Lorelai Knit Vest Lesson 3 – Add Stylish and Functional Pockets

What’s better than a vest? A vest with pockets! 😍 Lorelai Knit Vest: Lesson 3 – Adding Pockets! In this lesson, we’ll guide you through adding one, two, or no pockets to your Lorelai Knit Vest. This customizable feature lets you make the vest truly your own, whether you prefer a sleek design or a practical touch.

Learn how to integrate the pockets seamlessly into the stitch pattern and keep your project looking polished. 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 third lesson, we’re adding functionality and flair to your Lorelai Knit Vest by introducing pockets! Whether you choose to add one pocket like the sample, go for two symmetrical pockets, or decide to skip the pockets altogether, this lesson provides all the instructions you need to customize your vest to your liking.

You’ll learn how to seamlessly integrate the pocket(s) into the Stockinette Windows Stitch Pattern, ensuring they blend beautifully with the overall design. Plus, we’ll share tips for aligning the pocket placement and securing it for a polished finish.

A person with curly hair smiles brightly while pointing at the stylish pocket of their dark striped knit vest. They are wearing a light gray long-sleeve shirt underneath. The background features a cozy living room with a couch and decor. -Marly Bird

⭐️ 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. 🧶✨

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you.


A smiling person with curly hair stands indoors, wearing glasses and a knitted vest with stylish pockets over a white shirt. Text overlay reads "Lesson 3 Lorelai." The background includes shelves and a sofa with cushions. -Marly Bird

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 

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 

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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I’m thrilled to share this amazing pattern with you, many patterns on my blog are absolutely free! I kindly request that you don’t copy and paste or distribute this pattern. Prefer an ad-free experience? Buy a digital PDF pattern for a small fee from one of my online stores for a seamless crafting journey. 

I appreciate your support and readership. You are the reason I can keep doing what I love and sharing it with others. So, thank you from the bottom of my yarn-loving heart! Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links at no cost to you.

LORELAI KNIT VEST TURKEY TROT 2024

Lesson 3

Continue on Front to Add Pocket(s)

Note: You may choose to work one or two pockets, or no pockets.

Set-Up: With RS facing, place a marker on the needle after st #1 (7, 7, 13, 13, 13, 19); another after st #25 (31, 31, 37, 37, 37, 43), [first pocket plotted] and another after st #37 (43, 55, 61, 73, 85, 91), another after st #61 (67, 79, 85, 97, 109, 115) [optional second pocket plotted]- 1 (7, 7, 13, 13, 13, 19) sts remain at left edge, 4 markers placed, 24 sts marked for each Pocket.

Next row (Pocket bind-off row, RS): * Knit to next marker, remove marker, bind off 24 sts between markers, remove marker; repeat from * once more, knit to end.

Pocket Lining

Use a separate ball of yarn and needles to work Pocket Lining as follows (do not cut working yarn):

With WS facing and holding Front piece upside down, pick up and knit 24 sts in the purl-bumps closest to Pocket-bind off.

Work in Stockinette st for 12” [30.5 cm], beginning with a WS (purl) row, and ending with a RS (knit) row.

Knit 4 rows, then cut yarn and place all Pocket Lining sts on a holder or spare needle.

Work other Pocket Lining the same.

Rejoin Pocket to Body of Vest

Next Row (WS): P1, work Row 5 of Stockinette Windows Pattern to last st using the held Pocket Lining sts in place of the bound-off Pocket sts, p1.

A person wearing a purple and blue knit vest with stylish pockets over a white button-up shirt stands confidently with hand on hip. They're indoors, framed by blurred windows and a plant in the background. -Marly Bird

Continue in pattern to armhole
Work in established Stockinette Windows Pattern for 37 (37, 51, 51, 51, 65, 79) 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.

✨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!

Illustrated poster for the "Turkey Trot with Marly Bird" featuring a bird knitting with yarn shaped like turkey and pie. "#turkeytrot2024" is displayed at the bottom, with a whimsical background and dining table setting. -Marly Bird

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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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