Paprika
An open-front vest knit in one piece from the bottom up with a lacy eyelet back detail and optional hook and eye closure.

Finished Measurements:
S (M, L, XL)
17 (19, 21, 23)“, across back from center underarm to center underarm.
To fit a range of 32-40 (36-44, 40-48, 44-52)” bust circumference. Samples shown in size M (19” back bust measurement) on 38” (blue) and 44” (red) bust.

Yarn:
Approximately 520 (575, 650, 745) yds of fingering-weight yarn.
Shown in:
(Red) Kitchen Sink Dyeworks Merino Fine (100% merino) 390 yds per 4 oz skein
(Blue) Auracania Ranco Solid (75% wool, 25% nylon) 376 yds per 100g skein.

Notes:
1: Any fingering-weight yarn can be used. Yarns containing alpaca, linen, or cotton will yield extra drape.
2: Extra yardage has been added to estimates to accommodate slight difference in gauge, but if you intend to knit vest longer, you will need more yarn.

Needles:
US size 6 4mm circular, 24” or longer
US size 4 3.5mm circular, 24” or longer
US size 4 3.5mm double-pointed needles

Notions:
Stitch markers
Waste yarn
Optional
Sewing needle and matching thread
One hook and eye closure

Gauge:
20 sts and 30 rows = 4” square in Stockinette stitch with larger needle, lightly blocked.
21 sts and 30 rows = 4” square in eyelet pattern with smaller needle, lightly blocked.

To choose the best size for you:
1: Measure yourself around the fullest part of your bust, and record this number.

2: Measure just across your back, from the center of one underarm to the other. Multiply this number by two, and record this number.

3: For a vest that has no ease in the back, choose the smallest size that contains both numbers. If you would prefer some ease (and for the fronts to meet closer in the center), choose one or two sizes up.

For example: My bust measurement is 44”. My back measurement multiplied by two is 38”. The 32-40” size would be too small for me, since it doesn’t contain both my 38” and 44” measurements. I chose size 36-44” for a fitted back. The fronts are farther apart than they would be if I chose a larger size, but the fabric has enough elasticity for the fronts to meet at the closure, creating a dramatic silhouette. Choosing a larger size will yield more ease in the back, and the fronts will meet in the middle with less stretch.