When I need a slimming pick-me-up outfit, I reach for something fitted, something black, something with gorgeous detailing that will make me feel instantly more chic. Finding nothing in my closet that met these lofty needs, I decided to create this shapely knit vest.

It's all about the curves and detailing (and no seams!). This vest is knit from the bottom up in one piece, including the button bands, starting with a sexy, curvy scroll lace border. The lace stitch naturally creates the pretty scalloped hem. The stitches are then decreased in three stages to get the beautiful, tiered effect that leads into the nipped in waist.

The curvy scroll lace is continued up the front and ends with the open, u-shaped neckline (great for wearing with all sorts of tops and designed to flatter). Arm and neck borders are worked in garter stitch with decreases at the underarm for the best fit and tapering at the front top border corners to keep with the curvy theme.

The resulting fit is ultra flattering whether it's worn casually open or closed like a fitted corset. I love this vest with a flirty blouse and dark skirt for a night out, or over a long-sleeve tee and jeans. It's the perfect go-to piece to fill the void in my closet.

See all the Blog posts on this Talia Vest (including great finished photos from customers!)

Fave/Queue this pattern on Ravelry.

Finished Knit Measurements:Chest: 30 (34, 38, 42, 46, 50, 54)" [76 (86.5, 96.5, 106.5, 117, 127, 137) cm] Length: 26 ¼ (26 ¼, 26 ¼, 27 ½, 27 ½, 29 ½, 29 ½)" [66.5 (66.5, 66.5, 70, 70, 75, 75) cm]
TO FIT SIZES: XS (S, M, L, 1X, 2X, 3X).

Skill Level:

Yarn Used: Brown Sheep Lamb's Pride Worsted (85% Wool/15% Mohair); 4 oz/113 g [190yd/173m] per skein: 3 (3, 4, 4, 5, 5, 6) skeins in color #M-05 Onyx.

Gauge(s):
Pattern Gauge: 16 stitches = 4" [10 cm] and 22 rows = 4" [10 cm] in St st on Size 9 [5.5mm] needles.
Yarn Label Gauge and Information: A medium/worsted weight yarn with a gauge of 4 1/2" sts per inch on size 8 US [5 mm] needles..

Total Yardage Required: Approximately 570 (570, 760, 760, 950, 950, 1140) yds [519 (519, 692, 692, 865, 865, 1038) m].

Some suggested yarn substitutes to try:
Malabrigo Merino Worsted Yarn
Berroco Ultra Alpaca
Cascade 220 Wool
Patons Classic Wool Merino
Manos del Uraguay 100% Wool
Checkheaton Merino Supreme
Knit Picks Wool of the Andes
[Many MORE suggestions in Ravelry for this pattern. Just find this pattern under SweaterBabe designs and look in the "yarns" tab]
If you have a yarn substitute to suggest for this project, email us!

Knitting Needles Used: 32" or longer circular needle in size 9 [5.5 mm] OR SIZE TO OBTAIN GAUGE (there are too many stitches to comfortably knit on straight needles) and 20" or shorter circular needle in size 9 [5.5 mm] OR SIZE TO OBTAIN GAUGE.

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