Knits for GIRLS and YOUNG JUNIORS

Made of two scarves sewn together, this piece is suitable for the brand-new knitter. This vest can be made for adults, babies, and all sizes in between. Pick a yarn and a needle size, determine a gauge, make two measurements, and you’re ready to go. The vest can be worn upside down or right side up. Working with a strand of plain yarn held with a strand of metallic yarn adds the sparkle, but any yarn can be used to make this versatile and fun vest.

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SIZES

Sample directions written for child’s small (medium, large), ages approx. 6 (9, 12)

Sizes are adjustable to fit anyone with any yarn at any gauge.

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS

“Scarf” piece: approx. 48 (53, 58) in. / 122 (134.5, 147.5) cm long

To customize, measure length as if you were wearing a scarf: begin where you want vest to hang at front, then around neck and down other front. This will be the length of your “scarf” piece.

Back: approx. 11 (12, 13) in. / 28 (30.5, 33) cm wide

To customize, measure across back from shoulder to shoulder.

YARN

Ella Rae Cozy Soft; 3.5 oz. / 100 g each approx. 213 yd. / 195 m; 25% superwash wool, 75% acrylic

• 3 skeins Navy

Premier Yarns Spangle; 1.7 oz. / 50 g each approx. 164 yd. / 150 m; 76% nylon, 25% metallic

• 4 skeins #208 Sparkling Water

MATERIALS

• Size US 10½ / 6.5 mm needles

• Tapestry needle

GAUGE

14 sts to 4 in. / 10 cm in Garter stitch with 2 strands held together

Gauge is not critical for this project.

VEST

With 2 strands held together, cast on 36 (42, 48) sts (or number of stitches for desired width of “scarf” piece).

Row 1: Slip first st with yarn in front as if to purl, then put yarn to back and knit across row.

Repeat Row 1 until scarf measures 48 (53, 58) in. / 122 (134.5, 147.5) cm or desired length.

Using this as the halfway point, measure 5 (5½, 6) in. / 12.5 (14, 15) cm (or half of desired width of back) on either side of center and mark this distance.

Pick up and knit 36 (42, 48) sts between markers (or number needed) for the back piece.

Knit until piece measures 10 in. / 25.5 cm, or length to match “scarf.” To determine the total length of the back, place vest on a hanger with shawl collar folded over. Line up the back to the front and measure down 5 in. / 12.5 cm or desired depth from the shoulders on both sides for armholes and pin the front and back together to mark this point. Now you can easily see how much more length you need to add to the back to measure the same as the front.

Leave underarm markers where placed and finish knitting the back, if more length is needed. Bind off.