The Outlandish Bodice by bron matheson is a distinctive free knitting pattern for a fitted corset-style vest with cables, shaped construction and optional costume-inspired details.
The design can be worn as an eye-catching everyday vest or customized for historical, fantasy or cosplay-inspired outfits. Its fitted shape comes naturally from the cable structure and the designer also includes options for adjusting the overall look.
Outlandish Bodice Pattern at a Glance
Designer: bron matheson
Pattern: Outlandish Bodice
Craft: Knitting
Category: Vest / Bodice
Yarn Weight: Heavy DK to Light Worsted / Worsted
Yardage: 547–711 yards (500–650 m)
Needles: US 6 (4.0 mm) and US 7 (4.5 mm)
Gauge: 26 sts and 28 rows = 4 in
Sizes: Extra Small, Small, Medium, Large
Construction: Bottom-up, worked flat in sections
Techniques: Cables, i-cord, grafting and shaping
Language: English
Pattern Availability: Free Ravelry download
About the Outlandish Bodice
The Outlandish Bodice is designed as a fitted vest with a corset-inspired silhouette. Cable panels provide both decoration and shaping, giving the garment a structured look without relying on a traditional sewn corset construction.
The pattern can be styled with strong negative ease for a close fit or with little to no negative ease for a more relaxed vest. The designer explains the available choices in the original pattern so knitters can select the combination that best suits the intended fit.
Yarn and Needle Notes
The designer recommends sturdy yarns with good wear characteristics, including tweeds and light worsted-weight yarns. The pattern can work with yarns ranging from approximately heavy DK through light worsted.
Total yarn requirements are approximately 547–711 yards (500–650 m), depending on the size and options selected.
The pattern uses US 6 (4.0 mm) and US 7 (4.5 mm) needles. Because the size options are achieved partly through different needle and gauge combinations, consult the designer's sizing tables before beginning.
Construction
The bodice is knitted from the bottom up. The sides and back are first worked flat together in one piece to the underarm.
The back and front straps are then worked separately. Stitches are picked up along the front edges and the front sections are knitted sideways toward the center front. The shoulders are grafted together, while the neckline, armholes and front edges are finished with i-cord.
Customization Ideas
One of the most unusual features of this pattern is its flexibility. It can be knitted as a distinctive everyday vest or adapted for costume-inspired clothing.
The original pattern includes guidance for adding front lacing and for extending the peplum section to work with fuller skirts. These options make the design especially appealing for knitters interested in historical, fantasy or cosplay styling.
Get the Free Outlandish Bodice Pattern
The Outlandish Bodice was designed by bron matheson and published through Bronnymath Designs. The complete pattern is currently available as a free download from the designer's Ravelry listing.
Amazing Knitting does not reproduce the designer's complete knitting instructions. Use the button below to visit the original pattern page and access the current authorized version.
Pattern and photo © bron matheson. Pattern availability is controlled by the designer and may change over time.
