Balika

Introducing the Balika vest, a beautifully crafted oversized design inspired by Greenlandic heritage. This stylish straight vest features a unique deep armhole bind off that has been thoughtfully replaced with a wide armhole band for enhanced comfort and style. The Balika vest is adorned with a stunning allover check pattern, skillfully contrasting with the smooth sides, which showcase a line of elegant stocking stitch. The neckband is expertly worked in the round to incorporate shaping, while the armhole bands are knitted flat and seamlessly integrated into the design. The body of the vest is created by working back and forth in two pieces, with side seams added for a tailored fit that flatters various body types. Balika is crafted using the lightweight and airy Ask yarn by Hillesvåg Ullvarefabrikk, renowned for its rich texture and exceptional quality.

Yarn: Hillesvåg Ullvarefabrikk, Ask (100% wool, 315 m/344 yds, 100 g), offers a sustainable and cozy option for your knitting projects. The sample is knitted in the beautiful Melert lys brun 6058 colorway, requiring 3 (3, 4, 4, 4) (5, 5, 6, 6) skeins; translating to approximately 836 (914, 992, 1070, 1148) (1304, 1460, 1616, 1772) meters.

Gauge: Achieve an accurate gauge of 22 stitches and 30 rows in stockinette stitch using a 3.5 mm/US 4 needle, measuring 10 cm/4” square after blocking to ensure a perfect fit.

Notes: The Balika vest body is carefully constructed from the bottom up in two pieces, providing both style and ease of wear. Both the neckband and armhole bands are designed with interfacing for added support and durability, with the neckband knitted in the round...

Whether you're a seasoned knitter or a beginner ready to take on a new challenge, the Balika vest pattern offers a blend of traditional and modern techniques, making it a must-have addition to your knitting repertoire. Embrace your creativity and make your wardrobe shine with this unique piece!