Like most knitters, I have more than one project going at a time – a fun but more complicated project (usually a design), a quickie to work on in the evening after the girls have gone to bed, and something simple for when my brain needs a break. While small baby items or accessories usually fall into the “quickie” category for me, vests also easily fill that niche as they’re all the fun of a garment without the longer-term commitment of sleeves.
Below are just a few of my favorite sleeveless designs in case you, too, are looking for a quick cast on!
Camisole no. 3
Technically a summer knit, this vest by My Favourite Things would look fabulous in Skipper, but I’m currently imagining it as a cosy winter layer in Andorra. (how great would it look in caramel over a striped long sleeved tee?)
Bascom
I designed Bascom exactly with the idea of a classic, simple knit in mind. A rarity for me, the body is knit in the round so no mattress stitch is involved! Knit in Germantown Bulky in a classic textured ribbing, I’d make mine in honey.
Herbarium Slipover
I love love love the stitch pattern on the Herbarium Slipover by Iryna from loveknit.nl, and now it comes in a wool edition! I think it would be amazing in Lucky Tweed in cream.
Blomstring Slipover
Much more feminine than I usually go for, I really love the embroidery on this vest by Lærke from Fiber Tales. Another one that would look great in Lucky, I could also see it in a more modern styling with a bright color of Germantown like salmon.
Kelso
An elevated basic, Kelso is a lovely, simple tank designed by Meghan Kelly and knit in Mojave. I’d make mine in smoke gray, but am also considering one in Germantown to have a lovely little layering piece through the fall and winter!
High Tide Shell
I am very into this whole vibe, and especially the use of simple colorwork in this vest by Lindsey Fowler. Another one that would look great in Germantown.
Bruntsfield
Okay maybe an all-over stranded colorwork fingering weight vest is not, by definition, a “quickie”, but Bruntsfield by Ysolda is just so lovely AND has steeking, which is incredibly satisfying. And a vest is still less knitting than a full sweater! I’d make mine in Camper.
Rosenlund
Another summer top, Rosenlund by Sari Nordlund. I’m imaging it in Scout for winter. All of the textured stitches would look great in autumn heather.
Ezra Vest
The Ezra Vest by Orlane Sucche feels like it would fit really seamlessly into my wardrobe. I like how there is a bit of visual interest and lovely detail (like the deep v neck and texture pattern) but is still simple and classic. I’d make mine in Cricket in moss.