INTRODUCTION

Angus

by Renee Kulling

The argyle vest is the ultimate classic. Whether it’s the buttoned-up book smart sidekick, the grunge bassist, or the teenage heartthrob - argyle always works in classic design or trendy '90s style.

Shown here in an updated, modern silhouette, Angus is easy to wear and fun to knit. Choose muted neutrals or fun neons to elevate it to your modern sensibilities.

model + photos: Renee Kulling

SIZE

Women's XS[S, M, L, 1X, 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X]
shown in size M with 7 inches/18 cm of ease at chest

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS

Chest circumference at underarm:  35.75[40.75, 43.75, 45.75, 51, 53.75, 59, 64, 69] inches/ 91[103.5, 111, 116, 129.5, 136.5, 150, 162.5, 175.5] cm
Length:  23[23.5, 24, 24.5, 25, 25.5, 26, 26.5, 27] inches/ 58.5[59.5, 61, 62, 63.5, 65, 66, 67.5, 68.5] cm

MATERIALS

Yarn
Knit Picks Swish DK [100% Fine Superwash Merino Wool ; 123yd/112m per 50g skein];
[MC] Serrano; 6[6, 7, 7, 8, 9, 9, 10, 11] skeins
[CC1] Marble Heather; 1[1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 2, 2, 2] skeins
[CC2] White; 1[1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1] skeins

Yarn Characteristics
The sample shown uses a DK-weight superwash merino wool. It is soft, elastic, and evenly spun.

Suggested Yarn Substitutions:
Valley Yarns Valley Superwash DK [100% Extra Fine Superwash Merino Wool 50g/137yds]
Plymouth Yarn Select DK Merino Superwash [100% Superwash Fine Merino Wool 50g/130yds]
Madeline Tosh Tosh DK [100% Superwash Merino wool 100g/225 yards | 205 meters]

Recommended needle size
[always use a needle size that gives you the gauge listed below - every knitter's gauge is unique]
1 US #5/4.0 mm circular needle in appropriate length for size chosen
1 US #4/4.0 mm circular needle in appropriate length for size chosen
1 US #4/4.0 mm circular needle, 16 inches/41 cm long

Notions
stitch markers
yarn needle

GAUGE

22 sts/32 rows/rounds = 4 inches / 10 cm in Stockinette stitch flat and in the round.

Note: gauge is always taken after blocking.

PATTERN NOTES

[Knitty's list of standard abbreviations and techniques can be found here.]

Construction method: This pullover is worked in one piece in the round from the bottom to the armholes, where the front and back are worked flat separately. The shoulders are joined using a three-needle bind off. Sleeves and collar ribbing are picked up and knit in the round.

The colorwork section is worked in the round with 3 colors, with unused colors stranded behind the work.

CHARTS

DIRECTIONS

Body
Using MC and smaller needles, CO 196[224, 240, 252, 280, 296, 324, 352, 380] sts. Join to work in the round, pm for beginning of round.

Ribbing round [RS]: *K2, p2; rep from * to end.

Continue to work Ribbing round until piece measures 2 inches/5 cm from CO edge.

Switch to stockinette stitch and larger needle.

Set up Round:
Size XS[S, L, 1X] only: K98[112, -, 128, 140, -, -, -, -] sts, pm for side, knit to end.
Size M[2X, 3X, 4X, 5X]: *K2tog, k-[-, 118, -, -, -, 160, 174, 188] sts, k2tog, pm for side, knit to end.
 196[224, 238, 252, 280, 294, 322, 350, 378] sts.

Work in stockinette stitch until piece measures 11 inches/28 cm from CO edge.

Attach CC1 and CC2, work Argyle chart.

Break CC1 and CC2, work 2 rounds in MC.

Note: You can leave the live Back sts on your needle, or you can move them to a stitch holder or scrap yarn. You'll now continue working the Front to the V Neck Separation.

Front
Row 1 [RS]: BO 3[3, 3, 4, 4, 5, 5, 6, 6] sts, knit to side marker, rm, turn.
Row 2 [WS]: BO 3[3, 3, 4, 4, 5, 5, 6, 6] sts, purl to end.
Row 3: BO 3[3, 3, 4, 4, 5, 5, 6, 6] sts, knit to end.
Row 4: BO 3[3, 3, 4, 4, 5, 5, 6, 6] sts, purl to end. 86[100, 107, 110, 124, 127, 141, 151, 165] sts.

Left Front
Next Row [RS]: Knit across 43[50, 54, 55, 62, 64, 71, 76, 83] sts to middle of Front, turn.
Next Row [WS]:
Sizes XS [S, L, 1X] only: Purl to end.
Sizes M[2X, 3X, 4X, 5x] only: BO 1, purl to end.
 43[50, 53, 55, 62, 63, 70, 75, 82] sts.

Work neck shaping:
Row 1 [RS] Knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1.
Row 2 [WS]: Purl to end.
Row 3: Knit to end.
Row 4: Purl to end.
Repeat the last 4 rows 12[13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20] times total. 31[37, 39, 40, 46, 46, 52, 56, 62] sts remaining.

Work Left Shoulder shaping:
Short row 1 [WS]: Purl to last 6[7, 8, 8, 8, 9, 11, 11, 12] sts, turn.
Short row 2 [RS]: Bring yarn to front and sl 1 purlwise, make Double Stitch (DS) by pulling working yarn over top of right needle from front to back so that the two legs of the stitch look like two stitches, knit to end.
Short row 3: Purl to 5[6, 7, 7, 7, 8, 10, 10, 11] sts before last DS, turn.
Short row 4: Bring yarn to front and sl 1 purlwise, make DS by pulling working yarn over top of right needle from front to back so that the two legs of the stitch look like two stitches, knit to end.
Repeat Short rows 3-4 twice more.

Next Row [WS]: Purl across entire Left Front, resolving each DS by purling both legs of the DS together.

Break yarn. Transfer sts to holder or leave them on your long needle as you work other sections.

Right Front
Transfer remaining 43[50, 53, 55, 62, 63, 70, 75, 82] sts to working needle, beginning with a RS row. Attach MC.
Next Row [RS]: Knit to end.
Next Row [WS]: Purl to end.

Work neck shaping:
Row 1 [RS] K1, ssk, knit to end.
Row 2 [WS]: Purl to end.
Row 3: Knit to end.
Row 4: Purl to end.
Repeat the last 4 rows 12[13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20] times total. 31[37, 39, 40, 46, 46, 52, 56, 62] sts remaining.

Short row 1 [RS]: Knit to last 6[7, 8, 8, 8, 9, 11, 11, 12] sts, turn.
Short row 2 [WS]: Bring yarn to front and sl 1 purlwise, make DS by pulling working yarn over top of right needle from front to back so that the two legs of the stitch look like two stitches, p to end.
Row 3: Knit to 5[6, 7, 7, 7, 8, 10, 10, 11] sts before last DS, turn.
Row 4: Bring yarn to front and sl 1 purlwise, make DS by pulling working yarn over top of right needle from front to back so that the two legs of the stitch look like two stitches, purl to end.
Repeat Short rows 3-4 twice more.

Next Row [RS]: Knit across entire Right Front, resolving each DS by knitting both legs of the DS together.

Break yarn. Transfer sts on holder or leave them on your long needle as you work other sections.

Back
Transfer remaining Back sts to working needle, beginning with a RS Row. Attach MC. 98[112, 119, 126, 140, 147, 161, 175, 189] sts

Row 1 [RS]: BO 3[3, 3, 4, 4, 5, 5, 6, 6] sts, knit to end of row, turn.
Row 2 [WS]: BO 3[3, 3, 4, 4, 5, 5, 6, 6] sts, purl to end.
Row 3: BO 3[3, 3, 4, 4, 5, 5, 6, 6] sts, knit to end.
Row 4: BO 3[3, 3, 4, 4, 5, 5, 6, 6] sts, purl to end. 86[100, 107, 110, 124, 127, 141, 151, 165] sts.

Next Row [RS]: Knit to end.
Next Row [WS]: Purl to end.

Work Back flat as established until Back measures 6[6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10] inches/ 15[16.5, 18, 19, 20.5, 21.5, 23, 24, 25.5] cm from underarm.

Bind off for neck:
Next Row [RS]: K 37[44, 47, 48, 55, 55, 61, 66, 72] , BO 12[12, 13, 14, 14, 17, 19, 19, 21] , knit to end.

Left Back
Next Row [WS]: Purl to neck BO, turn.
Next Row [RS]: BO 2[3, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3, 4, 4] , knit to end.
Next Row: Purl to neck BO, turn.
Next Row: BO 2[2, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3] , knit to end.
Next Row: Purl to neck BO, turn.
Next Row: BO 2[2, 2, 2, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3] , knit to end.
Next Row: Purl to neck BO, turn. 31[37, 39, 40, 46, 46, 52, 56, 62] sts.

Work Left Back shoulder shaping:
Short row 1 [RS]: Knit to last 6[7, 8, 8, 8, 9, 11, 11, 12] sts, turn.
Short row 2 [WS]: Bring yarn to front and sl 1 purlwise, make DS by pulling working yarn over top of right needle from front to back so that the two legs of the stitch look like two stitches, purl to end.
Short row 3: Knit to 5[6, 7, 7, 7, 8, 10, 10, 11] sts before last DS, turn.
Short row 4: Bring yarn to front and sl 1 purlwise, make DS by pulling working yarn over top of right needle from front to back so that the two legs of the stitch look like two stitches, purl to end.
Repeat Short rows 3-4 twice more.

Next Row [RS]: Knit across entire Left Back, resolving each DS by knitting both legs of the DS together.

Keeping yarn attached, set up for 3-needle BO:
Place Left Front sts on a working needle. Turn garment inside out, so RS of Left Back and Left Front are facing. With a third needle, insert needle through the front leg of the first st on your front needle and through the front leg of the first st on your back needle. Knit both sts together. Repeat for the next st on each needle. Pass the right st over the left st on your right needle - 1 st bound off.
Repeat until you have 1 st remaining. Break yarn, thread tail through the last st, pull snug.

Right Back
Place Right Back sts on working needle, starting with a RS row. Attach MC. 37[44, 47, 48, 55, 55, 61, 66, 72] sts.

Next Row [RS]: Knit to neck BO, turn.
Next Row [WS]: BO 2[3, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3, 4, 4] , purl to end.
Next Row: Knit to neck BO, turn.
Next Row: BO 2[2, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3] , purl to end.
Next Row: Knit to neck BO, Turn.
Next Row: BO 2[2, 2, 2, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3] , purl to end.
Next Row: Knit to neck BO, turn. 31[37, 39, 40, 46, 46, 52, 56, 62] sts

Work Right Back Shoulder shaping:
Short row 1 [WS]: Purl to last 6[7, 8, 8, 8, 9, 11, 11, 12] sts, turn.
Short row 2 [RS]: Bring yarn to front and sl 1 purlwise, make DS by pulling working yarn over top of right needle from front to back so that the two legs of the stitch look like two stitches, knit to end.
Short row 3: Purl to 5[6, 7, 7, 7, 8, 10, 10, 11] sts before last DS, turn.
Short row 4: Bring yarn to front and sl 1 purlwise, make DS by pulling working yarn over top of right needle from front to back so that the two legs of the stitch look like two stitches, knit to end.
Repeat Short rows 3-4 twice more.

Next Row [RS]: Knit across entire Right Back, resolving each DS by knitting both legs of the DS together.

Keeping yarn attached, set up for 3-needle BO:
Place Right Front sts on a working needle. Turn garment inside out, so RS of Right Back and Right Front are facing. With a third needle, insert needle through the front leg of the first st on your front needle and through the front leg of the first st on your back needle. Knit both sts together. Repeat for the next st on each needle. Pass the right st over the left st on your right needle – 1 st bound off. Repeat until you have one st remaining. Break yarn, thread tail through the last st, pull snug.

Armholes:
Attach MC at underarm of sleeve hole. With 16-inch smaller needle, evenly pick up and knit 80[84, 88, 100, 104, 112, 120, 124, 132] sts around armhole. Join to work in the round, pm for BOR.

Work k2, p2 rib until ribbing measures 1 inch/2.5 cm in length.
BO all sts in pattern.

Neckline:
With MC, attach yarn at the middle of the back of the neckline. Evenly pick up and knit 13[13, 15, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20, 21] sts to right shoulder seam, pick up and knit 34[38, 40, 44, 47, 49, 52, 55, 58] sts along right v-neck edge, pick up 1 st at the middle bottom of the v-neck, pick up and knit 34[38, 40, 44, 47, 49, 52, 55, 58] sts along left v-neck edge to left shoulder seam, pick up and knit 13[13, 15, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20, 21] sts to middle back. Join sts at back of neck to work in the round, pm for BOR. Place a removable stitch marker around the stitch at the bottom of the v. 95[103, 111, 119, 127, 135, 143, 151, 159] sts.

Round 1: K1, *p2, k2, rep from * to 2 sts before marked st, p2, k1 marked st, *p2, k2, rep from * to 3 sts before BOR, p2, k1.
Round 2 (Decrease round): K1, *p2, k2, rep from * to 2 sts before marked st, p1, sl2 k1 psso, p1, k2, *p2, k2, rep from * to 3 sts before BOR, p2, k1.
Round 3: K1, *p2, k2, rep from * to 1 st before marked st, p1, k1 marked st, p1, k2, *p2, k2, rep from * to 3 sts before BOR, p2, k1.
Round 4: K1, *p2, k2, rep from * to 1 st before marked st, p1, k1 marked st, p1, k2, *p2, k2, rep from * to 3 sts before BOR, p2, k1.
Round 5: K1, *p2, k2, rep from * to 1 st before marked st, p1, k1 marked st, p1, k2, *p2, k2, rep from * to 3 sts before BOR, p2, k1.
Round 6 (Decrease round): K1, *p2, k2, rep from * to 1 st before marked st, sl2 k1 psso, *k2, p2, rep from * to 1 st before BOR, k1.
Round 7: K1, *p2, k2, rep from * to marked st, k1 marked st, *k2, p2, rep from * to 1 st before BOR, k1.
Round 8: K1, *p2, k2, rep from * to marked st, k1 marked st, *k2, p2, rep from * to 1 st before BOR, k1.
Round 9: K1, *p2, k2, rep from * to marked st, k1 marked st, *k2, p2, rep from * to 1 st before BOR, k1.
Round 10 (Decrease round): K1, *p2, k2, rep from * to 3 sts before marked st, p2, k1, sl2 k1 psso, k1,*p2, k2, rep from * to 3 sts before BOR, p2, k1.
Round 11: K1, *p2, k2, rep from * to 3 sts before marked st, p2, k1, k1 marked st, k1,*p2, k2, rep from * to 3 sts before BOR, p2, k1.

BO all sts in pattern.

FINISHING

Weave in all ends. Wash and block gently.

A – Chest circumference: 35.75[40.75, 43.75, 45.75, 51, 53.75, 59, 64, 69] inches/ 91[103.5, 111, 116, 129.5, 136.5, 150, 162.5, 175.5] cm
B – Total length at back neck: 23[23.5, 24, 24.5, 25, 25.5, 26, 26.5, 27] inches/ 58.5[59.5, 61, 62, 63.5, 65, 66, 67.5, 68.5] cm
C – Armhole circumference:  14.5[15.25, 16, 18.25, 19, 20.5, 21.75, 22.5, 24] inches/ 37[38.5, 40.5, 46.5, 48.5, 52, 55.5, 57, 61] cm
D – Neck circumference: 17.25[18.5, 20, 21, 22.25, 23.75, 25, 26.25, 27.5] inches/ 44[47, 51, 53.5, 56.5, 60.5, 63.5, 66.5, 70] cm

ABOUT THE DESIGNER

Renee Kulling lives in Michigan, USA, where she works as a corporate trainer. When she isn't knitting, she's building Lego with her daughter or running with her high-energy dog, Lucie. She is fond of bright colors and circus music.

You can find her on Ravelry and Instagram.

Pattern & images © 2023 Renee Kulling