Knitting this Boy’s Sweater Vest is a delightful journey into crafting a piece that exudes vintage charm while offering a modern fit. With sizes ranging from 4 to 14 years, this vest is a versatile addition to any young boy’s wardrobe, whether for formal occasions or everyday wear. We’ve updated this classic 1952 design with inclusive sizing and modern terminology, making it easier to follow for today’s knitters. The timeless pattern stitch creates a beautiful texture, and the sport-weight yarn ensures a lightweight and comfortable finish.
The appeal of this pattern lies in its balance of tradition and modernity. While the vintage aesthetic is preserved in its design, we’ve made the instructions clearer and more accessible, perfect for knitters looking to unwind with a meaningful project. The ribbed neckline, hem, and armbands add a touch of sophistication, and the customizable length allows you to tailor the fit for the young recipient. Each stitch contributes to a piece that’s both functional and stylish, blending the nostalgia of a bygone era with the practicality of today’s knitwear.
This pattern is also an opportunity to embrace the joy of crafting for loved ones. Whether you’re knitting this vest as a heartfelt gift or as a staple for your little one’s wardrobe, the experience is sure to be as rewarding as the finished product. With simple, straightforward instructions and a design that grows with your knitting skills, this project invites you to create something truly special. Imagine the pride as your little one wears this cozy, handmade vest, a piece imbued with care and love in every stitch.
The original version of this pattern offered a color artist’s illustration to depict the finished vest, but to complement this, we’ve provided an AI-generated image for a modern interpretation. This additional visual representation ensures today’s knitters can better envision the final product, offering a detailed, updated perspective. While the original illustration remains available for reference, the AI image closely mirrors the actual result, helping you approach your project with confidence. We understand the importance of clear visuals when crafting and hope this modern addition enhances your knitting experience.
This pattern is transformed, adapted, and expanded from a public domain design originally published in Coats and Clark Everyone Wears Sweaters Book No. 291 (1952). While the original design is in the public domain, the rewritten instructions and supplementary content on this site are © Tiffany Bliss Mullins, 2025. All rights reserved. Have questions about this pattern, public domain, or copyright? Visit the FAQ page for answers and resources.
Boy’s Sweater Vest Knitting Pattern (Sizes 4-14 Years)
Key Details
- Gauge: 7 stitches = 1 inch; 9 rows = 1 inch.
- Chest Measurements:
- Small (4-6 years): 22–24 inches
- Medium (7-9 years): 25–27 inches
- Large (10-12 years): 28–30 inches
- XL (13-14 years): 31–33 inches
- Length from Shoulder to Hem:
- Small: 14 inches
- Medium: 16 inches
- Large: 18 inches
- XL: 20 inches
- Side Seam Length:
- Small: 9 inches
- Medium: 10 inches
- Large: 11 inches
- XL: 12 inches
Materials
- Yarn: Sport Weight Yarn (#2)
- Yardage:
- Small: ~3 skeins
- Medium: ~4 skeins
- Large: ~5 skeins
- XL: ~6 skeins
- Knitting Needles:
- Size US 1 (2.25 mm) for ribbing.
- Size US 3 (3.25 mm) for the main body.
- Other Tools: Stitch holders, markers, tapestry needle.
Pattern Instructions
Back
- Cast On:
- Small: 72 stitches
- Medium: 80 stitches
- Large: 88 stitches
- XL: 96 stitches
- Work in k2, p2 ribbing for:
- Small: 1½ inches
- Medium: 1¾ inches
- Large: 2 inches
- XL: 2½ inches
- Increase evenly across the last row:
- Small: +2 stitches (total 74)
- Medium: +2 stitches (total 82)
- Large: +2 stitches (total 90)
- XL: +2 stitches (total 98)
- Switch to size US 3 needles and begin the pattern stitch:
- Row 1 (RS): *P1, k7; repeat from * to end.
- Row 2 (WS): Purl across.
- Row 3: Knit across.
- Row 4: Purl across.
- Row 5: *K7, p1; repeat from * to end.
- Rows 6–8: Repeat rows 2–4.
- Repeat these 8 rows for the pattern stitch until the piece measures:
- Small: 9 inches
- Medium: 10 inches
- Large: 11 inches
- XL: 12 inches
Shape Armholes
- Bind off stitches for armholes:
- Small: Bind off 4 stitches at the beginning of the next 2 rows.
- Medium: Bind off 5 stitches at the beginning of the next 2 rows.
- Large: Bind off 6 stitches at the beginning of the next 2 rows.
- XL: Bind off 6 stitches at the beginning of the next 2 rows.
- Decrease 1 stitch at each end every 3rd row until you have:
- Small: 36 stitches
- Medium: 42 stitches
- Large: 48 stitches
- XL: 54 stitches
- Work without shaping until the armholes measure:
- Small: 5 inches
- Medium: 6 inches
- Large: 7 inches
- XL: 8 inches
Shape Shoulders
- Bind off for shoulders:
- Small: Bind off 4 stitches at the beginning of the next 2 rows, then 4 stitches at the beginning of the following 2 rows.
- Medium: Bind off 5 stitches at the beginning of the next 2 rows, then 5 stitches at the beginning of the following 2 rows.
- Large: Bind off 6 stitches at the beginning of the next 2 rows, then 6 stitches at the beginning of the following 2 rows.
- XL: Bind off 6 stitches at the beginning of the next 2 rows, then 6 stitches at the beginning of the following 2 rows.
- Place remaining stitches on a stitch holder for the neckband:
- Small: 20 stitches
- Medium: 22 stitches
- Large: 24 stitches
- XL: 26 stitches
Front
Follow the Back instructions until the armhole shaping begins.
- Work armhole shaping as for the Back, but begin shaping the neck when the armhole measures:
- Small: 2 inches
- Medium: 2½ inches
- Large: 3 inches
- XL: 3½ inches
- Shape Neck:
- Divide the stitches at the center and work each side separately.
- Decrease 1 stitch at the neck edge every other row until:
- Small: 8 stitches remain on each shoulder.
- Medium: 10 stitches remain on each shoulder.
- Large: 12 stitches remain on each shoulder.
- XL: 14 stitches remain on each shoulder.
- Shape the shoulders as for the Back.
Neckband
- Sew the shoulder seams.
- Using size US 1 needles, pick up and knit:
- Small: 76 stitches
- Medium: 82 stitches
- Large: 88 stitches
- XL: 94 stitches
- Work in k2, p2 ribbing, decreasing 2 stitches evenly on the first row. Continue until the neckband measures:
- Small: ¾ inch
- Medium: 1 inch
- Large: 1¼ inches
- XL: 1½ inches
- Bind off loosely in ribbing.
Armbands
- Pick up and knit around the armholes:
- Small: 60 stitches
- Medium: 68 stitches
- Large: 76 stitches
- XL: 84 stitches
- Work in k2, p2 ribbing for:
- Small: ½ inch
- Medium: ¾ inch
- Large: ¾ inch
- XL: 1 inch
- Bind off loosely in ribbing.
Finishing
- Block to measurements.
- Sew side seams.
- Weave in ends.
This Boy’s Sweater Vest is a versatile and timeless project, perfect for any young wardrobe. Whether you’re knitting for a special occasion or everyday wear, this pattern provides a comfortable fit and classic style for boys of all ages. With its straightforward design and customizable sizing, it’s a rewarding project for knitters of all skill levels. Pair it with a crisp shirt or a casual tee to complete the look. Happy knitting, and enjoy creating this cherished piece!
