Description

Tweedy Look Men’s Vest – 1980s Knitting Pattern: Instant PDF Download

Sizes: 38–40″ and 42–44″ chest

The half fisherman’s rib gives this 1980s men’s knitting pattern its distinctive tweedy, textured character — a dense, elastic fabric that looks woven from a distance and richly handcrafted up close. Cable panels interrupt the rib at regular intervals, adding vertical definition to a design that sits beautifully under a blazer or on its own over a collared shirt. This classic V-neck vest pattern is an ideal project for the knitter who wants something genuinely wearable for the man in their life — timeless in its simplicity, satisfying in its technique.

Design & Construction Details

Skill Level: Intermediate.
Construction: Worked flat in two pieces (front and back); ribbed hem worked on smaller needles with increases on final row; body continued on larger needles in half fisherman’s rib with cable panels; V-neck shaping on front; seamed at shoulders and sides; neck and armhole borders picked up and worked in rib on circular needles.
Finished Measurements: To fit chest 97/102 cm (38/40″) and 107/112 cm (42/44″).
Pattern Style: Written in standard UK knitting terms with metric (cm) measurements; conversion method included (cm × 0.394 = inches); schematic diagram included.
Stitches: Half fisherman’s rib (with detailed row-by-row instructions), cable (7-stitch crossing with cable needle), K1P1 rib for borders.

Recommended Materials & Tools

Yarn: DK/Light Worsted weight cotton-viscose blend — approximately 600g (38/40″) or 650g (42/44″) in mottled grey; approx. 100m per 50g ball.
Since the original Hawe “Outfit” yarn (72% cotton, 28% viscose) is no longer available, substitute with any modern DK-weight cotton or cotton-blend yarn such as Valley Yarns Superwash DK or Paintbox Yarns Simply DK.
Knitting Needle Size: One pair each 3mm and 4mm straight needles; one 3mm circular needle 40cm and one 60cm long.
Notions: Cable needle, tapestry needle.
Gauge: 22 sts and 40 rows = 10 cm (4″) in half fisherman’s rib on 4mm needles.

This is a digitally restored PDF knitting pattern

Upon purchase, you will receive an instant digital download — a clean, easily readable PDF. The original vintage instructions have been digitally enhanced, reformatted, and checked for clarity, ensuring a smooth crafting experience from start to finish.