Knitted vest

What is the difference between a vest and a slipover?

It's easy to mix up the terms "vest" and "slipover." We might even occasionally make that mistake ourselves. However, there is a distinction - albeit some confusion around the terms.
Both a vest and a slipover share the feature of being sleeveless. The difference lies in that a vest traditionally has buttons in front, whereas a slipover has no buttons and thus needs to be pulled over the head.
At first glance, it might seem straightforward to distinguish between the two, but confusion arises because a knitted slipover is also referred to as a sweater vest.
Fortunately, it's just a matter of semantics whether we call it a vest, sweater vest, or slipover. The most important thing is to find a pattern for a knitted vest that you like.

Which yarn should you choose for a knitted vest?

Mayflower offers a wide range of yarn qualities suitable for home-knitted vests. You should primarily consider the fibers of the yarn to determine if the vest meets your needs.
Wool, alpaca, and mohair are known for their warmth and are therefore primarily used for winter garments. They are also organic and breathable, allowing your body to release excess heat. Thick wool yarn, for example, is perfect for a true winter vest, while thinner wool yarn is also suitable for cool days in the summer.
Cotton, bamboo, and lyocell are cooler fibers, making them suitable if you want a vest with some thickness that can be used year-round without becoming too warm. As an added bonus, none of these fibers are animal-derived, making them hypoallergenic as well.

Tips for our patterns

A home-knitted vest or slipover is generally one of the easier projects, but you should still consider whether the pattern's difficulty level suits you. Before starting, read through the entire pattern, and then check that you maintain the gauge.
You'll achieve the best result by using the original yarn specified in the pattern, as this yarn has the right structure and loft to give the vest the correct appearance.
All our patterns for knitted vests are free, and you can freely find the right pattern for a knitted vest for women and download it. Enjoy your knitting!