Skip to content

Novice Slipover

Original price $14.70 - Original price $14.70
Original price
$14.70
$14.70 - $14.70
Current price $14.70
Availability:
2+ in stock, ready to be shipped
The Novice Slipover by PetiteKnit is that effortlessly chic, everyday layering vest that’s as fun to wear as it is relaxing to knit. Worked in smooth, cosy stockinette stitch with crisp ribbed trims and a roomy, relaxed fit, it’s the ultimate beginner-friendly project that layers seamlessly over crisp button-down shirts, simple tees, or your favourite dresses.
Please note: This is a knitting pattern only. Yarn, needles, and extra notions must be purchased separately.
Pattern Overview
  • Skill Level: 1 out of 5 (Beginner)
  • Size Range: XXS to 5XL
  • Construction: You’ll work this slipover seamlessly from the top down in stockinette stitch. First, you knit the back yoke flat, then pick up stitches along the cast-on edge to knit each shoulder separately before joining them to form the front yoke. Next, front and back are joined at the underarms to knit the body straight down in the round. Finally, neat ribbed edges are picked up and knitted along the armholes and neckline, leaving zero seaming required at the finish.
Sizing & Fit Guide
The Novice Slipover is designed with a generous, relaxed fit offering roughly 15 cm of positive ease (meaning the finished vest sits about 15 cm wider than your actual bust). Before you cast on, grab a measuring tape and measure around your bust—or the widest part of your upper body—to pick your best match. For example, if you measure 90 cm around your bust, a size S will give you a finished circumference of 105 cm, leaving you with 15 cm of easy, comfortable room.
Size To Fit Bust Circumference (cm) Finished Bust Circumference (cm) Total Length (cm)
XXS 75–80 95 49
XS 80–85 100 53
S 85–90 105 55
M 90–95 109 57
L 95–100 114 58
XL 100–110 120 60
2XL 110–120 131 62
3XL 120–130 140 64
4XL 130–140 151 66
5XL 140–150 160 68
(Note: Total length is measured down the centre back including the neck rib edge.)
Gauge & Suggested Tools
  • Gauge: 17 sts x 25 rows = 10 x 10 cm in stockinette stitch on 5 mm needles after washing and blocking.
  • Circular Needles: 5 mm (60 cm, 80 cm, or 100 cm), 4.5 mm (40 cm and 80 cm), & 4 mm (40 cm).
Yarn & Materials Chart
This slipover gives you two great yarn options depending on the look and feel you love:
  • Option 1 (Held Double): One strand of sport-weight wool (~275 m per 100 g) or DK-weight wool (~108 m per 50 g) held together with one strand of lace-weight silk mohair (~212–225 m per 25 g) for a soft, fluffy halo.
  • Option 2 (Single Strand): One strand of worsted / aran-weight wool (~200 m per 100 g) knitted on its own for a clean, crisp stitch definition.
Size Option 1A: Sport Wool (~275 m/100 g) Option 1B: DK Wool (~108 m/50 g) Option 1 Mohair (~212–225 m/25 g) Option 2: Single Worsted Wool (~200 m/100 g)
XXS 200 g (~550 m) 300 g (~648 m) 75 g (~636–675 m) 300 g (~600 m)
XS 300 g (~825 m) 300 g (~648 m) 75 g (~636–675 m) 400 g (~800 m)
S 300 g (~825 m) 350 g (~756 m) 100 g (~848–900 m) 400 g (~800 m)
M 300 g (~825 m) 350 g (~756 m) 100 g (~848–900 m) 400 g (~800 m)
L 300 g (~825 m) 350 g (~756 m) 100 g (~848–900 m) 400 g (~800 m)
XL 400 g (~1,100 m) 400 g (~864 m) 100 g (~848–900 m) 500 g (~1,000 m)
2XL 400 g (~1,100 m) 400 g (~864 m) 125 g (~1,060–1,125 m) 500 g (~1,000 m)
3XL 400 g (~1,100 m) 450 g (~972 m) 125 g (~1,060–1,125 m) 500 g (~1,000 m)
4XL 400 g (~1,100 m) 500 g (~1,080 m) 125 g (~1,060–1,125 m) 500–600 g (~1,000–1,200 m)
5XL 400 g (~1,100 m) 500 g (~1,080 m) 125 g (~1,060–1,125 m) 600 g (~1,200 m)
Note: Meter figures are calculated directly from the pattern’s recommended yarn weights and represent designer estimates rather than exact consumption. Always buy full balls/skeins and consider grabbing an extra ball if you plan to swatch generously or add extra length to the body.
Crucial Swatching Tip
Take a little time to knit, wash, and block a stockinette swatch (using both strands if you go with Option 1) before casting on! Hitting that 17-stitch by 25-row gauge ensures your finished vest matches the measurements in the table above and gives the fabric a soft, even drape. Adjust your main needle size up or down if your stitch count is slightly off.
Frequently Asked Questions
  • Is this a good first garment project? Yes! Rated 1 out of 5 in difficulty, it’s specifically tailored for beginners—knitted on cosy 5 mm needles with simple stockinette stitch, straightforward shoulder shaping, and no sleeves to worry about.
  • Do I need double-pointed needles for the armholes or neckline? Not at all! The ribbed armhole and neckband edges are worked using short 40 cm circular needles, so you won’t need DPNs.
  • Are there any seams to sew at the end? Zero seaming required. Everything is worked seamlessly from the top down—once you cast off the ribbing, your only finishing job is weaving in your yarn ends.
Free NZ Shipping

When you spend $150 or more

Store Pickup

Pick up your order yourself, for free

Free Australia Shipping

When you spend $180 of more