) sts.
For Sizes XS, M, 2X, 3X, and 4X-5X Only:
Next 4 Rows:
Row 1 (armhole and neck decrease row, RS): K3, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1 – 27 (x, 35, x, 39, 45, 51) sts.
Row 2: P1, work in established Stockinette Windows Pattern to last 4 sts, k4.
Row 3 (armhole decrease row, RS): Knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1 – 26 (x, 34, x, 38, 44, 50) sts.
Row 4: P1, work in established Stockinette Windows Pattern to last 4 sts, k4.
Repeat the last 4 rows 0 (x, 1, x, 1, 3, 3) more times – 26 (x, 31, x, 35, 35, 41) sts.
For All Sizes:
Next 4 Rows:
Row 1 (neck decrease row, RS): K3, ssk, knit to end – 25 (30, 30, 34, 34, 34, 40) sts.
Row 2: P1, work in established Stockinette Windows Pattern to last 4 sts, k4.
Row 3: Knit.
Row 4: P1, work in established Stockinette Windows Pattern to last 4 sts, k4.
Repeat the last 4 rows 7 (11, 11, 12, 12, 12, 11) more times – 18 (19, 19, 22, 22, 22, 29) sts.
For Sizes XS and 4X-5X Only:
Next 6 Rows:
Row 1 (neck decrease row, RS): K3, ssk, knit to end – 17 (x, x, x, x, x, 28) sts.
Row 2: P1, work in established Stockinette Windows Pattern to last 4 sts, k4.
Row 3: Knit.
Row 4: P1, work in established Stockinette Windows Pattern to last 4 sts, k4.
Row 5: Knit.
Row 6: P1, work in established Stockinette Windows Pattern to last 4 sts, k4.
Repeat the last 6 rows 1 (x, x, x, x, x, 0) more times – 16 (x, x, x, x, x, 28) sts.
For All Sizes:Next Row (neck decrease row, RS): K3, ssk, knit to end – 15 (18, 18, 21, 21, 21, 27)
✨Your homework for lesson 4 is to complete both the armhole shaping on the back and front, and at the same time on the front, shape the neck. Next lesson we will continue with the final neck shaping and shoulder shaping. All the instructions included on this page.
See you in the next lesson!
Happy Knitting, Marly!
