Billie Vest Knit Kit
Billie Vest Knitting Kit – New Zealand Merino 8ply
Knit a beautifully soft and versatile children’s vest in 100% New Zealand merino wool. The Billie Vest has a relaxed neckline and deep armholes, making it an easy layering piece from babyhood through to 10 years.
Skill level and techniques
Intermediate. Choose the lace-panel version if you're comfortable following lace repeats; the textured-line version is simpler. Both involve shaping, working flat, joining shoulders and finishing armhole and neckline bands.
The printed pattern includes two design options: lace panels with vertical textured lines, or a simpler version with vertical textured lines only. Choose 5–10cm of positive ease depending on how relaxed you would like the finished vest to fit.
Finished Measurements
| Age | Finished Chest | Back Length |
|---|---|---|
| 3–6 months | 48cm | 28cm |
| 6–12 months | 54cm | 31cm |
| 1–2 years | 59cm | 34cm |
| 3–4 years | 65cm | 38cm |
| 5–6 years | 70cm | 42cm |
| 7–8 years | 76cm | 45cm |
| 9–10 years | 81cm | 48cm |
Your Kit Includes
- The required quantity of New Zealand Merino 8ply in your selected colour and size
- Billie Vest printed knitting pattern
Yarn Requirements
| Size | Yarn Supplied | Total Metres |
|---|---|---|
| 3–6 months | 2 × 50g balls | 276m |
| 6–12 months / 1–2 years / 3–4 years | 3 × 50g balls | 414m |
| 5–6 years / 7–8 years | 4 × 50g balls | 552m |
| 9–10 years | 5 × 50g balls | 690m |
About the Yarn
- Composition: 100% New Zealand Merino
- Weight: DK / 8 Ply
- Meterage: 138m per 50g ball
- Tension: 22 stitches and 30 rows to 10cm
- Care: Mild machine washable
You Will Also Need
3.50mm and 4.00mm needles; 3.75mm needles for the neckband and armbands in the first three sizes (or if you knit tightly); six stitch holders and eight stitch markers.
Construction: Worked flat in separate front and back pieces, joined at the shoulders and seamed at the sides.
Choosing your vest
This knitted children's vest is a useful extra layer, with two versions in the printed pattern. If you want to choose your own shades, explore New Zealand Merino 8ply and the Billie Vest knitting pattern separately.
Frequently asked questions
Does the pattern include two vest designs?
Yes. Choose lace panels with vertical texture or the simpler vertical textured-line version. The kit makes one vest.
Is the Billie Vest suitable for beginners?
It is better suited to knitters comfortable following a garment pattern, shaping and finishing; the lace-panel option adds lace techniques.
How should I choose a size?
Use the finished chest measurements from 48 cm to 81 cm and allow approximately 5–10 cm of positive ease.
Are needles included?
No. You'll need 3.5 mm and 4 mm needles, and sometimes 3.75 mm for bands, plus stitch holders and markers.
Does the kit include a printed pattern?
Yes. The kit lists the Billie Vest printed pattern and size-specific yarn for one vest.