Nettle-Earnest Vest

Featuring linear broken rib across the shoulders and a simple stocking stitch body, Nettle-Earnest is a pared-down tank, equally at home when worn with jeans or over the top of tunics and dresses. 

Named for a Scots word for someone who is downright earnest and evoking an image of tall straight nettles and grasses growing in hedgerows, Nettle-Earnest is sure to become a staple in your wardrobe.

CONSTRUCTION 

Nettle-Earnest is a broken rib and stocking stitch top-down sleeveless pullover / sweater vest with a gently shaped boat neck, and a split hem with longer back ribbing. 

It’s worked flat, with the front worked first, and stitches picked up at the shoulders to work the back. 

The front and back are seamed together with mattress stitch after knitting. Easy wrap and turn short rows are used to shape the neckline and shoulders.

YARN 

West Yorkshire Spinners, ColourLab DK (double-knit weight; 225m/245yds per 100g ball; 100% British wool)

Required balls in West Yorkshire Spinner ColourLab DK: 

3 (3, 4, 4, 4) 5, 5, 6, 6 balls in Bottle Green 363

Yarn Amounts per m / yds: 

This is the yardage estimated for the suggested yarn: 

585 (665, 730, 820, 900) 966, 1045,1150, 1215 m 

640 (725, 800, 895, 985) 1045, 1145, 1255, 1330 yds

If you’re planning to lengthen your Nettle-Earnest, you will need more yarn. If you’re purchasing hand-dyed yarn, please ensure that you have enough yarn from one batch to complete your vest.

GAUGE, NEEDLES & NOTIONS 

Gauge: 21 sts x 28 rows = 10 cm / 4” measured over stocking stitch on larger needles, after blocking 

Recommended Needles: 3.5 mm (US 4) AND 3.75mm (US 5) circular needle, 80 cm (32”) long 

Straight needles could be used, although depending upon which size you make, your stitches may be less bunched up on circular needles 

Notions: 2 lockable stitch markers, 4 lockable stitch markers / safety pins, tapestry needle

SIZE AND FIT 

1 (2, 3, 4, 5) 6, 7, 8, 9, designed to fit with between 22.5 cm - 15 cm / 8.75” - 6” of positive ease around chest

Nettle-Earnest can be worn with varying amounts of positive ease. When deciding which size to make, consider the neck circumference and shoulder width, as well as the chest circumference. The armhole depth can be adjusted to suit fit when seaming sides.

See schematic and table (in pattern photos to left) for finished measurements to help you pick which size to knit.

Size 3 sample shown with 20 cm / 8” of positive ease across the chest. Maddie is 5’9 in height.

Pattern includes full written instructions, photographs, a schematic and has been tech-edited and preview-knitted.