Lorelai Knit Vest Lesson 5 – Shape the Shoulders and Finish the Neckline
Welcome to Lesson 5 of the Lorelai Knit Vest from the 6th Annual Marly Bird Turkey Trot Make-Along! 🦃✨ We’re in the final stages of crafting your vest, and this lesson focuses on shaping the shoulders and continuing the front neckline for a beautifully structured finish.
This section ties together all the elements you’ve worked on so far, ensuring your vest has a polished, professional look.
Make sure to follow the video tutorial for tips on creating smooth transitions and ensuring symmetry between the front and back pieces. With just a little more effort, you’ll be ready for the final finishing touches!
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.
In this lesson, you’ll tackle the techniques needed to create well-fitted shoulders and a clean neckline that ties the whole garment together. These steps are crucial for ensuring your vest fits perfectly and looks polished. Whether you’re a seasoned knitter or working on your first garment, this part of the project is both exciting and rewarding.
We’ll guide you through every step, including how to maintain the garter stitch column along the neckline. You’ll also learn how to bind off for a seamless transition between the back and front shoulders.
As you complete the shoulder and neckline shaping, your Lorelai Knit Vest will truly take shape, giving you a glimpse of the finished piece. Don’t forget to watch the Lesson 5 video for helpful tips and tricks to ensure success. Ready to knit? Scroll down for the detailed instructions and video tutorial! 🧶✨
⭐️ For VIP participants, the upgrade includes full charts that clearly show the armhole shaping and the neckline shaping and row-by-row check sheets to keep you on track every step of the way. These exclusive resources make this part of the pattern a breeze!
As always, watch the Lorelai Knit Vest Lesson 5 video for demonstrations, tips, and extra insights to help make your vest uniquely yours.
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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 TURKEY TROT 2024
Lesson 5
Separate For Back Neck
Mark center 12 (18, 18, 24, 24, 24, 24) sts, leaving 19 (22, 22, 25, 25, 25, 31) sts on either side.
Next Row (WS): P1, work in established Stockinette Windows Pattern to center 12 (18, 18, 24, 24, 24, 24) sts, bind off center 12 (18, 18, 24, 24, 24, 24) sts, work in established Stockinette Windows Pattern to last st, p1 – 19 (22, 22, 25, 25, 25, 31) sts remain for each Shoulder.
Shape Back Right Shoulder and Neck
Next 10 Rows:
Row 1 (RS): Knit.
Row 2: Bind off 4 sts at Neck edge, p1, work in established Stockinette Windows Pattern to last st, p1 – 15 (18, 18, 21, 21, 21, 27) sts.
Row 3: Knit.
Row 4: Bind off 4 sts at Neck edge, p1, work in established Stockinette Windows Pattern to last st, p1 – 11 (14, 14, 17, 17, 17, 23) sts.
Row 5: Bind off 2 (3, 3, 4, 4, 4, 5) at Shoulder edge, knit to end – 9 (11, 11, 13, 13, 13, 18) sts.
Row 6: P1, work in established Stockinette Windows Pattern to last st, p1.
Row 7: Bind off 3 (3, 3, 4, 4, 4, 6) at Shoulder edge, knit to end – 6 (8, 8, 9, 9, 9, 12) sts.
Row 8: P1, work in established Stockinette Windows Pattern to last st, p1.
Row 9: Bind off 3 (4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 6) at Shoulder edge, knit to end – 3 (4, 4, 5, 5, 5, 6) sts.
Row 10: P1, work in established Stockinette Windows Pattern to last st, p1.
Bind off remaining 3 (4, 4, 5, 5, 5, 6) sts.
Shape Back Left Shoulder and Neck
With RS Facing, join new yarn to 19 (22, 22, 25, 25, 25, 31) still on the needle.
Next 9 Rows:
Row 1 (RS): Bind off 4 sts, knit to end – 15 (18, 18, 21, 21, 21, 27) sts.
Row 2: P1, work in established Stockinette Windows Pattern to last st, p1.
Row 3: Bind off 4 sts, knit to end – 11 (14, 14, 17, 17, 17, 23) sts.
Row 4: Bind off 2 (3, 3, 4, 4, 4, 5) at Shoulder edge, p1, work in established Stockinette Windows Pattern to last st, p1 – 9 (11, 11, 13, 13, 13, 18) sts.
Row 5: Knit.
Row 6: Bind off 3 (3, 3, 4, 4, 4, 6) at Shoulder edge, p1, work in established Stockinette Windows Pattern to last st, p1 – 6 (8, 8, 9, 9, 9, 12) sts.
Row 7: Knit.
Row 8: Bind off 3 (4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 6) at Shoulder edge, p1, work in established Stockinette Windows Pattern to last st, p1 – 3 (4, 4, 5, 5, 5, 6) sts.
Row 9: Knit.
Bind off remaining 3 (4, 4, 5, 5, 5, 6) sts.
Shape Left Front Shoulder
Next 7 Rows:
Row 1 (RS): Bind off 2 (3, 3, 4, 4, 4, 5) sts, knit to end – 13 (15, 15, 17, 17, 17, 22) sts.
Row 2: K4, work in established Stockinette Windows Pattern to last st, p1.
Row 3: Bind off 3 (3, 3, 4, 4, 4, 6) sts, knit to end – 10 (12, 12, 13, 13, 13, 16) sts.
Row 4: K4, work in established Stockinette Windows Pattern to last st, p1.
Row 5: Bind off 3 (4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 6) sts, knit to end – 7 (8, 8, 9, 9, 9, 10) sts.
Row 6: K4, work in established Stockinette Windows Pattern to last st, p1.
Row 7: Bind off 3 (4, 4, 5, 5, 5, 6, 6) sts, knit to end – 4 sts.
Place remaining 4 sts on a holder. Cut yarn and leave a long tail.
Shape Right Front Shoulder
Next 7 Rows:
Row 1 (WS): Bind off 2 (3, 3, 4, 4, 4, 5) sts, p1, work in established Stockinette Windows Pattern to last 4 sts, k4 – 13 (15, 15, 17, 17, 17, 22) sts.
Row 2: Knit.
Row 3: Bind off 3 (3, 3, 4, 4, 4, 6) sts, p1, work in established Stockinette Windows Pattern to last 4 sts, k4 – 10 (12, 12, 13, 13, 13, 16) sts.
Row 4: Knit.
Row 5: Bind off 3 (4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 6) sts, p1, work in established Stockinette Windows Pattern to last 4 sts, k4 – 7 (8, 8, 9, 9, 9, 10) sts.
Row 6: Knit.
Row 7: Bind off 3 (4, 4, 5, 5, 5, 6) sts, k4 – 4 sts.
Place remaining 4 sts on a holder; do not cut yarn.
✨Your homework for lesson 3 are to complete the pocket(s) then continue and complete the body of the vest up to the armholes. These are all the instructions included on this page.
See you in the next lesson!
Happy Knitting, Marly!
