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Type

Machine Knitting

Difficulty

intermediate

Category

pullover

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AI Thinking Process

Planning

1. **Analysis**: * **Request**: Machine knit raglan pullover, plain stitch, baby sizes. * **Machine**: LK150 (Mid-Gauge). * **Yarn/Tension**: DK weight at Tension 4. (Note: T4 is tight for DK on an LK150, producing a dense, warm fabric suitable for winter wear, but requires careful gauge checking). * **Structure**: Raglan construction (worked flat: Back, Front, Sleeves x2, then seamed). * **Difficulty**: Beginner. * **Conflict Resolution**: The provided template text is for a *crochet* pattern, but the persona instructions and user request are for *machine knitting*. I will utilize the required template headers and structural logic but replace all crochet content with precise Machine Knitting instructions (LK150 specific). 2. **Reference Classes**: * *Standard Mid-Gauge Raglan*: Basic 4-piece construction. * *Cut-and-Sew Knits*: Reference for neckline shaping. * *LK150 Manual Basics*: Reference for cast-on/hem techniques (hung hem). 3. **Edge Cases & Failure Modes**: * *Neck too tight*: Baby heads are proportionately large. **Solution**: Design a "Boat Neck" or wide Crew Neck with a roll finish to avoid tight ribbing bind-offs. * *Raglan depth mismatch*: Sleeves too short for the raglan angle. **Solution**: Calculate row counts for raglan decreases to match exactly between Body and Sleeve. * *Seaming difficulty*: Raglan seams can be tricky for beginners. **Solution**: Use full-fashion decreases (moving stitches in) to create a visible, easy-to-seam edge. 4. **Plan (Size 12 Months as Base Calculation)**: * **Gauge**: Estimated 22 sts / 32 rows = 10cm (4") on T4. * **Width**: 30cm (12") flat. * **Length**: 32cm (12.5"). * **Math**: * Body width: 30cm * 2.2 = 66 sts. * Raglan: Decrease every 2 rows.

Verification

[PRE-FLIGHT CHECKS] 1. **Completeness**: Included Back, Front, Sleeves, Finishing, and Supplies. 2. **Consistency**: Gauge is set to 22sts/32rows. All math calculations checked against this density. * *Example*: Back width 30cm = 66 sts. Correct. 3. **Constraints**: * User requested T4 (acknowledged). * User requested DK yarn (acknowledged). * User requested Beginner difficulty (Used fully fashioned increases/decreases for neatness, simple rolled hems). 4. **Safety**: * Raglan shaping: Body and Sleeves both decrease every 2 rows. Row counts match. * Neckline: Safety margin added for head circumference.

Pattern

# Basic Raglan Pullover (Machine Knit - LK150)
**Pattern Type:** Machine Knitting
**Skill Level:** Beginner
**Machine:** Silver Reed LK150 (or similar mid-gauge)
**Yarn:** DK Weight (Double Knit)
**Tension:** Dial 4 (Main Tension) / Dial 3 (Ribbing/Hems)

## 1. Specifications & Sizing
**Gauge (Vital):**
22 stitches & 32 rows = 10 cm x 10 cm (4" x 4")
*Swatch Method: Cast on 40 sts, knit 60 rows at T4. Mark 20 sts/40 rows. Remove, steam, rest, and measure.*

**Sizes (Finished Chest Circumference):**
*Includes approx. 5-7cm (2-3") positive ease for comfort.*
*   **6 Months:** 51 cm (20")
*   **12 Months:** 56 cm (22")
*   **18 Months:** 61 cm (24")
*   **2 Years:** 66 cm (26")
*   **4 Years:** 71 cm (28")

**Materials:**
*   Yarn: approx. 150g (6M-18M) / 200g (2Y-4Y) DK Weight.
*   Waste yarn (contrasting color).
*   Ravel cord (optional).
*   Tools: 1x2 and 1x3 Transfer Tools, Tappet Tool (Latch tool), Tapestry needle, Weights.

## 2. Abbreviation & Terminology
*   **RC:** Row Counter
*   **T:** Tension Dial
*   **COL / COR:** Carriage on Left / Right
*   **MY:** Main Yarn
*   **WY:** Waste Yarn
*   **HP:** Holding Position (Needles all the way back or forward depending on technique, usually D position on LK150)
*   **Dec 1 (Fully Fashioned):** Using 3-prong tool, move outer 3 stitches inward by 1 needle. Place the empty outer needle out of work. (Creates a decorative fashion mark).
*   **Inc 1 (Fully Fashioned):** Using 3-prong tool, move outer 3 stitches outward by 1 needle. Pick up the heel of the stitch from the row below onto the empty needle to fill the gap.

---

## 3. Instructions

### PART A: BACK
*Construction: Worked from bottom up. Hem is a simple "hung hem" (folded).*

**1. Cast On & Hem**
*   **Setup:** Carriage Right (COR). T3.
*   Bring needles into work: **56 (62, 68, 72, 78)** stitches. Centered (e.g., for size 12M: L31 to R31).
*   E-wrap cast on with MY.
*   Knit 10 rows. [RC: 10]
*   **Hang Hem:** Pick up the cast-on loops from the bottom and hang them onto the open needles.
*   Change to **T4** (Main Tension).
*   Reset RC to 000.

**2. Body**
*   Knit straight until RC reads **40 (44, 48, 52, 58)**.
*   *Check:* Piece should measure approx 12.5cm - 18cm from hem edge depending on size.
*   End with COL.

**3. Raglan Shaping (Armholes)**
*   **Bind off:** Bind off 2 stitches at the beginning of the next 2 rows.
    *   COR: Bind off 2, Knit across. [Sts: 54 (60, 66, 70, 76)]
    *   COL: Bind off 2, Knit across. [Sts: 52 (58, 64, 68, 74)]
*   **Decreases:**
    *   Decrease 1 st at both ends (Fully Fashioned method) every **2 rows**.
    *   Repeat this decrease **15 (17, 19, 21, 23)** times total.
    *   *Calculation Check (Size 12M):* 58 sts - (17*2) = 24 sts remaining.
*   **Stop at RC:** **72 (80, 88, 96, 106)**.
*   **Transfer:** Place remaining **22 (24, 26, 26, 28)** stitches onto WY. Remove from machine.

---

### PART B: FRONT
*Construction: Identical to Back until Neck Shaping.*

**1. Cast On & Body**
*   Follow instructions for **BACK** exactly, including the hem and the start of the raglan shaping.
*   Work the raglan decreases until you are **10 rows** short of the total length of the back.
*   *Checkpoint (Size 12M)*: You need 17 decreases total. Work 12 decreases. RC is at 68 (approx).

**2. Neck Shaping**
*   **Divide for Neck:**
    *   Carriage is at side. Move carriage to center to release yarn or cut yarn to work sides separately.
    *   Put center **10 (10, 12, 12, 14)** stitches on "Hold" (or waste yarn) for the neck opening.
    *   You will now work on the Left and Right shoulders separately.
*   **Right Shoulder (as you face machine):**
    *   Continue Raglan decreases at the armhole edge every 2 rows.
    *   AT THE SAME TIME, at the neck edge, decrease 1 stitch every row 3 times, then every 2 rows until usually all stitches are gone or 2 remain.
    *   *Goal:* We are scooping the neck.
*   **Left Shoulder:** Reverse shaping.
*   Transfer remaining shoulder stitches (usually just 2-3) to WY.

---

### PART C: SLEEVES (Make 2)
*Construction: Worked from cuff up, increasing to underarm.*

**1. Cuff**
*   **Setup:** T3. Bring needles into work: **32 (34, 36, 38, 40)** stitches.
*   E-wrap cast on. Knit 10 rows.
*   **Hang Hem:** Fold up and hang cast-on loops.
*   Change to **T4**. Reset RC to 000.

**2. Sleeve Increases**
*   Knit straight for 4 rows.
*   **Increase:** Inc 1 stitch at each end (Fully Fashioned).
    *   Repeat increase every **6 (6, 6, 7, 7)** rows.
    *   Total times: **6 (7, 8, 9, 10)** times.
*   *Validation (Size 12M):*
    *   Start: 34 sts.
    *   Inc: 7 times x 2 sts = +14 sts.
    *   End Count: 48 sts.
    *   Final Row Count approx: 46.
*   Continue knitting straight (without increasing) until RC reads **48 (52, 56, 64, 72)**.

**3. Raglan Cap**
*   **Bind off:** Bind off 2 stitches at beg of next 2 rows (same as Body).
*   **Decreases:**
    *   Dec 1 st at both ends every **2 rows**.
    *   Repeat **15 (17, 19, 21, 23)** times. (Must match Body count exactly).
*   **Top of Sleeve:** You should have approx **8 (10, 10, 10, 12)** stitches remaining.
*   Transfer to WY and remove.

---

## 4. Assembly & Finishing

**1. Blocking**
*   Steam all pieces gently while they are off the machine. This stops the "curl" and makes seaming much easier. *Do not press heavily on the ribbing.*

**2. Raglan Seams**
*   Using mattress stitch, sew the sleeves to the back and front body pieces along the raglan diagonal lines. Match row for row.
*   Leave the **Back Right** raglan seam open for the last 3cm (1") if the head opening looks small (optional button placement), otherwise sew all raglan seams.

**3. Neck Band**
*   Re-hang the sweater neck opening onto the machine (Back side facing you).
    *   Put the live stitches from Back, Sleeve tops, and Front onto needles.
    *   Pick up stitches along the curved front neck decrease area.
*   **Tension:** Dial 3.
*   **Knit:** 6 rows.
*   **Bind Off:** Loose latch-tool bind off (around the gate pegs) or backstitch bind off. *Ensure this is loose enough to fit over a baby's head.*

**4. Final Seams**
*   Sew the side seams and sleeve underarm seams in one continuous line using mattress stitch.
*   Weave in all ends.

## 5. Technical Editor Notes (Pattern Logic)
*   **Gauge Warning:** T4 with DK yarn creates a firm fabric. If you prefer a softer drape, use T5 or T6, but you **must** recalculate stitches (reduce cast on by approx 10%).
*   **Math Validation (Size 12M Sleeve):**
    *   Start 34 sts.
    *   Increases: 7 sets.
    *   `[RC 6: 34+2=36]`, `[RC 12: 36+2=38]`, ... `[RC 42: 46+2=48]`.
    *   Hold straight to RC 52.
    *   Bind off 2 (4 sts gone) -> 44 sts.
    *   Raglan Dec: 17 times (-34 sts).
    *   `[44 - 34 = 10 sts remaining]`. Matches Top of Sleeve instructions.
*   **Safety:** No long floats or loose loops for baby fingers to catch.

Disclaimer: This pattern was generated by AI and should be reviewed for accuracy before use. While we strive for quality, AI-generated content may contain errors. Please verify measurements, stitch counts, and instructions before beginning your project. Generated by purlJam.uk

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