Cross Stitch Shell

The Cross Stitch Shell is a sweet little layering vest. The front features a floral cross stitch pattern, which is worked on a textured grid pattern knit on the garment. The sides feature buttonholes and I-cord ties. The slightly cropped length and open sides make it perfect for layering over dresses and jumpsuits year-round. The Cross Stitch Shell is the perfect granny chic design to mix and match in your wardrobe!

Pictorial tutorial included for cross stitch

Finished Dimensions:
Size 1 (2, 3, 4, 5) (6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
36 (40, 44, 48, 52) (56, 60, 64, 68, 72)” / 91.5 (101.5, 112, 122, 132) (142, 152.5, 162.5, 172.5, 183) cm bust circumference
Designed to fit with 2-4” / 5-10 cm positive ease in bust

Materials:
MC: Bloom Woolen Yarns Yearling in Natural Brown (worsted weight, 85% wool, 15% alpaca, 140 yards/ 2 oz)
Approximately 415 (465, 530, 580, 655) (705, 790, 840, 930, 980) yards / 379 (425, 485, 530, 599) (645, 722, 768, 850, 901) meters OR 3 (4, 4, 5, 5) (6, 6, 6, 7, 7) skeins
CC: Worsted Weight yarn in a contrasting color (for bottom edge and side ties)
Approximately 50 (60, 70, 80, 90) (100, 110, 120, 130, 140) yards /46 (55, 64, 73, 82) (91, 101, 110, 119, 128) meters
1 background cross st color (pictured in blue): Approximately 50 yards / 46 meters
8 additional cross st colors: Approximately 10 yards / 9 meters each
Note: Cross st yarns work best in a heavier weight yarn than the top was knit in (ideally aran or chunky weight), or you can hold a worsted weight yarn double for a similar thickness.

Gauge:
17 sts and 23 rows over 4” / 10 cm in stockinette st worked flat and blocked

Needles:
Size 7 (4.5 mm) 16-32” / 40.5-81.5 cm circular needles or size needed to obtain gauge.

Notions:
Stitch markers for BOR and cross stitch panel
Stitch holder or waste yarn for holding sts
Spare gauge-size needle for the 3-Needle bind off
Darning needle for seaming and cross stitching

Video Tutorials:
German Short Rows: bit.ly/2SI6frI

Construction:
The Cross Stitch Shell is knit in pieces flat. Buttonholes and armhole shaping are worked on the front and back. The top of the front and back pieces have neckline and shoulder shaping with German short rows. The front and back are seamed at the shoulders. Cross stitches are added to the front piece, and I-Cords are knit for the side ties.