And just like that, the Max Waistcoat is finished! The knitting is done, the pieces are joined, and the pattern is written (well… almost!). But before I talk about what’s next, I want to look back at what this past week — or week and a half — has been like.
You’ve followed me through the process of knitting the Max Waistcoat, and it’s been such a joy to share the journey with you. What I didn’t share, though, was the bit that came after the knitting — the writing, grading and laying out of the pattern. I just got on with it. It didn’t even occur to me that you might be interested in that part too!
But now I think… maybe we need another #newdesignjourney? One that starts at the needles and ends at the finished PDF pattern? Would you like to see more of that side next time?
Because of you following along, I’ve finished this new design — and that’s no small thing. I’m a process knitter. I love the doing, the knitting, the quiet rhythm of it. And sometimes that means I get just about to the end and then… castonitis strikes! I don’t want the knitting to be over, so I cast on something else. (Tell me I’m not the only one!)
But this time, I stuck with it. Sharing this journey has helped me stay focused — and reminded me how satisfying it is to finish something and truly complete it. So thank you.
Of course, now I’m thinking… maybe I should go back and finish a few other half-done designs. Would you like to see those too?
But wait — I’m getting ahead of myself. Let’s finish this one properly first.
The final stretch: joining the pieces
This last part is where I know some knitters groan — the joining together. I don’t call it “sewing up” because that sounds like fabric and sewing machines. With knitting, I like to use knitting techniques wherever I can.
I know joining pieces can feel fiddly. It’s a different mindset. But I’ve come to love it. Seams give structure. They help a garment hold its shape — and they can be beautiful in their own way.
It’s not a two-hour job. I take my time. Here’s what the final week (and a bit) looked like for me:
- Shoulders: Joined with the three needle cast off — one of my favourite finishing techniques. Two cast offs and one seam become one smooth, clever join.
- Here is a video to show you how easy this is. I LOVE this part.
- Armholes: Picked up over two evenings.
- Pocket tops: Just a simple day’s task.
- Left front edging: One day.
- Right front edging: Another day.
- Neck edging: A day after a mini break from knitting due to the heatwave!
- Straight seams: Joined using mattress stitch which I love
- And here’s another short video for you to see that fabulous technique!
- Pocket linings: Slip stitched into place. This one takes a bit of prep and concentration, but when it’s done… it’s fab.
- Buttons: Sewed on over two days in the studio between chats with lovely knitters popping in!
So yes — a full week and a half just to finish and assemble. And I loved every bit of it.
The yarn I used
I knitted the Max Waistcoat in ByLaxtons Sheepsoft DK, one of my all-time favourite yarns. You can find it here: Shop Sheepsoft DK
I used Coverdale as the main shade with the edging in the gorgeous navy shade called Kettlewell.
There are so many colour combos I want to try now… I might have to cast on another one!
What’s next?
Now it’s on to the final pattern checks — and the launch next week! I hope you’ve enjoyed following this journey as much as I’ve enjoyed sharing it.
And if you’re tempted to start your own Max Waistcoat, I’d love to see your progress too.
From the first cast on to the final button… thank you for coming along with me!