Meet Alstead—a cozy button-down vest that adds a splash of color and charm to your wardrobe. The bold slip-stitch pattern looks complex but is easy and fun to knit, combining just knits, purls, and slipped stitches. Worked in pieces from the bottom up, Alstead features practical insert pockets, soft ribbed trims, and a timeless fit. Watching the Four-Color Fancy stitch pattern emerge row by row makes this project both engaging and beautiful.
 
Alstead has been thoroughly tech edited.
 
Skill Level: Intermediate
 
Sizes:
Women’s XS (S, M, L, 1X) 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X Shown in 1X
 
Finished Measurements:
Chest: 32 (36, 40, 44, 48) 52, 56, 60, 64”, with 1.25” overlap
Length: 22 (22, 22, 22.25, 22.25) 22.25, 22.5, 23, 23.25”
 
Intended to be worked with 4.5” ease
 
Yarn Requirements:
MC: 548 (548, 685, 685, 685) 685, 822, 822, 959 yds / 500 (500, 625, 625, 625) 625, 750, 750, 875 m
CC1: 274 yds / 250 m (all sizes)
CC2: 274 yds / 250 m (all sizes)
CC3: 274 yds / 250 m (all sizes)
 
Needles:
Size 2 (2.75mm) straight or circular needles to work K1P1 ribbing
Size 4 (3.5mm) straight or circular needle to work Four-Color Fancy pat and St st or size to obtain gauge
 
Gauge:
In Four-Color Fancy pattern using gauge needles, 25 sts & 41 rows = 4”/10cm.
In St st using gauge needles, 22 sts & 32 rows = 4”/10cm.
 
Photos by: The Knitting Guild Association