This free cable vest knitting pattern is one for experienced knitters who love garments where the stitchwork is the main attraction. Rather than a simple repeating cable running up the centre, this design combines cables with slipped stitches, eyelet-like details and textured knit-and-purl sections to create an elaborate symmetrical fabric across both the front and back. The original version is especially luxurious, combining pure cashmere with a fine Kid Silk Nuance yarn in dark brown and burnt sienna. This is definitely not a quick beginner vest, but for a confident knitter looking for a substantial project, the finished piece has the kind of rich texture that makes all that careful knitting worthwhile.
- Yarn: Pure Cashmere + Kid Silk Nuance by Laines du Nord
- Needle size: 4 mm circular needles
- Skill level: Very hard / advanced
- Sizes included: S, M, L, XL
- Knit flat or in the round: Body begins in the round; upper sections are worked flat
- Construction: Sleeveless vest with ribbed hem, shaped armholes and ribbed neckline
- Techniques: Cables, increases, decreases, yarn overs, slipped stitches, ribbing, working in the round and working flat
- Get the free pattern: Get the free Cable Vest knitting pattern
🧶 Yarn pick: The combination of cashmere and Kid Silk Nuance is a big part of what makes this vest interesting. Instead of producing a heavy traditional cable knit, the luxury fibres give all that texture a softer, more refined appearance. If substituting yarn, I would look for something that still gives excellent stitch definition — the cables and smaller textured details deserve to be clearly visible. Avoid an excessively fuzzy substitute that could obscure the pattern.
Materials Used in This Pattern
- Yarn 1: Laines du Nord H.Couture Pure Cashmere, 25 g balls, Dark Brown 008
- 100 (110, 120, 130) g
- Yarn 2: Laines du Nord H.Couture Kid Silk Nuance, 25 g balls, Burnt Sienna 038
- 60 (70, 80, 90) g
- Needles: 4 mm circular needle tips
- Cables: 60 cm, 80 cm and 100 cm
- Notions: Cable needle, stitch markers, darning needle, scissors and tape measure
What You Need to Know Before Knitting
This is an advanced cable knitting pattern, and it’s worth knowing that before downloading it.
The stitch pattern requires considerably more attention than a conventional cable vest. Alongside cable crossings, you’ll be working combinations of knit and purl stitches, slipped stitches, yarn overs and directional decreases.
There are also long stitch-pattern sequences to follow, so being comfortable reading detailed knitting instructions and keeping track of your position within a repeat will make this project much more enjoyable.
The lower body begins in the round, starting with 1×1 ribbing before moving into the main textured pattern. The work is later separated into front and back sections, with the upper portions worked flat.
Why This Cable Vest Stands Out
The real appeal is the texture.
There are traditional cable elements, but they’re surrounded by much finer vertical details that give the fabric an almost architectural quality. It feels more intricate and contemporary than a basic centre-cable sweater vest.
The original dark brown and burnt sienna combination reinforces that effect beautifully. These warm, earthy shades make the stitches visible without making the vest feel overly traditional.
It’s the kind of sleeveless knit that can become the focal point of an outfit — layered over a crisp shirt, fine long-sleeved top or simple dress.
Finishing the Vest
Don’t rush the finishing on a project this detailed.
Once the shoulders are joined, stitches are picked up around each armhole and worked in 1×1 ribbing. The neckline is finished in the same way, with stitches picked up around the opening and worked in ribbing in the round.
A neat, even pick-up around the armholes and neckline will make a noticeable difference to the final garment, particularly because the main body contains so much precise stitchwork.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this cable vest suitable for beginners?
No. The original pattern is rated Very hard, and that is a fair description. It is better suited to experienced knitters who are already comfortable with cables, slipped stitches, decreases, yarn overs, working in the round and following long stitch sequences.
What sizes are included?
The pattern provides instructions for four sizes: S, M, L and XL.
Is the cable vest knitted in the round?
The lower body begins in the round. Later, the knitting is separated so the front and back can be completed separately, with portions of the garment worked flat.
What needles does the pattern use?
The pattern calls for 4 mm circular needle tips with 60 cm, 80 cm and 100 cm cables. A cable needle is also required for the cable crossings.
What yarn is used for the original cable vest?
The original uses two Laines du Nord H.Couture yarns: Pure Cashmere in Dark Brown 008 and Kid Silk Nuance in Burnt Sienna 038.
Can I substitute a different yarn?
Potentially, but this isn’t a pattern where I would choose a substitute based on colour or fibre alone. The elaborate cable and textured stitch pattern needs good definition, and your substitute also needs to produce the required gauge and finished fabric.
What knitting techniques should I know?
You should be comfortable knitting and purling, working ribbing, cables, yarn overs, increases, decreases, slipped stitches, working in the round, working flat, picking up stitches and following lengthy stitch-pattern sequences.
How are the armholes finished?
After the main garment is completed, stitches are picked up around each armhole and worked for nine rounds in 1×1 ribbing before being loosely bound off.
How is the neckline finished?
Stitches are picked up around the neckline using 4 mm circular needles. The neckband is then worked for nine rounds in 1×1 rib before being loosely bound off.
Where can I get the complete cable vest knitting pattern?
Use the free pattern link near the top of this page to access the complete original Cable Vest knitting pattern from Laines du Nord, including the detailed stitch instructions and downloadable pattern information.