Is it a Vest, Is it a Slipover?

It looks like winter, such as it was, is behind us and it’s time for vest weather! Vests and slipovers are classic pieces perfect for transitioning to warmer weather. They’re trending right now and there’s a good reason for that. How nice to have a garment to layer over whatever top you’re wearing when you need a little something extra but not too much.

There are two categories of such garments: vests and slipovers. I’ve been wondering what the difference is between the two. It turns out that vests often have a front opening, are closer fitting, and are made with a variety of materials. Slipovers are a pull-over style and are almost always knitwear, have more ease and feature lower armholes. Those are the technical differences but it does seem that the terms can be used interchangeably. And now we all know!

My Sister Knits has several of these on display; there are a variety of styles and yarns used. A word of caution on sizing - I like my sweaters to fit with quite a bit of ease and often make a larger size to accommodate my preference but that isn’t the case with vests/slipovers. I learned that you will most likely be much happier with the fit if you use the size in the pattern that corresponds to your bust size instead of sizing up for extra ease. 

The Maybel, designed by Hanna Maciejewska is made with Woolfolk Brise, a DK weight blend of 68% Merino and 32% cotton. It’s knit seamlessly from the top down with 4 - 8” of ease. If you want to use a different yarn, any DK with plenty of drape would do nicely! Hold a skein upright in your hand to help determine the amount of drape. See what the ‘flop factor’ is…how much does it fold over on itself?

Next we have the Nola slipover, designed by Svetlana Volkova; note the large armholes. Ours is knit with CaMaRose bulky weight Snefnug, a blend of 55% alpaca, 35% cotton, and 10% Merino, so it will be warmer that Maybel. This one uses size 11 and 13 needles so you’ll have it finished in no time! The pattern says it’s designed to be worn with “-2+2” inches of ease. If you’re substituting yarn, you could hold two aran weights together or choose another bulky. The yarn should be pretty soft because you don’t want this top to be bullet proof, you want some drape.

If you’d like a textured fabric, Petite Knit’s Ingrid Slipover is for you! This one is designed with about 8” of ease. Ours is knit with Rosa Pomar 100% wool Brusca which gives it a little more body and structure than is pictured in the pattern photos. Mette’s idea for this slipover is to knit it with a DK weight and add a strand of mohair. That would give it a halo and some softness and the armholes would create a bit of a cap sleeve. 

Our last example today fits the description of a true vest, it has a front opening. The Pelica, designed by Rosa Pomar, is one of our most beloved vests. It’s designed to be knit with Rosa Pomar worsted weight Brusca and has a recommended ease of 2-4”. This is a fairly structured vest and could be made with any worsted weight yarn. 

I almost forgot to mention something that people love about making vests and slipovers; no sleeves!

We have more vests and slipovers on display and we invite you in to try them on. You can compare how the different yarns work up and choose the one you like the best. We would love to help you find the perfect yarn and the perfect vest/slipover pattern!

March Knitting Day is Friday the 27th from 10 - 2. I’ll be knitting on my own slipover, a different pattern than any of these. We welcome one and all to these fun once-a-month Fridays when we gather to knit, laugh, and have good conversation!

We have our new Study Hall on Saturday, March 28th from 2-4pm when you can bring your questions about your current project. 

Happy knitting,