The classic basketweave stitch gets a clean, contemporary upgrade in the Kishie vest. The shape of the deep V-neck is mirrored in the front and back ribbing which receive different, but complementary, treatment; the back is a solid triangle of ribbing and the front cut-out creates a high-low hemline.

KISHIE is a straight-bodied garment that can be worn either as an oversized sweater vest or as a fitted tank top. The low armholes and deep V-neck mean it’ll sit well whether you have a flat or a full bust. The highest point of the front is designed to finish at the natural waist (like a French tuck without the tuck), while the back hem hits near the high hip.

SIZES 1 (2, 3, 4, 5){6, 7, 8, 9, 10}
Finished chest circumference: 72 (80, 95, 102, 110) {125, 132, 147, 155, 162} cm / 28.25 (31.5, 37.5, 40.25, 43.25 {49.25, 52, 57.75, 61, 63.75}”
Model wears size 4 with 2.5cm / 1” of negative ease.

CONSTRUCTION
KISHIE is worked flat and seamed at the shoulders and sides. The back is worked in one piece from the top down. The front is worked in two pieces starting at a shoulder each, which are then joined at the tip of the V-neck to form a single panel. The ribbed hem is worked perpendicularly into the selvedge edges of front and back. After edging and seaming, ribbing is worked perpendicularly into the selvedge edges of the V-neck and armholes.
Note: all crocheted seams can be replaced with sewn seams if desired.

YARN

Vest is made with two strands of yarn held together.

La Bien Aimée Helix (70% Falkland Merino, 25% Gotland; lace; 650m /710 yds per 100g).
La Bien Aimée Kumo (74% baby Suri alpaca, 26% mulberry silk; lace; 300m / 328 yds per 50g).
Sample is made in Helix colourway Sandstone (C1) and Kumo colourway Winter (C2).

Yarn Alternatives
For this design we used a combination of a very fine yarn with a natural halo, and a very fluffy yarn. The natural texture of both yarns fill in the “gaps” between stitches. To achieve a similar drape and finish, hold together one strand of non-superwash lace weight wool or alpaca with one strand of suri. One strand of non-superwash fingering weight (4-ply) or sport weight yarn held with a strand of mohair will also produce a similar result. If you prefer to use a single strand, look for a lofty, non-superwash DK (8-ply) yarn with a natural halo.

Yardage Required
C1: 750 (800, 950, 1000, 1100)(1250, 1350, 1500, 1650, 1750)m / 820 (875, 1040, 1095, 1205)( 1365, 1475, 1640, 1805, 1915)yd
C2: 640 (680, 800, 850, 940)(1100, 1150, 1300, 1400, 1500)m / 700 (745, 875, 930, 1030)(1205, 1260, 1420, 1530, 1640)yd

HOOKS & NOTIONS
4mm (US G/6), 4.5mm (US 7) hooks
13 stitch markers
wool needle

TENSION
16 sts x 10 rows = 10cm x 10cm / 4” x 4” in BW stitch using 4.5mm hook, after blocking
18 sts x 28 rows = 10cm x 10cm / 4” x 4” in ribbing using 4mm hook, after blocking
A photo tutorial for the ribbing technique is available here:
DC and slip stitch ribbing

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