Aurora Ridge Cable Vest Free Pattern – A Cozy Textured Knit

Wrap yourself in the timeless elegance of interlocking cables with this modern, boxy-fit vest. The Aurora Ridge Cable Vest is knitted in a soft, heathered Aran weight yarn, featuring a dramatic center cable panel that runs vertically down the front. Ribbed 2x2 edges at the neckline, armholes, and hem give it a polished, everyday layer that's perfect for transitional weather or cozying up by the fire. This pattern is rated beginner-intermediate, making it an excellent next step for knitters ready to tackle their first cable project. The rich, dimensional texture of the twisted braids and diamond motifs creates a stunning focal point, while the smooth stockinette background provides a clean, modern contrast.

Whether you're a seasoned knitter or a confident beginner looking for a challenge, this free pattern will guide you through every step. Let's dive into creating this beautiful, handcrafted piece that you'll reach for season after season.

Materials Needed

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

• Yarn: Aran weight (10 ply) yarn in a heathered blue-grey (approx. 600-700 yards for size M). Choose a soft, wool-blend yarn for best stitch definition and warmth.
• Needles: US 7 (4.5 mm) circular needles (24" length) for the main body and bands, and US 7 (4.5 mm) straight needles for small pieces (optional, if you prefer working flat).
• Cable needle: A small cable needle (or double-pointed needle) for the cable twists.
• Stitch markers: At least 4 markers to delineate the cable panel and armhole shaping.
• Stitch holders: For holding the center neck stitches.
• Tapestry needle: For weaving in ends and seaming.
• Measuring tape: To check gauge and measurements.

Gauge: 18 stitches and 24 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch (after blocking). Always knit a swatch first to ensure your gauge matches, as this will affect the final fit.

Sizes and Abbreviations

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

Abbreviations:

• CO: cast on
• BO: bind off
• K: knit
• P: purl
• C4F: slip 2 stitches to cable needle, hold in front, knit 2, knit 2 from cable needle
• C4B: slip 2 stitches to cable needle, hold in back, knit 2, knit 2 from cable needle
• K2tog: knit 2 together
• P2tog: purl 2 together
• St(s): stitch(es)
• RS: right side
• WS: wrong side

Pattern Stitch (Cable Panel – 12 sts)

This 12-stitch cable panel is the heart of the Aurora Ridge Vest. It creates a beautiful braided cable with a subtle diamond effect. Work this panel between stitch markers on the front piece.

• Row 1 (RS): P2, C4F, C4B, P2
• Row 2 (WS): K2, P8, K2
• Row 3: P2, K8, P2
• Row 4: K2, P8, K2
• Row 5: P2, C4B, C4F, P2
• Row 6: K2, P8, K2

Repeat rows 1-6 for the cable panel. The cables cross in opposite directions on rows 1 and 5, creating the braided effect.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Back Panel

Cast On and Ribbing:
CO 78 (86, 94, 102) sts.
Work in 2x2 rib (K2, P2) for 2 inches, ending with a WS row.

Body:
Next row (RS): Work in stockinette (knit on RS, purl on WS) across, increasing 4 sts evenly spaced – 82 (90, 98, 106) sts.
Continue in stockinette until piece measures 12 (12.5, 13, 13.5)" from cast-on edge, ending with a WS row.

Shape Armholes:
BO 4 (5, 6, 7) sts at beginning of next 2 rows.
Then decrease 1 st at each edge every RS row 3 (4, 5, 6) times – 68 (72, 76, 80) sts.
To decrease at the beginning of a row: K1, K2tog. To decrease at the end of a row: knit to last 3 sts, K2tog, K1.
Work even until armhole measures 8 (8.5, 9, 9.5)".

Shape Shoulders:
BO 8 (9, 10, 11) sts at beginning of next 4 rows.
BO remaining 36 (36, 36, 36) sts for back neck.

Front Panel

Cast On and Ribbing:
CO 78 (86, 94, 102) sts.
Work in 2x2 rib for 2 inches, ending with a WS row.

Body with Cable Panel:
Next row (RS): K33 (37, 41, 45), place marker, work cable panel over next 12 sts, place marker, K33 (37, 41, 45).
Continue in this pattern, working stockinette on the sides and cable panel between markers, until piece measures same as back to armhole, ending with a WS row.

Shape Armholes:
BO 4 (5, 6, 7) sts at beginning of next 2 rows.
Then decrease 1 st at each edge every RS row 3 (4, 5, 6) times – 68 (72, 76, 80) sts.
Continue working the cable panel as established while shaping the armholes. The cable panel remains centered between the markers.
Work even until armhole measures 6 (6.5, 7, 7.5)", ending with a WS row.

Shape Neck:
Next row (RS): Work 28 (30, 32, 34) sts, place center 12 sts on holder, join second ball of yarn, work remaining 28 (30, 32, 34) sts.
You will now work both sides of the neck simultaneously using two balls of yarn.
Working both sides simultaneously, decrease 1 st at each neck edge every RS row 4 (5, 6, 7) times – 24 (25, 26, 27) sts each shoulder.
To decrease at the neck edge: On the right side of the neck, work to the last 3 sts, K2tog, K1. On the left side of the neck, K1, K2tog, work to end.
Work even until armhole measures same as back.

Shape Shoulders:
BO 8 (9, 10, 11) sts at beginning of each shoulder edge twice.

Finishing

Blocking:
Block pieces to measurements. This is crucial for the cables to open up and lay flat. Use a gentle steam block or wet block, pinning to the specified dimensions.

Seaming:
Sew shoulder seams using a mattress stitch or your preferred seaming method.

Armhole Bands:
With circular needle, pick up and knit 84 (88, 92, 96) sts evenly around armhole.
Work in 2x2 rib for 1 inch.
BO loosely in rib.
Repeat for the second armhole.

Neckband:
With circular needle, pick up and knit 90 (94, 98, 102) sts around neck opening, including sts from holder.
Work in 2x2 rib for 1 inch.
BO loosely in rib.

Final Assembly:
Sew side seams using a mattress stitch.
Weave in all ends with a tapestry needle.

Pro Tips for Success

• Read the cable chart: If you prefer visual aids, chart out the cable panel on graph paper. This can help you track your rows more easily.
• Use lifelines: When working the cable panel, consider inserting a lifeline every few rows. This will save you time if you need to rip back a mistake.
• Keep tension even: Cables can pull in the fabric. Be mindful of your tension when working the cable rows to ensure the panel lies flat.
• Block before seaming: Always block your pieces before seaming. This makes the edges easier to work with and ensures a professional finish.

Your Aurora Ridge Cable Vest is now complete! This cozy, textured knit is sure to become a wardrobe staple. The combination of the bold cable panel and the relaxed, boxy fit makes it both stylish and comfortable. Enjoy wearing your handcrafted creation, and don't forget to share your finished project with the knitting community!