LET'S EXPLORE
ApatterndesignedbyJulieGilliver This is a free version of the Explorer Vest for a chest size of 48cm / 19" (approx. 12-18 month) using light worsted weight yarn. For the full and comprehensive versions please visit my Ravelry store. Explorer Vest written for sizes newborn - 5 years Explorer Vest-Big Brother written for sizes 5\*- 16 years
Requirements
4.5 mm 40cm circular 4.0 mm 80cm circular for magic looping Stitch marker Stitch holder (optional)
Gauge
I have suggested needle sizes but please check you get the gauge listed below to ensure a good fit. 10ply/Light Worsted 20 st/10cm
Sizing
Because everyone is built differently the ages are just a guideline. For the best fit use the child's actual chest measurement to choose the size. This is a relaxed fit garment so does include approximately 10cm of ease in the pattern.
Abbreviations
K - Knit. P- Purl. SS - Stockinette stitch. SSK - Slip 1 Knit-wise, Slip 1 Purl-wise, Knit 2 slipped stitches together. SSP - Slip 1 Purl-wise, Slip 1 Knit-wise. Slip back to left needle, Purl 2 slipped stitches together. K2tog - Knit 2 together. P2tog - Purl 2 together. PCO - Provisional Cast on. BO - Bind off/Cast off. (I prefer Jeny's Surprisingly Stretchy Bind-Off as it gives a nice stretchy edge.) CO - Cast on. Use a backward loop or cable cast on. M1L - Make 1 Left. Pick up the bar between last knit and next stitch from the front. Knit through back loop. M1R - Make 1 Right. Pick up the bar between last knit and next stitch from the back. Knit through front loop 2 x 2 rib - Knit 2, Purl 2. P2SsO - Pass the 2 slipped stitches over the one you have just worked. Moss stitch - K1, Pl, K1, Read the work and Knit the purl stitches and Purl the knit stitches.
Instructions
Using the larger sized needle PCO 53 stitches, using waste yarn or a spare cable. Knit one row. P2tog, Purl until 2 stitches remain, SSP. SSK x2, knit across row until 4 stitches remain, K2tog x2. Purl across row. SSK, K21, BO1, K until 2 stitches remain, K2tog. The stitch you have just bound off will be the separation between the left and right fronts. You should now have 22 stitches remaining on each side of the V opening. You will now continue by knitting the left and right fronts separately. You can either place the side you are not working on on a stitch holder or another needle, or just leave it floating free on the cable. Left Front (when facing you - it will be the right side on the child) (WS) P2tog, Purl to end. (RS) K1, SSK, K to end of row. Repeat these 2 rows twice more each. (total of 6 rows worked) (WS) Purl all stitches. (RS) K1, SSK, K to end of row. Continue to work these stitches, decreasing 1 stitch at the centre of the garment by repeating the above two rows until 8 stitches remain. Continue to work these stitches in stockinette stitch until work measures 13 cm / 5 inches from PCO. Finish on the Purl row. Place stitches on a holder. Right Front (WS) Purl until 2 stitches remain, SSP. (RS) Knit until 3 stitches remain, K2tog, K1. Repeat these 2 rows twice more each. (total of 6 rows worked) (WS) Purl all stitches. (RS) Knit until 3 stitches remain, K2tog, K1. Continue decreasing 1 stitch at the centre of the garment by repeating these two rows until 8 stitches remain. Continue to work these stitches in stockinette stitch until work measures 13 cm / 5 inches from PCO. Finish on the Purl row. es remaining on your needle, CO 22 stitches, Knit the 8 stitches from the left front holder. kinette stitch until work measures 8 cm / 3 inches from the back of the neck. (cast on edge (RS) K1, M1R Knit until 1 stitch remains, M1L, K1. (WS) Purl. Repeat these 2 rows 4 more times. (5 times total) Lets Explore - a Free Pattern by Julie Gilliver Knit across back, CO 4 stitches Release PCO onto a spare needle. Knit across on to main needle. CO 4 stitches placing a marker after the second (to indicate start of the round) Join in the round, You should now have 109 total stitches. Continue to knit in the round until work measures 30 cm / 11.5 inches from the shoulder. (Note: If you are planning to knit a contrasting band at the bottom then you will need to knit one round of this contrast beforestartingtheribing.) Decrease 1 stitch before starting the ribbing. Change to smaller needles and knit 4cm/1.5’' of 2 x 2 ribbing. BO using a stretchy cast off.
Armbands
Using the smaller needle, pick up and knit 3 for every 4 stitches around the armhole, making sure you have a multiple of 4. Using magic loop, Work 4 rows of 2 x 2 ribbing. Cast off.
Neckline
Using the smaller needle pick up 3 out of every 4 stitches making sure it is a multiple of4 + 2, starting at the left shoulder. Make sure you pick up the bound off stitch in the centre front. This part requires a litle forward planning as you want to have 4 knit stitches in the middle of the v opening (it may make it easier to mark these 4 knit stitches with stitch markers), with 2 x 2 ribbing the rest of the way around. Using magic loop, Knit 2 rounds in 2 x 2 rib pattern. On the third round knit in pattern to the first of the 4 centered stitches. SSK, K2tog, continue in pattern. Rib in pattern until 3 stitches from the centre. Insert your right needle purl-wise into the second stitch on the left needle, then knit-wise into the first stitch. Slip from the left needle together. P1, P2SSO. Continue in rib pattern. Rib in pattern until 3 stitches from the centre. Insert your right needle knit-wise into the second stitch on the left needle, then purl-wise into the first stitch. Slip from the left needle together. K1, P2SSO. Continue in rib pattern. Bind Off using a stretchy Cast off.
Finishing
Weave in all loose ends. Wash and block gently.
Copyright
This pattern and all its content remains the intellectual property, and copyright of Julie Gilliver. Please respect independent pattern designers everywhere by not violating the copyright by distributing this pattern. The purchase of this pattern does not allow you to provide friends with copies, nor does it allow you to sell the pattern itself. Commercial use of this pattern is a violation of the copyright.Selling products made from this pattern is prohibited under the copyright unless Julie Gilliver has granted express written permission.
