Vakka Vest

The word vakka is the Finnish word for a woven basket or container made out of thin strips of wood or bark. Susanna was inspired by the geometric pattern in these baskets that are woven from birch bark. 

She finds the contrast between the geometric pattern and rustic material really interesting. She intentionally opted for a more rustic look, with softer, less defined lines and textures. This creates a vest with subtle visual interest, making it a versatile wardrobe staple. 

Process

This vest is worked from the bottom up. 

The front and back hems are worked separately flat and then joined to work the body in the round up to the bottom of the V-neck. 

From there the body is worked flat, but still in one piece, up to the underarms. 

Then the fronts and back are worked separately from underarm to shoulders. 

The shoulders are joined and finally neckline and armhole edgings are picked up and worked in the round.

This pattern has charted and written instructions for the Basketweave pattern and side cables. Use the same charts for working in the round and flat.

Sizing and fit

SIZES 

1 (2, 3, 4) (5, 6, 7) (8, 9, 10)

Choose size based on your full bust measurement.

Recommended ease: 2–6" / 5–15 cm of positive ease.

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS

Chest Circumference: 83.5 (92.5, 103.5, 112.5) (123.5, 132.5, 143.5) (152.5, 163.5, 172.5) cm / 32.75 (36.5, 40.75, 44.25) (48.5, 52.25, 56.5) (60, 64.25, 68)".

Length (from hem to Top of Shoulder): 51 (53, 55.5, 57.5) (57.5, 57.5, 59.5) (59.5, 62, 62) cm / 20 (20.75, 21.75, 22.75) (22.75, 22.75, 23.5) (23.5, 24.5, 24.5)".

Yarn

8 ply  / DK to worsted weight wool yarn.  

450 (505, 580, 645) (695, 730, 815) (850, 955, 990) m  / 

490 (550, 635, 705) (760, 800, 890) (930, 1045, 1085) yds.

Sample is knit with La Bella 8 ply by Great Ocean Road Woollen Mill

(200m / 219 yds – 100g) in colourway Light Grey.

Needles

Size A (Ribbed edgings around neck and arm openings):

4mm / US6 circular needles.

Size B (Body and hem): 4.5mm / US7 circular needles.

Notions

Stitch markers, stitch holders or waste yarn.

Gauge

Measured from blocked and relaxed fabric:

18 sts and 28 rounds =10cm / 4" of Basketweave Patt on 4.5mm / US7 needles*.

*Or size required to get gauge.

Techniques

Long-tail CO

Knit 3, purl 3 ribbing

Cables

Basketweave stitch pattern

Basic BO

Basic decreases: k2tog and SSK

3-needle BO

Picking up stitches from vertical and horizontal edges

Skill level

intermediate