|  Diamond 
                            Stitch Pattern The stitch pattern is worked over 98 stitches 
                            [16 st repeat plus 2 extra]. The additional stitches 
                            at each end of the row should be worked in stockinette 
                            stitch. For the M/L size, this is 1 stitch at each 
                            end, and for the XL/XXL size, this is 4 stitches at 
                            each end.
 LT 
                            = With RH needle behind LH needle, skip next st on 
                            LH needle, k 2nd st tbl, then k skipped st in front 
                            lp, sl both sts from LH needle. RT 
                            = Skip next st on LH needle, k 2nd st in front of 
                            skipped st, then k skipped st, sl both sts from LH 
                            needle. Row 
                            1: K1, *LT, k4, RT*, k1Row 
                            2 and all WS rows: Purl.
 Row 
                            3: K2, *LT, k2, RT, k2*.
 Row 
                            5: K3, *LT, RT, k4*, k3.
 Row 
                            7: K4, *RT, k6*,k4
 Row 
                            9: K3, *RT, LT; k4*, k3
 Row 
                            11: K2, *RT, k2, LT, k2*
 Row 
                            13: K1, *RT, k4, LT*, k1
 Row 
                            15: K8, *LT, k6*, end k2
 Row 
                            16: Purl
 Repeat 
                            Rows 1-16 for pattern.
 BackUsing 
                            smaller needles, CO 100[108] sts.
 Work 
                            in k2p2 rib for 2 inches, ending with a RS row.
 Switch 
                            to larger needles and purl one WS row.
 Work 
                            in pattern until piece measures 15[16] inches.
 Shape 
                            ArmholesContinue 
                            to work in pattern, and at the same time:
 BO 
                            5[6] sts at the beg of the next two rows.
 Dec 
                            1 st each end of needle every RS 6[7] times. 78[82] 
                            sts remain.
 Continue 
                            even until the armholes measure 12[13] inches.
 [On 
                            the model, I switched from the diamond pattern to 
                            stockinette stitch when I was approx 1-2 inches from 
                            completing the needed armhole length. This allows 
                            for a nice, neat shoulder seam without worrying about 
                            whether the front and back diamond pattern lines up 
                            exactly. If you wish, do so only after completing 
                            Row 8 or 16 of the diamond pattern.] Shape 
                            shouldersBO 
                            8 sts at the beg of the next 4 rows.
 BO 
                            7[8] sts at the beg of the next 2 rows.
 BO 
                            the remaining sts for back neck.
 FrontWork 
                            as for back. When until armholes measure approximately 
                            4.5[5] inches, begin neck shaping. [78[82] sts remain.]
   Shape 
                            V-neckWith RS facing, work across 39[41] sts.
 Place 
                            rem sts on a holder for later.
 Working 
                            on the right side of neck only, dec 1 st at neck edge 
                            every RS row 16[17] times. 23[24] sts remain.
 Work 
                            even until armhole measures same as back to shoulder.
 BO shoulder as for back.
 Rejoin yarn at neck edge of held sts and work second 
                            section of neck as the first.
 | 
                       
                        |  Block 
                            pieces to measurements. Using yarn and tapestry needle, stitch all seams.
 Finishing 
                            Armholes With circular needle, pick up and k 3 sts for every 
                            4 rows around armhole, being sure you end up with 
                            an even number of sts.
 Work these sts in k1p1 ribbing for approx 1 inch [or 
                            your desired width].
 BO all sts in rib.
 Weave 
                            in loose ends.
 NeckbandWith circular needle and beginning at a shoulder seam, 
                            pick up and k 3 sts for every 4 rows around neckband, 
                            again ending up with an even number of stitches.
 When you reach the center of the "V", be 
                            sure to pick up a stitch and mark it as your center 
                            stitch.
 Work 
                            your sts in k1p1 ribbing to the center 5 sts; k2togtbl, 
                            k1, k2tog. Continue ribbing, working as stated above 
                            each time you reach the center 5 sts.
 When neckband measures approx 1 inch [or your desired 
                            width], bind off loosely but neatly in rib. Weave 
                            in loose ends.
 Block 
                            vest again if desired. |