Top-Down Knitted Baby Vest

Instructions

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1. 1NeckbandCast on 64 sts (all sizes). Rows 1-4: knit (garter neckband). On row 3 (RS) work the first buttonhole: k2, yo, k2tog, knit to end. Buttonholes are always worked on the 5-stitch band at the start of RS rows; if you prefer the opposite side (boys), work them at the end of the row instead: knit to last 5 sts, k1, k2tog, yo, k2.
2. 2Marker rowRow 5 (RS): k13, pm, k8, pm, k22, pm, k8, pm, k13. Sections: front 13, sleeve 8, back 22, sleeve 8, front 13 (the outer 5 sts of each front are the band). Row 6 and all WS rows: k5, purl to last 5 sts, k5.
3. 3Raglan increasesIncrease row (RS): *knit to marker, M1R, sm, M1L* 4 times, knit to end (8 sts increased). Work this row on every RS row 14/16/18 times in total (176/192/208 sts): each front 27/29/31, each sleeve 36/40/44, back 50/54/58 sts. Work the next buttonholes on the band on rows 23, 43 and 63 (0-3 m), 25, 47, 69 (3-6 m), 27, 51, 75 (6-12 m), counting from the cast-on.
4. 4Dividing for sleevesWork the WS row after the last increase. Dividing row (RS): removing markers, k27/29/31 (front), place the 36/40/44 sleeve sts on waste yarn, cast on 2 sts (underarm), k50/54/58 (back), place the second sleeve's sts on waste yarn, cast on 2 sts, k27/29/31 (body 108/116/124 sts).
5. 5BodyWith the bands in garter and the body in stockinette (RS: knit all; WS: k5, purl, k5), work 12/14/16 cm from the underarm, continuing the buttonholes as planned. Then work 6 rows in garter for the hem and bind off loosely knitwise on the WS.
6. 6Cap sleevesPlace the 36/40/44 sts of one sleeve on double-pointed needles or a circular, and pick up 2 sts from the underarm cast-on plus 2 at its sides (40/44/48 sts). Work in the round: knit 1 round, purl 1 round, knit 1 round, purl 1 round (garter). Bind off loosely purlwise. Repeat for the other sleeve.
7. 7Buttons and finishingWeave in the ends, dampen the vest and dry it flat to size. Sew the buttons opposite the buttonholes with strong doubled thread, passing through each at least 6-8 times; wrap the thread a few times under the button to form a short shank. Check that the buttons are secure before every wash.