Kawakawa Baby Vest

The Kawakawa Vest was inspired by the sweet, heart-shaped leaves of the kawakawa plant. It is worked top-down in DK-weight yarn, with the front and back worked separately and seamed at the sides. This construction can be worked entirely on straight needles, making the Kawakawa Vest a good option for knitters who prefer to avoid circular needles. Slip stitches and cables are used to form the simple kawakawa motif and edging details. Buttoned straps are used to make it easier to pull the vest over a baby’s head. 

Difficulty Level

Advanced Beginner

Sizing

The pattern is written for three sizes.

0-3 months: finished chest 41 cm (16 inches); finished back length: 23 cm (9 inches)

3-6 months: finished chest 44 cm (17 inches); finished back length 26 cm (10 in inches)

6-12 months: finished chest 47 cm (18 ½ inches); finished back length 28 cm (11 inches).

Gauge

The pattern is written for yarn with a gauge of 20 stitches and 30 to 32 rows over 10 cm (4 inches) in stockinette. If you substitute for a gauge of 22 stitches over 10cm the finished vest will be smaller. So, we recommend you make the next size up from your target size.

Yarn

Suggested New Zealand yarn:

• Outlaw Yarns, Idol DK, 50% white Merino, 30% coloured NZ Halfbred, and 20% Possum, 129 m per 50 grams.

DK yarns on the thicker-side can also be used to achieve gauge, such as:

• Burnt Hill Vespers, 100% Merino Wool, 106 m per 50 grams.
• Wild Earth Yarns Naturals 8 Ply, 100% Haunui Wool, 100 m per 50 grams.

International alternatives:

• Rowan Pure Wool Superwash Worsted, 200 m per 100 grams.
• Sandnes Garn Double Sunday, 100% Merino Wool, 108 m per 50 grams.

The examples are worked in Outlaw Yarn’s Idol DK shades ‘Nothing to Prove’ and ‘Meant to Be’.

Approximate Yardage

0-3 months: 120 m (130 yards)

3-6 months: 150 m (165 yards)

6-12 months: 180 m (200 yards)