Hey Friend, Let’s Talk Vests!
Mar 2nd 2026
As we navigate the unpredictable weather here in Southern Oregon, we can't help but spotlight vests as THE ultimate wardrobe staple! These versatile pieces effortlessly layer over your favorite tops and dresses, keeping you cozy without the bulk of a full sweater. Whether you're getting ready for a day at the office or heading out for a casual stroll, a well-crafted vest adds that perfect touch of warmth and style. With a little inspiration from the suggestions below, we hope you can find a vest to knit that suits your lifestyle and wardrobe perfectly.
We've gone ahead and rounded up some of our favorite vest patterns for you to choose from, and the first on our list is Pelica by Rosa Pomar (featured above). This aesthetically pleasing, garter stitch vest was inspired by the designs of two traditional garments; the Portuguese samarra (a sheepskin vest worn by shepherds in the Alentejo), and the Austrian boiled wool lodenweste. The construction of this vest uses the first steps of Julie Weisenberger's Cocoknits method, working from the upper back of the neck to create clean shoulder lines and shaping. Pelica is knit in Rosa Pomar Brusca, a breed and flock specific yarn that is non-superwash and unbleached. DK weight Brusca is made with a blend of 50% Saloia and 50% Merino Branco & Merino Preto wool from free range sheep.
How much yarn do I need to knit Pelica?
Sizes: 1 (2, 3, 4) (5, 6, 7, 8)
Finished Measurements
Chest circumference: 36 (36, 39.45, 44) (47, 52, 56, 59.57)"
Shoulder to shoulder: 14 (14, 15, 16) (17, 17, 17, 18)"
Length from neckline to back hem
Short version: 17 (18, 18, 19) (20, 20, 21, 22)"
Long version: 21 (21, 21, 23) (23, 24, 24, 25)"
Yarn Requirements
Short version: 4 (4, 5, 6) (6, 7, 7, 8) balls of Rosa Pomar Brusca
Long version: 5 (6, 6, 7) (8, 8, 9, 10) balls of Rosa Pomar Brusca
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We love this classic wardrobe staple SO much, we're teaching a Pelica Vest class down at the shop in May! This intermediate knitting class will cover applied I-cord, picking up stitches, provisional cast on, buttonholes and increases. |
Originally designed as a vintage inspired cardigan, Gudrun Johnston's Audrey in Unst now has a vest version as well! The Audrey in Unst Vest pattern contains variations for both the hem and the button band treatments, so you can make this sweet little piece your own. Worked seamlessly from the bottom up, you can choose straight or curved options for the hem, and ribbed or I-cord edging for the button band. The style of this vest features an intentionally cropped look, but it could be easily lengthened if desired (just be sure to buy extra yarn!).
Gudrun designed this vest in Jamieson's of Shetland 2ply Spindrift, a woolen spun, fingering weight yarn that has the same gauge as the original cardigan. Pro tip: the recommended yarn blooms beautifully when blocked, so keep that in mind if you opt for an alternative yarn.
Shop Jamieson's of Shetland 2ply Spindrift
How much yarn do I need to knit the Audrey In Unst Vest?
Sizes: 1 (2, 3, 4, 5, 6) (7, 8, 9, 10, 11) (12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
Finished Bust Measurements:
31 (33, 35, 37, 39, 41) (43, 45, 47, 49, 51) (53, 55, 57, 59, 61)”
Yarn Requirements:
5 (5, 5, 6, 6, 6) (7, 7, 7, 7, 8) (8, 8, 9, 9, 9) balls of Jamieson's of Shetland 2ply Spindrift
Curved hem version shown above in size 41 with approximately 1.5 inches of positive ease.
Can be worn with 0–2” ease depending on your preference.
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This version of the Audrey in Unst Vest features the straight hem version with an I-cord button band. It was knit using Jamieson Shetland 2ply Spindrift Yarn in the color Eesit. |
Not in the mood to knit buttonholes? We've got you covered. Portia by Julie Weisenberger is a pullover vest with an oh-so-smooshy waffle texture, V-neck and side slits. Portia’s split hem is longer in the back, which looks great layered over all sorts of outfits, meaning you can dress it up or dress it down for any occasion.
Knit in Rosa Pomar Vovo yarn, this cozy layering piece is worked using the Cocoknits Method, a common sense system for knitting seamless, tailored sweaters from the top down. If you're unfamiliar with the Cocoknits Method, you might want to purchase the Cocoknits Sweater Workshop book by Julie Weisenberger.
How much yarn do I need to knit Portia?
Sizes: (1, 2, 3) (4, 5, 6) (7, 8, 9)
Finished Bust Measurements: (37, 40, 42) (47, 52, 57) (61, 66, 71)”
Yarn Requirements: (5, 5, 6) (7, 8, 9) (9, 10, 11) balls of Rosa Pomar Vovo Yarn
Sample featured shown in color 060 Dark-Medium Natural.
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Another fantastic, easy to style pullover is the All Season Vest by Noriko Ichikawa. The simple yet chic design features a rounded, shallow V-neck with slightly wide neck ribbing and subtle drop shoulders. It's worked top down, flat to start and then joined to work the body seamlessly in the round. The All Season Vest pattern offers two lengths: a standard length that pairs well with any outfit, and a cropped length (featured above) that's ideal for long skirts and high-waisted pants. The ribbing at the armholes also varies in length to match the body length. Since it is a top down garment, you can try it on and adjust the body length to your preference (note that this may affect the required yarn amount).
The All Season Vest was designed in Woolfolk Stra yarn, an innovative blend that combines the strength and durability of linen with the softness and warmth of wool.
How much yarn do I need to knit the All Season Vest?
Sizes: 1 (2, 3, 4) (5, 6, 7) (8, 9, 10)
Finished Bust Measurements: 37 (39, 42, 45) (48, 51, 55) (60, 63, 66)“
Yarn Requirements:
Cropped length: 4 (4, 4, 4) (5, 5, 5) (6, 6, 6) skeins of Woolfolk Stra
Standard length: 4 (5, 5, 5) (6, 6, 6) (7, 7, 8) skeins of Woolfolk Stra
Cropped version featured above shown in Woolfolk Stra Yarn color 03 Latte.
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Hey locals - are you ready to swap?? We are beyond excited to co-host our second annual yarn swap at the Ashland Branch of Jackson County Library! Our 2026 Community Yarn Swap is free to attend, and will take place on March 14th from 1-4pm in the Gresham room at the Ashland Library.
This is a great opportunity for you to get a head start on Spring cleaning by sorting through your yarn stash. Donations can be dropped off at either The Websters or the Ashland Library between March 1st - 13th.
If you donate to the swap, you will receive a ticket for early entry. You MUST have a ticket for entrance between 1-2pm. If you do not have a ticket, you may enter from 2-4pm.
Please visit our Community Yarn Swap FB Event Page for more info.
We've decided to put our knitting needles to work for an incredible cause again this April, and we need your help! The Knit for Food knit-a-thon is a 12 hour knitting marathon to raise funds and awareness for food insecurity.
This is our second year participating in Knit for Food, and we've set up Team Websters again - lead by our staffer Sarah, who has committed to knitting for the cause. There are two ways to support the Knit for Food knit-a-thon: You can donate OR you can sign up to knit/craft for 12 hours!
Please click the button below to donate, join us on Team Websters, or to simply learn more about this year's Knit for Food knit-a-thon.
