Crimson Twist Turtleneck Vest (Free Knitting Pattern)
Crimson Twist Turtleneck Vest (Free Knitting Pattern)
Elevate your winter wardrobe with the contemporary Crimson Twist Turtleneck Vest. Designed for stylish layering over white button-down shirts or dresses, this piece features a high ribbed fold-over collar, clean stockinette body, structural ridge seams at the shoulders, and a snug ribbed hem.
Crafted with the thick, ultra-soft Ice Yarns Big Twist, this quick-knit project works up effortlessly on larger needles, making it the perfect weekend knit!
Materials Needed & Recommended Yarns
Primary Yarn:
- Bulky Acrylic Option: Ice Yarns Big Twist (100% Premium Acrylic; 100g / 3.53oz, 160m / 175yds per ball) in Crimson Red.
- Alternative Option: Ice Yarns Saver (used doubled) or Ice Yarns Favorite.
Yarn Category Link:
Discover more thick yarns in our Category 5 Bulky Chunky Yarns Collection and Single Plain Yarns Collection.
Skein Requirement & Size Calculator
| Size | Bust Measurement (Inches / cm) | Skeins of Ice Yarns Big Twist |
|---|---|---|
| XS | 28-30" / 71-76 cm | 3 Skeins (approx. 420 m) |
| S | 32-34" / 81-86 cm | 3 Skeins (approx. 480 m) |
| M | 36-38" / 91-96 cm | 4 Skeins (approx. 550 m) |
| L | 40-42" / 101-106 cm | 4 Skeins (approx. 620 m) |
| XL | 44-46" / 111-116 cm | 5 Skeins (approx. 700 m) |
| 2XL | 48-50" / 121-126 cm | 5 Skeins (approx. 780 m) |
| 3XL | 52-54" / 132-137 cm | 6 Skeins (approx. 850 m) |
| 4XL | 56-58" / 142-147 cm | 6 Skeins (approx. 920 m) |
| 5XL | 60-62" / 152-157 cm | 7 Skeins (approx. 1000 m) |
Tools & Pattern Specifications
-
Knitting Needles:
- US 10 (6.0 mm) 16" (40 cm) & 32" (80 cm) circular needles (for main body).
- US 9 (5.5 mm) 16" (40 cm) circular needles (for ribbed collar and hem).
- Notions: Tapestry needle, Stitch markers, Stitch holders or waste yarn, Measuring tape, Scissors.
- Gauge: 14 sts and 19 rows = 4" x 4" (10 x 10 cm) in Stockinette Stitch using US 10 (6.0 mm) needles after light steam blocking.
Size Chart & Finished Measurements
| Measurement (Inches / cm) | XS | S | M | L | XL | 2XL | 3XL | 4XL | 5XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Finished Panel Width | 15" / 38cm | 17" / 43cm | 19" / 48cm | 21" / 53cm | 23" / 58cm | 25" / 63.5cm | 27" / 68.5cm | 29" / 73.5cm | 31" / 78.5cm |
| Total Length (Shoulder to Hem) | 16" / 40.5cm | 16.5" / 42cm | 17" / 43cm | 17.5" / 44.5cm | 18" / 46cm | 18.5" / 47cm | 19" / 48cm | 19.5" / 49.5cm | 20" / 51cm |
Glossary & Abbreviations (US Knitting Terms)
- CO: Cast On
- BO: Bind Off
- K: Knit
- P: Purl
- St(s): Stitch(es)
- RS: Right Side
- WS: Wrong Side
Step-by-Step Written Pattern
1. Back Panel
Using US 9 (5.5 mm) needles, CO 52 (58, 66, 72, 80, 86, 94, 100, 108) sts.
Bottom Hem:
Work in K1, P1 ribbing for 2" / 5 cm, ending with a WS row.
Main Body:
Switch to US 10 (6.0 mm) needles.
Work in Stockinette Stitch (Knit RS rows, Purl WS rows) until Back Panel measures 16 (16.5, 17, 17.5, 18, 18.5, 19, 19.5, 20)" / 40.5 (42, 43, 44.5, 46, 47, 48, 49.5, 51) cm from cast-on edge.
BO all sts on RS.
2. Front Panel
Work same as Back Panel until piece measures 3.5" / 9 cm less than total Back length, ending with a WS row.
Neck Shaping:
- Next Row (RS): Knit 18 (21, 24, 27, 30, 33, 36, 39, 42) sts, turn, place remaining sts on holder.
- Decrease 1 st at neck edge on next 4 rows. (14 (17, 20, 23, 26, 29, 32, 35, 38) sts).
- Work straight until Front matches Back length. BO shoulder sts.
- Reattach yarn to remaining sts, BO center 16 (16, 18, 18, 20, 20, 22, 22, 24) sts, complete right shoulder to match left.
3. Raised Shoulder Seams & Collar Assembly
- Join shoulder seams using an exposed mattress seam or reverse seam to create the decorative raised ridge line.
- With US 9 (5.5 mm) 16" circular needles, pick up and knit 60 (60, 64, 64, 68, 68, 72, 72, 76) sts around the neckline.
- Work in K1, P1 ribbing in the round for 5.5" / 14 cm for fold-over turtleneck.
- BO loosely in ribbing pattern.
Blocking & Finishing Protocol (100% Premium Acrylic Bulky)
- Weave in Ends: Secure all ends neatly on the wrong side.
- Steam Blocking: Lay flat on blocking mats, hover steam iron 2 inches (5 cm) above fabric without touching. Allow steam to set the stockinette stitches while keeping shoulder ridges crisp.
