How to Knit a Hackberry Model New Baby Vest

Knitting a baby vest is a fun and rewarding project for any knitter. In this tutorial, we'll show you how to knit a new baby vest using the hackberry model. The hackberry model is a beautiful pattern that creates a textured, lace-like effect.

Materials You'll Need

1 skein of baby yarn
Size 6 US (4.0 mm) circular knitting needles
Stitch markers
Tapestry needle
Scissors

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cast On

Cast on 80 stitches using the long-tail cast on method. Join in the round, being careful not to twist the stitches. Place a stitch marker to mark the beginning of the round.

Step 2: Knit the Hem

Knit the first 5 rounds in garter stitch (knit every stitch on every round) to create the hem of the vest.

Step 3: Begin the Hackberry Pattern

Begin the hackberry pattern as follows:

Round 1: *Knit 2, purl 2, repeat from * to end of round
Round 2: *Knit 2, slip 2 stitches with yarn in front (wyif), repeat from * to end of round
Round 3: *Knit 2, purl 2, repeat from * to end of round
Round 4: *Slip 1 stitch wyif, knit 2, pass slipped stitch over the knit stitches, slip 1 stitch wyif, repeat from * to end of round

Repeat these 4 rounds until the body of the vest measures approximately 6 inches from the hem, ending with a round 3.

Step 4: Divide for Armholes

Next, you will divide the vest for the armholes.

Knit 20 stitches, place a stitch marker, bind off the next 20 stitches, knit to the end of the round. This creates the first armhole.

Knit to the marker, remove it, bind off the next 20 stitches, knit to the end of the round. This creates the second armhole.

Step 5: Knit the Back and Front of the Vest

Now you will work on the back of the vest as follows:

Row 1: Knit all stitches
Row 2: Purl all stitches
Row 3: *Knit 2, purl 2, repeat from * to last 2 stitches, knit 2
Row 4: Purl all stitches
Row 5: *Knit 2, slip 1, knit 1, pass slipped stitch over, repeat from * to last 2 stitches, knit 2
Row 6: Purl all stitches
Row 7: Knit to 1 stitch before the marker, slip the next stitch onto a stitch holder, remove the marker, knit to the end of the row
Row 8: Purl all stitches
Row 9: Knit to 1 stitch before the held stitch, slip the next stitch onto a stitch holder, remove the marker, knit to the end of the row
Row 10: Purl all stitches
Row 11: *Knit 2, slip 1, knit 1, pass slipped stitch over, repeat from * to last 2 stitches, knit 2
Row 12: Purl all stitches
Row 13: *Knit 2, purl 2, repeat from * to last 2 stitches, knit 2
Row 14: Purl all stitches

Repeat these 14 rows until the back measures approximately 4 inches from the armhole bind off, ending with row 14.

Now you will work on the front of the vest as follows:

Row 1: Knit all stitches
Row 2: Purl all stitches
Row 3: *Knit 2, purl 2, repeat from * to last 2 stitches, knit 2
Row 4: Purl all stitches
Row 5: *Knit 2, slip 1, knit 1, pass slipped stitch over, repeat from * to last 2 stitches, knit 2
Row 6: Purl all stitches
Row 7: Knit to 1 stitch before the marker, slip the next stitch onto a stitch holder, remove the marker, knit to the end of the row
Row 8: Purl all stitches
Row 9: Knit to 1 stitch before the held stitch, slip the next stitch onto a stitch holder, remove the marker, knit to the end of the row
Row 10: Purl all stitches
Row 11: *Knit 2, slip 1, knit 1, pass slipped stitch over, repeat from * to last 2 stitches, knit 2
Row 12: Purl all stitches
Row 13: *Knit 2, purl 2, repeat from * to last 2 stitches, knit 2
Row 14: Purl all stitches

Repeat these 14 rows until the front measures approximately 4 inches from the armhole bind off, ending with row 14.

Step 6: Knit the Shoulders

With the front and back complete, it's time to knit the shoulders.

Place the held stitches from the front and back onto the same needle.

Knit across all stitches, placing markers 10 stitches in from each end.

Knit until the work measures approximately 1 inch from the armhole bind off, ending with a purl row.

Step 7: Knit the Neckband

With the shoulders complete, it's time to knit the neckband.

Starting at the right shoulder, pick up and knit 18 stitches along the right neck edge.

Knit across the back neck stitches.

Pick up and knit 18 stitches along the left neck edge.

Knit 1 row.

Next row: *Knit 2, purl 2, repeat from * to last 2 stitches, knit 2.

Repeat the previous row until the neckband measures approximately 1 inch in width.

Bind off all stitches.

Step 8: Finishing

Weave in all loose ends and block the vest to the measurements stated in the pattern.

Your Hackberry model baby vest is now complete and ready for your little one to wear or for gifting to a loved one's new arrival.

Enjoy!