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11/22/24 •

Lorelai Knit Vest Lesson 1 – Start Strong with Gauge, Cast-On, and Ribbing

Welcome to the Lorelai Knit Vest, part of the 6th Annual Marly Bird Turkey Trot Make-Along! 🦃✨ This cozy and stylish vest is a crowd favorite, and we’re so excited to guide you through every step. 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.

A person wearing glasses and a handmade knit vest poses in three images. Another image shows a close-up of the vest lying flat, highlighting the pattern. The text at the bottom reads "ONLY KNITTING. -Marly Bird

In this first lesson, we’ll start by getting the foundation of your project just right. You’ll learn how to achieve the correct gauge, cast on with confidence, and work the perfect 2×2 ribbing to set up your vest for success. Whether you’re a seasoned knitter or just starting out, this section is packed with tips to make your knitting experience smooth and enjoyable.

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.

Shop for yarn at Herrschners

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 

Removable Stitch markers

Tapestry needle 

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 

Diagram of a knit vest featuring a sleeveless V-neck design. Lines annotate width and length with precise measurements in centimeters, detailing gauge variations and ribbing depth across different sizes. -Marly Bird
Detailed diagram of a V-neck sleeveless knit vest, showcasing measurements in inches and centimeters. Includes width, length, armhole, and neckline depth for sizes small to large. Each section highlights precise increments, perfect for accurate cast-on and ensuring the right gauge fit. -Marly Bird

CHART

Knitting chart for a knit vest features a grid showing rows 1-14 and stitches 1-12. Black dots indicate knit and purl stitches on right and wrong sides, perfect for achieving the desired gauge. Green border marks pattern repeat, with legend included at the bottom right. -Marly Bird

✅ Full charts for each size is exclusive to the ad-free pdf only available with VIP Upgrade.

Row-by-Row Checksheet

✅ Only available with the VIP upgrade or ad-free pdf

A collage featuring the Lorelai Knit Vest Lesson 1 includes images of a smiling woman in a knit vest, project photos, instructions with charts, video tutorials, bonus patterns, and the course is accessible on various devices. -Marly Bird

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

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A person smiling indoors with hands on hips, dressed in glasses and a purple striped knit vest over a white shirt. The room boasts a patterned rug, large windows with blinds, and several green plants. -Marly Bird
A person smiling, wearing a striped purple and blue knit vest over a white shirt. The image shows two side-by-side photos of the person posing. Text reads "Lorlai" and "Lesson 1: Cast-On" with a YouTube play button icon in the center. -Marly Bird

Click here for video help for this part of the pattern.

LORELAI KNIT VEST TURKEY TROT 2024

BACK

Cast on 62 (74, 86, 98, 110, 122, 134) sts.

Row 1 (WS): K2, * p2, k2; repeat from * to end.

Row 2: P2, * k2, p2; repeat from * to end.

Repeat the last 2 rows 5 more times – 12 total rows worked in ribbing.

Next 2 rows:

Row 1 (WS): P1, work in Stockinette Windows Pattern (or offset version, depending on your selected size) to last st, p1.

Row 2: K1, work in Stockinette Windows Pattern (or offset version, depending on your selected size) to last st, k1.
Work in established Stockinette Windows Pattern for 82 (82, 96, 96, 96, 110, 124) more rows, keeping first and last st in Stockinette st, and ending after a Row 14 of pattern – 6 (6, 7, 7, 7, 8, 9) windows created lengthwise.

A smiling person with curly hair, wearing glasses and a cozy knit vest over a white shirt, poses indoors. They proudly display a necklace with a "love" pendant. The background features bookshelves lined with plants, adding warmth to the scene. -Marly Bird

FRONT

With the second set of needles and a new ball of yarn, continue as follows.

Cast-on 62 (74, 86, 98, 110, 122, 146) sts.

Row 1 (WS): K2, * p2, k2; repeat from * to end.

Row 2: P2, * k2, p2; repeat from * to end.

Repeat the last 2 rows 5 more times – 12 total rows worked in ribbing.

Next 2 rows:

Row 1 (WS): P1, work in Stockinette Windows Pattern (or offset version, depending on your selected size) to last st, p1.

Row 2: K1, work in Stockinette Windows Pattern (or offset version, depending on your selected size) to last st, k1.

Work in established Stockinette Windows Pattern for 43 more rows, keeping first and last st in Stockinette st, and ending after a Row 3 of pattern.

✨Your homework is to complete the ribbing for both the back and the front of the vest.

See you in the next lesson!

Happy Knitting, Marly!

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Marly Bird

The One and Only, Marly

Marly is a knitwear and crochet designer (and yarn addict) that is here to help you learn how to knit and crochet in a way that's fun and approachable.

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