The Transhumance Vest, Free Pattern

The Inspiration

The "bouclé" yarns have made a big comeback this season.

Previously mainly used for children's sweaters for their "teddy bear" aspect, they are now being seen in adult versions, especially in jackets and sleeveless jackets.

I had never knitted with this type of yarn before, and I must admit that the bouclé alpaca particularly intrigued me. With its softness and thick texture without necessarily needing a lot of material, it made me want to try working with it. In the middle of winter, I thought it would also be THE perfect material to wear indoors.

I went in search of a pattern to make with bouclé alpaca. I set my sights on a sleeveless jacket. Perfect for adding extra warmth in the evenings and easily wearable in the transitional seasons as well.

As I started knitting, I quickly realized that I would have a problem with softness and that I would need to add some structure to the model by adding a double jersey bias all around the outer edge and armholes. After much hesitation, I opted for contrast and neutral tones with a flecked beige alpaca yarn.

For your information, I know that despite these explanations, making a double jersey bias is not easy. So, to help you achieve these finishes, I made a tutorial video on my YouTube channel:

https://youtu.be/za-0o97yhHI

The Pattern

The pattern is worked flat from the bottom up. The back and each side are worked separately. The body and armhole edges are picked up in double garter stitch from the body stitches. It is possible to add a cord closure system to the front.

Material: 700m/765yds of bouclé alpaca (main material) and 300m/328yds of alpaca (bias). For substitution, I recommend choosing a main material with a looped texture and a secondary material with structure like wool or wool-blend alpaca.

Needles: Circular and double-pointed needles 5mm/US8 and 4.5mm/US7 or equivalents to achieve the correct gauge.

Gauge 10x10cm or 4x4in: 17 stitches X 22 rows

Finished Size: see pdf.

Abbreviations : see pdf.

Gilet transhumance porté ouvert Terrifiknits

The Instructions

Don't forget, if you're having difficulties, the pattern is available as a video tutorial on my YouTube channel Terrifiknits!

THE BACK:

Cast on 126 stitches using circular needle 5mm/US8.
Work back and forth, starting and ending each row with an edge stitch (knit stitch on both sides).
At approximately 32cm in height (right side row), bind off the first 7 stitches to form armholes = 119 sts.
On the next row (wrong side), bind off the first 7 stitches to form armholes on the other side = 112 sts.
On the following row (right side), bind off the first 2 stitches = 110 sts.
On the next row (wrong side), bind off the first 2 stitches to form armholes on the other side = 108 sts.
On the following row (right side), bind off the first 2 stitches = 106 sts.
On the next row (wrong side), bind off the first 2 stitches to form armholes on the other side = 104 sts.
On the following row (right side), bind off the first 2 stitches = 102 sts.
On the next row (wrong side), bind off the first 2 stitches to form armholes on the other side = 100 sts.
On the following row (right side), bind off the first stitch = 99 sts.
On the next row (wrong side), bind off the first stitch to form armholes on the other side = 98 sts.
At approximately 42cm in height (right side row), bind off the center 10 stitches to form the collar = 88 sts. Finish the shoulders separately = 44 sts.
On the next row (wrong side), bind off the first 2 stitches to form the collar = 42 sts.
On the following row (right side), knit in stockinette stitch.
On the next row (wrong side), bind off the first 2 stitches to form the collar = 40 sts.
On the following row (right side), knit in stockinette stitch.
On the next row (wrong side), purl in stockinette stitch.
On the following row (right side), bind off the first 4 stitches to form the shoulder = 36 sts.
Repeat the last two rows 4 more times = 20 sts.
On the next row (right side), bind off the remaining 20 stitches.

THE SIDES:

Cast on 55 stitches using circular needle 5mm/US8.
Work back and forth, starting and ending each row with an edge stitch (knit stitch on both sides).
Shape the inner curve of the side. Row 1 (right side): knit one row.
Row 2 (wrong side): purl and increase one stitch by knitting the second-to-last stitch twice = 56 sts.
Row 3 (right side): knit one row.
Row 4 (wrong side): purl and increase one stitch by knitting the second-to-last stitch twice = 57 sts.
Row 5 (right side): knit one row.
Row 6 (wrong side): purl and increase two stitches by knitting the third-to-last and second-to-last stitches twice = 59 sts.
Row 7 (right side): knit one row.
Row 8 (wrong side): purl and increase two stitches by knitting the third-to-last and second-to-last stitches twice = 61 sts.
Row 9 (right side): knit one row.
Row 10 (wrong side): purl and increase one stitch by knitting the second-to-last stitch twice = 62 sts.
Row 11 (right side): knit one row.
Row 12 (wrong side): purl and increase one stitch by knitting the second-to-last stitch twice = 63 sts.
At approximately 32cm in height (right side row), bind off the first 5 stitches to form armholes = 58 sts.
On the next row (wrong side), knit in stockinette stitch.
On the following row (right side), bind off the first 2 stitches = 56 sts.
On the next row (wrong side), knit in stockinette stitch.
On the following row (right side), bind off the first stitch = 55 sts.
On the next row (wrong side), knit in stockinette stitch.
At approximately 42cm in height (wrong side row), bind off the first 2 stitches to form the neckline = 53 sts.
On the next row (right side), knit in stockinette stitch.
On the following row (wrong side), bind off the first 3 stitches to form the neckline = 50 sts.
On the next row (right side), knit in stockinette stitch.
On the following row (wrong side), bind off the first 3 stitches to form the neckline = 47 sts.
On the next row (right side), knit in stockinette stitch.
On the following row (wrong side), bind off the first 2 stitches to form the neckline = 45 sts.
On the next row (right side), knit in stockinette stitch.
On the following row (wrong side), bind off the first 2 stitches to form the neckline = 43 sts.
On the next row (right side), knit in stockinette stitch.
On the following row (wrong side), bind off the first 2 stitches to form the neckline = 41 sts.
On the next row (right side), knit in stockinette stitch.
On the following row (wrong side), bind off the first stitch to form the neckline = 40 sts.
On the next row (right side), bind off the first 4 stitches to form the shoulder = 36 sts.
On the following row (wrong side), purl in stockinette stitch.
On the next row (right side), bind off the first 4 stitches to form the shoulder = 32 sts.
On the next row (wrong side), purl in stockinette stitch.
On the following row (right side), bind off the first 4 stitches to form the shoulder = 28 sts.
On the next row (wrong side), purl in stockinette stitch.
On the following row (right side), bind off the first 4 stitches to form the shoulder = 24 sts.
On the next row (wrong side), purl in stockinette stitch.
On the following row (right side), bind off the first 4 stitches to form the shoulder = 20 sts.
On the next row (wrong side), purl in stockinette stitch.
On the following row (right side), bind off the remaining 20 stitches.
Repeat the process for the other side, reversing the instructions (wrong side becomes right side).

EDGES:

Pick up all stitches along the outer edge of the vest.
Cast on 6 stitches using the 2 yarns of the contrasting colour and knit them in double jersey: knit 1, slip 1, knit 1, slip 1, knit 1, slip 1, knit 1, pick up a stitch, slip 1. Turn the work and knit the slipped stitch and the picked-up stitch together. Slip 1, knit 1, slip 1, knit 1, slip 1, knit 1, slip 1.
Finish the outer edge by joining the beginning and end stitches using a seam.
Pick up all stitches along the outer edge of the armholes.
Proceed in the same manner to shape the double jersey edge.
Finish the outer edge by joining the beginning and end stitches using a seam.

FINISHING:

Finish by weaving in the ends and blocking the garment.

And there you have it, a gorgeous homemade sleeveless vest!

Perfect for keeping you warm but stylish!

Don't forget to tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok with the hashtags #terrifiknits and #TranhumanceVest or #GiletTranshumance once you're done or add this project to your Ravelry list!

I can't wait to see your version!