Nordic trail is a seamless vest, worked from the bottom-up using aran or bulky-weight yarn, and features eyelet and lace details. It features v-neck shaping, wide front bands, and faux side “seams” to provide a little structure.

Although designed to be button-less, buttons can be added if you prefer some kind of closure option (and my tips page provides instructions on how to do this).

The lace panel stitch pattern is both written out as well as charted.

March 2026 - After it’s initial release 13 years ago, the updated Nordic Trail Vest is finally here! Version 3.0 features an expanded size range, updated instructions and a new “tips page” on my website that provides lots of helpful info, tips and tutorials.

PATTERN DETAILS:

Finished Circumference: 32.5 (37, 41, 45.5, 50) (54.5, 59, 63.5, 68)”/83 (94, 104, 116, 127) (138, 150, 161, 173) cm*

Note: This measurement is as worn, with front bands overlapping.

Picking a Size: I suggest picking a size that is approx 3-8”/8-20 cm larger than your actual chest measurement,
depending on desired fit.

Shown in size 3 (41”/104 cm), being worn with approx 7-8”/18-20 cm of positive ease.

Gauge: 14.5 sts & 22 rows = 4”/10 cm in St st after blocking.

Yarn: Approx 525 (575, 650, 700, 750) (825, 900, 1000, 1075) yds of aran/bulky-weight yarn, shown in Santa Cruz Organic Merino by Juniper Moon Farm (100% Organic Wool); 100g = 191 yds), 3 (4, 4, 4, 4) (5, 5, 6, 6) skeins, shown in 142 Citron.

Needles and other supplies:
• US 10/6 mm 32”/80 cm circ, or size needed to obtain gauge.
• Extra US 10/6 mm 24”/60 cm or 32”/80 cm circ (or size used to obtain gauge), to be used during Three Needle Bind-Off technique.
• For Armhole Trim: US 9/5.5 mm 16”/40 cm circ, or 1 needle size smaller than that used to obtain
gauge.
• For Front Bands: US 9/5.5 mm 40”/100 cm circ (or you can use 2 32”/80 cm circs), or 1 needle size smaller than that used to obtain gauge.
• 8 stitch markers.
• Stitch holders or scrap yarn.
• Tapestry needle to weave in ends.

Interested in a lighter-weight version? Check out my Lilac Trail.