How to Knit Embossed Openwork Model Baby Vest

Knitting a baby vest can be a great way to showcase your creativity and love for your little ones. This tutorial will guide you step-by-step on how to knit an embossed openwork model baby vest. This pattern is perfect for intermediate to advanced knitters who are comfortable with basic knitting techniques such as casting on, binding off, knitting, and purling.

Materials Needed

To start this project, you will need the following:

2 skeins of baby yarn in your chosen color
Size 5 circular knitting needles
Stitch markers
Tapestry needle
Scissors

Instructions

Step 1: Cast On

Cast on 84 stitches onto your circular knitting needles using the long tail cast on method. Place a stitch marker to mark the beginning of the round and join in the round, being careful not to twist your stitches.

Step 2: Knit the Body

Knit the body of the vest in the embossed openwork pattern as follows:

Round 1: *Knit 2, purl 2, repeat from * to end of round
Round 2: *Purl 2, knit 2, repeat from * to end of round
Round 3: Knit all stitches
Round 4: *Knit 2, yarn over, slip 1, knit 1, pass slipped stitch over, yarn over, repeat from * to end of round

Repeat these 4 rounds until the vest measures approximately 6 inches from the cast on edge, ending with a round 2.

Step 3: Divide for the Armholes

Next, you will divide the work for the armholes as follows:

Knit the first 21 stitches of the round and place a stitch marker.
Bind off the next 21 stitches, knit across the next 42 stitches, place a stitch marker.
Knit to the end of the round.

Step 4: Knit the Back

Knit 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, yarn over, slip 1, knit 1, pass slipped stitch over, yarn over, repeat from * to last 2 stitches, knit 2
Row 6: Purl all stitches

Repeat these 6 rows until the back measures approximately 5 inches from the armhole bind off, ending with a row 6.

Step 5: Knit the Fronts

Knit 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 11 stitches, knit 2, place a stitch marker, knit 7, place a stitch marker, knit 2
Row 4: Purl all stitches
Row 5: *Knit 2, yarn over, slip 1, knit 1, pass slipped stitch over, yarn over, repeat from * to last 11 stitches, knit 2, place a stitch marker, knit 7, place a stitch marker, knit 2
Row 6: Purl all stitches
Row 7: Knit all stitches up to the first stitch marker, slip the 7 stitches between the markers onto a holder, cast on 5 stitches using the backward loop cast on method, knit to the end of the row.
Row 8: Purl all stitches
Row 9: *Knit 2, purl 2, repeat from * to last 2 stitches, knit 2
Row 10: Purl all stitches
Row 11: *Knit 2, yarn over, slip 1, knit 1, pass slipped stitch over, yarn over, repeat from * to last 2 stitches, knit 2
Row 12: Purl all stitches

Repeat these 12 rows until the front measures approximately 4 inches from the armhole bind off, ending with a row 12.

Step 6: Knit the Shoulders and Collar

Rejoin the yarn at the left shoulder and knit across the stitches to the stitch marker. Slip the 7 held stitches onto the needle and knit across them.

Next, you will work the collar as follows:

Row 1: Knit all stitches
Row 2: Purl all stitches
Row 3: Knit all stitches
Row 4: Purl all stitches
Row 5: *Knit 2, purl 2, repeat from * to end of row
Row 6: Purl all stitches
Row 7: Knit all stitches
Row 8: Purl all stitches
Bind off all stitches.

Step 7: Finishing

Use a tapestry needle to weave in all the loose ends and block the vest to your desired size and shape.

And there you have it - a beautiful and unique embossed openwork model baby vest that will keep your little one cozy and stylish!