Novice Slipover Man - Men's Vest Petite Knit

The Novice Slipover Man is a clean, straightforward sleeveless vest worked from the top down in smooth stockinette stitch. You begin by knitting the back yoke flat, shaping the upper section, then pick up stitches along the cast-on edge to form both shoulders. The front and back yokes are joined at the underarm, and the body is worked seamlessly in the round.

Once the knitting is complete, ribbed edges are added to the neckline and armholes for a tidy, modern finish. With simple construction and gentle shaping, this is an easy wearable layer for cooler months — and an approachable knit for all skill levels.

Sizing & Fit

This slipover is designed with approx. 10 cm of positive ease, giving a relaxed but polished fit suitable for everyday wear.

Designed to fit chest:

86–91 (91–96) 96–101 (101–107)
107–113 (113–119) 119–124 (124–132) 132–144 cm

Finished chest circumference:

101 (106) 111 (117) 123 (129) 134 (142) 154 cm

Length (mid back including neck rib edge):

57 (59) 63 (65) 68 (70) 70 (71) 73 cm

For best results, choose size based on actual chest measurement, then adjust length as needed.

Yarn Type Needed

This pattern works well in:

Option A — Light worsted / DK wool (single strand)

• Warm, durable, and great for everyday wear
• Provides good structure for rib edges and armholes

Option B — Light worsted / aran-weight wool (single strand)

• Slightly thicker and more structured, but still meets gauge

Aim for a yarn that works to:
20 sts × 30 rows = 10 cm on 4 mm needles

If you’d like help choosing a yarn that will wear well and meet gauge, message us — or pop into The Wool Shop in Rangiora and we’ll guide you.

Approximate Meterage Required

For light worsted / DK yarn

(using approx. 200–230 m per 100 g)

300 (300) 300 (300) 400 (400) 400 (400) 500 g
≈ 600–690 (600–690) 600–690 (600–690) 800–920
800–920 (800–920) 800–920 (800–920) 1000–1150 metres

For light aran yarn

(using approx. 180–200 m per 100 g)

400 (450) 450 (500) 550 (550) 600 (600) 650 g
≈ 720–880 (810–990) 810–990 (900–1100) 990–1100
990–1100 (1080–1200) 1080–1300 metres

If your chosen yarn has a different metreage, we can help you calculate exactly what you need.

Needles

• 4 mm circular needles — 60 / 80 / 100 cm

• 3.5 mm circular needles — 40 / 80 cm

• Optional: DPNs in both sizes or Magic Loop

Gauge

20 stitches × 30 rows = 10 × 10 cm
in stockinette stitch on 4 mm needles, after washing and blocking.

Difficulty

★☆☆☆☆ – Beginner Friendly
A gentle first step into knitting garments for men.

What You’re Getting

A printed knitting pattern only for the PetiteKnit Novice Slipover Man.
(No digital PDF is included.)