Pattern - Suffolk Fair Isle Vest

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The Suffolk is a timeless Fair Isle sleeveless vest knitting pattern featuring a classic colorwork design. Perfect for layering, this advanced-level pattern combines traditional Fair Isle techniques with modern, wearable style. Create a versatile piece that works beautifully over shirts or under cardigans.

Skill Level - Advanced

Perfect for: Experienced knitters ready for Fair Isle colorwork, those seeking sustainable British fiber projects, knitters wanting a versatile layering piece

What You'll Get in This Pattern

• Comprehensive PDF knitting pattern with detailed written instructions
• Full colorwork charts for easy following
• 9 sizes from XS to 5XL with complete measurements
• Yarn requirements for each size
• Construction guidance and finishing techniques
• Professional pattern layout - printable and tablet-friendly

What You'll Need

• Yarn: DK weight yarn (75% alpaca / 25% sheep's wool recommended) - 225m per 100g
• Needles: 4mm and 4.5mm circular needles (60-80cm length recommended)
• Notions: Stitch holders or waste yarn, tapestry needle for finishing
• Gauge: 20 stitches × 28 rows = 10cm (4 inches) in stocking stitch on 4.5mm needles (or adjust needle size to achieve gauge)

The Design

This Fair Isle knitted vest follows the classic sleeveless sweater style. The Suffolk is designed to be knitted in the round from the bottom up as far as the armholes. At this point the knitting splits and you work on the front and back separately. The armbands and neckbands are added at the end.

Prefer to knit in two parts? You can easily adapt this pattern by dividing the number of cast-on stitches in two and knitting front and back separately.

It is a simple stocking stitch pattern throughout with a 16-stitch pattern repeat.

Sizes & Measurements

The design is intended to be well-fitted, with 5 cm (2 inches) of positive ease. This will give your garment a classic fit. To choose your size and best fit, we recommend measuring your favourite sleeveless top and using that size. If you prefer a shorter style, you can reduce the length before the armholes start.

Finished Circumference: 76.5 (83.5, 97.5, 104.5, 118.5) (125, 139, 146, 160) cms / 30.25 (32.75, 38.25, 41, 46.5) (49.25, 54.75, 57.5, 63) inches

Length: 46 (47, 48.5, 50.5, 52) (53, 55.5, 56.5, 58) cms / 18 (18.5, 19, 20, 20.5) (21, 21.75, 22.25, 22.75) inches

Yarn Requirements

• Total Balls (all 5 colours): 10 (10, 10, 10, 15) (15, 15, 20, 20) × 50g balls
• Total Weight: 500 (500, 500, 500, 750) (750, 750, 1000, 1000) grams
• Total Yarn in Metres: 1120 (1120, 1120, 1120, 1680) (1680, 1680, 2240, 2240) metres
• Total Yarn in Yards: 1220 (1220, 1220, 1220, 1830) (1830, 1830, 2440, 2440) yards

Colour Options

There are FIVE colours used in this design. We have created 2 suggested colour sets:

Need Yarn?

We offer beautiful British alpaca DK yarn perfect for this pattern - check the "Add-ons" section on this page or browse our DK Alpaca Yarn collection. Prefer the complete kit with yarn included? See our Suffolk Fair Isle Knitting Kit.

More Fair Isle Patterns

Love Fair Isle? Explore our collection: Norfolk Fair Isle Sleeveless Sweater | Maggie Fair Isle Hat & Snood | Caledonian Fair Isle Scarf or Cowl

Designer: Monica Russel
Technical Editor: Rebecca Williamson
Model: Anna Platt

This is a digital knitting pattern only - no physical items will be shipped. Pattern is for personal use only and may not be reproduced or resold.