Cascade Falls Vest Free Pattern – Textured Knit Vest with Waterfall Ribbing

Imagine wrapping yourself in the serene movement of a cascading waterfall, where soft ripples of blue flow seamlessly from light to deep teal. The Cascade Falls Vest captures this tranquil beauty in a cozy, textured knit that's perfect for layering over your favorite long-sleeve tops or dresses. This free knitting pattern features a unique waterfall ribbing that shifts diagonally, creating a dynamic, artistic fabric that's as enjoyable to knit as it is to wear.

Whether you're a seasoned knitter looking for a new challenge or a confident beginner ready to expand your skills, this vest offers a rewarding project with stunning results. The relaxed, boxy fit flatters all body types, and the deep V-neckline adds a modern touch. Let's dive into this pattern and create a piece that brings a touch of nature's calm to your wardrobe.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following materials to ensure a smooth knitting experience:

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in 3 shades of blue (e.g., Cascade 220):
  • Color A – Light Blue: approx. 200g
  • Color B – Medium Blue: approx. 200g
  • Color C – Deep Teal: approx. 200g
  Total: approx. 600g
• Needles: US 7 (4.5mm) circular needles, 32" long (for working flat with plenty of room for stitches)
• Notions: Stitch markers (at least 4), tapestry needle for weaving in ends, scissors

Gauge: 20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch. Always knit a gauge swatch to ensure your finished vest matches the intended measurements.

Pattern Details & Sizing

Sizes: S (M, L, XL)
Finished Chest: 36 (40, 44, 48)"

Abbreviations:

• CO – cast on
• K – knit
• P – purl
• K2tog – knit two together (decrease)
• P2tog – purl two together (decrease)
• M1 – make one (increase)
• St st – stockinette stitch (K on RS, P on WS)
• PM – place marker
• SM – slip marker
• BO – bind off
• RS – right side
• WS – wrong side

Important Notes:

• The vest is worked in one piece from the bottom up until the armholes, then divided into three sections (left front, right front, and back) worked separately.
• The waterfall ribbing pattern shifts diagonally, creating the cascading effect. Pay close attention to the pattern shifts.
• Color changes occur every 10 rows, cycling through A, B, C, then repeating. This creates the beautiful gradient bands.
• Use the long-tail cast on for a stretchy, neat edge.

Step-by-Step Instructions

BODY (Worked Flat in One Piece Until Armholes)

Step 1: Cast On & Stockinette Base
With Color A, CO 180 (200, 220, 240) stitches.
Row 1 (RS): K all stitches.
Row 2 (WS): P all stitches.
Repeat these 2 rows until the piece measures 2 inches from the cast-on edge, ending with a WS row. This creates a clean, stable base for the ribbing pattern.

Step 2: Begin Waterfall Ribbing Pattern
Now you'll start the signature waterfall ribbing. This 6-row repeat creates the diagonal flow:

Row 1 (RS): *K2, P2* repeat from * to end of row.
Row 2 (WS): *P2, K2* repeat from * to end of row.
Row 3 (RS): Shift the pattern by 1 stitch: K1, then *P2, K2* repeat from * until 1 stitch remains, end with P1.
Row 4 (WS): Work the stitches as they appear (K the K's, P the P's), maintaining the shifted pattern from Row 3.
Row 5 (RS): Shift back to original alignment: *K2, P2* repeat from * to end.
Row 6 (WS): Work the stitches as they appear (K the K's, P the P's).

Step 3: Color Changes
Repeat Rows 1-6 for the waterfall ribbing pattern. Every 10 rows, change color in this order:
- Color A for 10 rows
- Color B for 10 rows
- Color C for 10 rows
- Repeat A, B, C sequence
Continue until the piece measures 12 (13, 14, 15)" from the cast-on edge, ending with a WS row. This ensures you're ready to divide for the armholes on a RS row.

DIVIDE FOR ARMHOLES

Step 4: Separating the Panels
Next row (RS): Work in pattern across the first 45 (50, 55, 60) stitches, BO the next 10 stitches, work across the next 70 (80, 90, 100) stitches, BO the next 10 stitches, work the remaining 45 (50, 55, 60) stitches.

You now have three separate sections on your needle:
- Left Front Panel: 45 (50, 55, 60) stitches
- Back Panel: 70 (80, 90, 100) stitches
- Right Front Panel: 45 (50, 55, 60) stitches

You'll work each section separately. Place the other sections on stitch holders or spare needles while you work one at a time.

LEFT FRONT PANEL

Step 5: Armhole Shaping
Continue in the waterfall ribbing pattern on the 45 (50, 55, 60) stitches. At the armhole edge (the side where you bound off stitches), decrease 1 stitch every RS row 4 times. To do this: K2tog at the beginning of RS rows.

After completing the 4 decreases, you'll have 41 (46, 51, 56) stitches. Work even (no decreases) in pattern until the armhole measures 8 (9, 10, 11)" from the bind-off edge.

Step 6: Neck Shaping
At the neck edge (the side opposite the armhole), BO 10 stitches at the beginning of the next WS row. Then, decrease 1 stitch at the neck edge every RS row 3 times (K2tog at the neck edge on RS rows).

After these decreases, you'll have 28 (33, 38, 43) stitches. Work even in pattern until the armhole measures 10 (11, 12, 13)" from the bind-off edge. BO all stitches.

RIGHT FRONT PANEL

Step 7: Mirror the Left Front
Work the same as the left front panel, but mirror the decreases:
- At the armhole edge, decrease 1 stitch every WS row 4 times (P2tog at the armhole edge on WS rows).
- At the neck edge, BO 10 stitches at the beginning of the next RS row, then decrease 1 stitch at the neck edge every WS row 3 times (P2tog at the neck edge on WS rows).

Work even until the armhole measures 10 (11, 12, 13)". BO all stitches.

BACK PANEL

Step 8: Back Panel Shaping
Continue in pattern on the 70 (80, 90, 100) stitches. Decrease 1 stitch at each armhole edge every RS row 4 times:
- At the beginning of RS rows: K2tog
- At the end of RS rows: P2tog (or SSK for a neater edge)

After the decreases, you'll have 62 (72, 82, 92) stitches. Work even in pattern until the armhole measures 10 (11, 12, 13)" from the bind-off edge. BO all stitches.

FINISHING

Step 9: Sew Shoulder Seams
Using a tapestry needle and matching yarn, sew the shoulder seams of the left front to the back, and the right front to the back. Use a mattress stitch or whip stitch for a secure, invisible seam.

Step 10: Armhole Ribbing
With Color A, pick up and knit stitches around each armhole. Pick up approximately 3 stitches for every 4 rows (this ensures a neat, non-gaping edge). Work in K2, P2 ribbing for 1 inch. BO in rib pattern. Repeat for the other armhole.

Step 11: Front & Neckline Ribbing
With Color A, pick up and knit stitches along the entire front edge, including the V-neckline. Pick up approximately 2 stitches for every 3 rows. Work in K2, P2 ribbing for 1 inch. BO in rib pattern.

Step 12: Weave in Ends & Block
Weave in all loose ends using a tapestry needle. Block the vest to the specified measurements – this is crucial for the waterfall ribbing to open up and drape beautifully. Lay flat to dry.

Tips for Success

• Keep track of your color changes: Use a row counter or place a removable marker every 10 rows to remind you when to switch colors.
• Maintain pattern integrity: When decreasing at the armholes and neck, ensure the waterfall ribbing pattern continues as smoothly as possible. If a decrease disrupts a K2/P2 sequence, adjust the next stitch to maintain the ribbing rhythm.
• Blocking is essential: The waterfall ribbing truly shines after blocking. Pin the vest to the specified measurements and let it dry completely for the best drape and stitch definition.
• Customize the length: Feel free to add or subtract rows before dividing for armholes to achieve your preferred body length.

Your Cascade Falls Vest is now complete! This stunning textured piece will become a wardrobe staple, bringing the calming beauty of a waterfall into your everyday style. The combination of flowing ribbing and serene blue gradients makes it a true work of art that you'll be proud to say you knitted yourself.

Happy knitting, and enjoy your beautiful new vest!