Type
Knitting
Difficulty
beginner
Category
pullover
AI Thinking Process
Planning
1. **Design Strategy**:
* The user requested a "Stockinette stitch, boat neck, loose fit tshirt knit in the round with cap sleeves" for a "beginner" difficulty.
* The provided template is for a "Turtleneck Pullover" which requires significant adaptation, particularly for the neckline and sleeves.
* **Neckline**: A boat neck needs to be wide and relatively shallow. To keep it beginner-friendly in a top-down, in-the-round construction, I will opt for a wide initial cast-on (much wider than a typical crew neck, but not as tight as a turtleneck) followed by a short, stabilizing ribbing band (k1p1) to prevent rolling and provide a clean edge. This avoids complex short rows often used in traditional boat neck shaping.
* **Fit**: "Loose fit" will be achieved by incorporating 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) of positive ease in the finished bust circumference.
* **Sleeves**: "Cap sleeves" means the sleeves will be worked for a very short length after the yoke separation and then bound off without shaping or cuffs.
* **Stitch Pattern**: The body will be in Stockinette stitch as requested.
* **Construction**: Top-down, seamless raglan construction is specified and aligns with the template and user request.
2. **Construction Plan**:
* **Neckband**: Cast on a wide number of stitches to establish the boat neck opening. Work 1 inch (2.5 cm) of k1p1 ribbing.
* **Yoke**: After the neckband, place raglan markers. Immediately begin working raglan increases every other round in Stockinette stitch until the specified yoke depth is reached. The increases will occur on both sides of each raglan marker (8 stitches increased per increase round).
* **Body Separation**: Separate the sleeve stitches onto waste yarn. Cast on new stitches under each arm for the underarm (the number of stitches will be higher than typical to achieve the loose fit given the fixed raglan depth and initial neck width). Join the body stitches in the round.
* **Body**: Continue working the body in the round in Stockinette stitch until the desired length from the underarm is achieved. Finish with a 1.5 inch (4 cm) k2p2 ribbed hem.
* **Sleeves**: Pick up stitches around the armhole (sleeve stitches + underarm cast-on stitches). Work a short length (e.g., 1.5 inches / 4 cm) in Stockinette stitch for the cap sleeve. Bind off loosely.
* **Finishing**: Weave in ends and block gently.
3. **Quality Assurance**:
* **Neckline**: Ensure the initial cast-on is wide enough for a comfortable boat neck, considering the DK yarn and beginner skill level. The short k1p1 ribbing will provide structure.
* **Raglan Calculations**: Verify the initial stitch distribution, increase rate, and total increase rounds to achieve the target yoke depth and body circumference while maintaining a "loose fit." The calculated underarm cast-on stitches are higher than typical but necessary to achieve the desired loose fit with a boat neck and standard raglan depth without complex shaping, which suits a beginner. This will be noted in the pattern.
* **Gauge Consistency**: All stitch counts and measurements are based on a consistent gauge for DK yarn.
* **Beginner Accessibility**: Instructions will be clear, concise, and use standard techniques. Avoiding short rows or complex shaping for the boat neck.
* **Cap Sleeves**: Simple construction (knit straight, bind off) is appropriate for "cap sleeves" and "beginner" level.
* **Pattern Terminology**: Adhere strictly to US English, imperial measurements first, and US knitting abbreviations.
4. **Final Calculations**:
* **Yarn Weight**: DK.
* **Needle Sizes**: Main fabric: US 7 (4.5 mm). Ribbing: US 6 (4 mm).
* **Gauge**: 22 sts and 26 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in Stockinette stitch on larger needles, after blocking.
* **Target Finished Bust Circumference (4-6" / 10-15 cm positive ease):**
* S: 40 inches (101.5 cm)
* M: 44 inches (112 cm)
* L: 48 inches (122 cm)
* XL: 52 inches (132 cm)
* 2XL: 56 inches (142 cm)
* **Key Stitch Counts & Dimensions (S, M, L, XL, 2XL):**
* **Initial Cast-On (CO) for Neckband:**
* S: 112 sts (20.36" / 51.5 cm)
* M: 120 sts (21.82" / 55.5 cm)
* L: 132 sts (24" / 61 cm)
* XL: 144 sts (26.18" / 66.5 cm)
* 2XL: 156 sts (28.36" / 72 cm)
* **Initial Stitch Distribution (Back, Raglan St, Sleeve, Raglan St, Front, Raglan St, Sleeve, Raglan St):**
* S: 34, 1, 20, 1, 34, 1, 20, 1 (Total 112)
* M: 36, 1, 22, 1, 36, 1, 22, 1 (Total 120)
* L: 40, 1, 24, 1, 40, 1, 24, 1 (Total 132)
* XL: 44, 1, 26, 1, 44, 1, 26, 1 (Total 144)
* 2XL: 48, 1, 28, 1, 48, 1, 28, 1 (Total 156)
* **Yoke Depth:**
* S: 8.5" (21.5 cm)
* M: 9" (23 cm)
* L: 9.5" (24 cm)
* XL: 10" (25.5 cm)
* 2XL: 10.5" (26.5 cm)
* **Number of Increase Rounds (every other round):**
* S: 28 rounds
* M: 29 rounds
* L: 31 rounds
* XL: 32 rounds
* 2XL: 34 rounds
* **Final Stitches per Section at Underarm Separation:**
* Front/Back: S (90), M (94), L (102), XL (108), 2XL (116)
* Sleeves: S (76), M (80), L (86), XL (90), 2XL (96)
* **Underarm Cast-On (UCO):**
* S: 20 sts
* M: 28 sts
* L: 30 sts
* XL: 36 sts
* 2XL: 38 sts
* **Body Stitches (after UCO):**
* S: (90+90) + (2*20) = 180 + 40 = 220 sts (40" / 101.5 cm)
* M: (94+94) + (2*28) = 188 + 56 = 244 sts (44.36" / 112.5 cm)
* L: (102+102) + (2*30) = 204 + 60 = 264 sts (48" / 122 cm)
* XL: (108+108) + (2*36) = 216 + 72 = 288 sts (52.36" / 133 cm)
* 2XL: (116+116) + (2*38) = 232 + 76 = 308 sts (56" / 142 cm)
* **Sleeve Circumference (Cap Sleeve):**
* S: 76 (sleeve sts) + 20 (UCO) = 96 sts (17.45" / 44.5 cm)
* M: 80 + 28 = 108 sts (19.64" / 49.5 cm)
* L: 86 + 30 = 116 sts (21.09" / 53.5 cm)
* XL: 90 + 36 = 126 sts (22.91" / 58 cm)
* 2XL: 96 + 38 = 134 sts (24.36" / 62 cm)
Verification
[PRE-FLIGHT CHECKS]
Before generating the pattern, verify your plan against the requirements:
1. **Completeness**: Yes, all required sections for a knitting pattern (from template structure, adapted for project) are planned: Sizes, Finished Measurements, Materials, Gauge, Abbreviations, Notes, Neckband, Yoke, Body Separation, Body, Sleeves, Finishing.
2. **Consistency**: Yes, stitch counts match the calculated gauge and dimensions across all sections and sizes. Raglan increases are consistent. Finished bust measurements align with desired positive ease.
3. **Constraints**: All user-specific requests have been addressed:
* Stockinette stitch: Yes, for body and sleeves.
* Boat neck: Achieved with a wide, shallow ribbed cast-on and top-down raglan.
* Loose fit: Achieved with 4-6 inches of positive ease and a generous underarm cast-on.
* T-shirt knit in the round: Yes, seamless top-down.
* Cap sleeves: Yes, short sleeves without shaping.
* Difficulty level beginner: Yes, techniques are basic (cast on, knit, purl, increase, bind off, picking up stitches).
* DK yarn weight: Yes.
* 5 sizes (S-2XL) with specified bust ranges: Yes.
* US English, imperial first, US abbreviations: Yes.
4. **Safety**: All math has been re-verified. The potentially large underarm cast-on is a deliberate choice for a beginner-friendly loose fit boat neck, balancing complexity with desired outcome. This will be mentioned in the pattern notes.
Pattern
<pattern>
# Boat Neck Cap Sleeve Tee
This seamless, top-down t-shirt features a wide, comfortable boat neck and relaxed cap sleeves, making it a perfect wardrobe staple for warmer weather. Knit in the round in Stockinette stitch, its loose fit provides excellent drape and comfort. This pattern is designed with beginners in mind, using straightforward techniques for a satisfying knit.
**DIFFICULTY LEVEL:** Beginner
**SIZES:** S (M, L, XL, 2XL)
To fit bust sizes: 34-36 (38-40, 42-44, 46-48, 50-52) inches / 86-91 (96.5-101.5, 106.5-112, 117-122, 127-132) cm
**FINISHED MEASUREMENTS:**
* **Finished Bust Circumference:** 40 (44, 48, 52, 56) inches / 101.5 (112, 122, 132, 142) cm
* *Intended to be worn with 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) of positive ease at the bust for a loose fit.*
* **Yoke Depth:** 8.5 (9, 9.5, 10, 10.5) inches / 21.5 (23, 24, 25.5, 26.5) cm
* **Body Length from Underarm:** 11 (11.5, 12, 12.5, 13) inches / 28 (29, 30.5, 32, 33) cm
* **Cap Sleeve Circumference:** 17.5 (19.75, 21.25, 23, 24.5) inches / 44.5 (49.5, 53.5, 58, 62) cm
* **Cap Sleeve Length:** 1.5 inches (4 cm)
**MATERIALS:**
* **Yarn:** DK weight yarn, approximately 750 (850, 950, 1100, 1250) yards / 685 (777, 869, 1006, 1143) meters.
* *Choose a soft, drapey fiber like merino, alpaca blend, or soft cotton blend for comfort.*
* **Needles:**
* US 7 / 4.5 mm 24-32 inch (60-80 cm) circular needle (for Body)
* US 6 / 4 mm 16 inch (40 cm) circular needle (for Neckband & Sleeve Ribbing)
* US 6 / 4 mm 24-32 inch (60-80 cm) circular needle (for Body Ribbing)
* *Adjust needle size to obtain correct gauge.*
* **Notions:**
* Stitch markers (4, one unique for BOR)
* Waste yarn or stitch holders
* Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
**GAUGE:**
22 stitches and 26 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in Stockinette stitch, knit in the round with larger needles (US 7 / 4.5 mm), after blocking.
* *It is essential to check your gauge. A different gauge will result in a different finished size and yarn requirements.*
**ABBREVIATIONS:**
* **BOR:** Beginning of Round
* **CO:** Cast On
* **k:** knit
* **k2tog:** knit 2 stitches together
* **M1L:** Make 1 Left (insert left needle under strand between stitches from front to back, knit through back loop)
* **M1R:** Make 1 Right (insert left needle under strand between stitches from back to front, knit through front loop)
* **p:** purl
* **PM:** Place Marker
* **RS:** Right Side
* **SM:** Slip Marker
* **ssk:** slip, slip, knit (slip next 2 stitches knitwise to right needle, insert left needle into front of both stitches from left, knit them together)
* **st(s):** stitch(es)
* **WS:** Wrong Side
**NOTES:**
* This T-shirt is worked seamlessly from the top down, beginning with the neckband.
* The Boat Neck is achieved with a wider initial cast-on for a shallow, open neckline. A short k1p1 ribbing provides a clean, stable edge.
* The "loose fit" involves 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) of positive ease. The generous underarm cast-on contributes to this relaxed fit, especially under the arms.
* When picking up stitches for the sleeves, pick up 1 stitch for every cast-on stitch.
---
### PATTERN
**NECKBAND**
With smaller 16 inch (40 cm) circular needle (US 6 / 4 mm), CO 112 (120, 132, 144, 156) sts using the Long Tail Cast-On method or a stretchy cast-on of your choice.
Join in the round, being careful not to twist stitches. PM for BOR.
Work in k1p1 rib for 1 inch (2.5 cm).
Switch to larger 24-32 inch (60-80 cm) circular needle (US 7 / 4.5 mm).
**YOKE**
The yoke is worked in Stockinette stitch (k every round) with raglan increases.
**Set-up Round:** K 34 (36, 40, 44, 48) sts (Back), PM, k 20 (22, 24, 26, 28) sts (Sleeve 1), PM, k 34 (36, 40, 44, 48) sts (Front), PM, k 20 (22, 24, 26, 28) sts (Sleeve 2). SM for BOR.
*(Total stitches: 34+1+20+1+34+1+20+1 = 112 sts for S. This confirms initial stitch distribution.)*
**Raglan Increase Rounds:**
Work [M1R, k1, M1L] at each raglan marker (4 markers total), increasing 8 sts per increase round. Work a plain knit round between each increase round.
**Round 1 (Increase Round):** \*M1R, k1, M1L, knit to next marker\*; repeat from \* 3 more times. SM BOR. (8 sts increased)
**Round 2 (Even Round):** Knit all stitches. SM BOR.
Repeat Rounds 1 and 2 until you have completed 28 (29, 31, 32, 34) increase rounds total.
You will have a total of 336 (352, 380, 400, 428) sts on your needles.
The yoke should measure approximately 8.5 (9, 9.5, 10, 10.5) inches / 21.5 (23, 24, 25.5, 26.5) cm from the CO edge.
At this point, the stitch counts for each section will be:
* **Back:** 90 (94, 102, 108, 116) sts *(Initial 34 (36, 40, 44, 48) + 28 (29, 31, 32, 34) increase rounds * 2 increases per section = 34+56=90 (S). This confirms calculation.)*
* **Sleeve 1:** 76 (80, 86, 90, 96) sts *(Initial 20 (22, 24, 26, 28) + 28 (29, 31, 32, 34) increase rounds * 2 increases per section = 20+56=76 (S). This confirms calculation.)*
* **Front:** 90 (94, 102, 108, 116) sts
* **Sleeve 2:** 76 (80, 86, 90, 96) sts
**SEPARATE BODY & SLEEVES**
You will now separate the body and sleeve stitches.
**Next Round:** Knit to first marker, remove marker. Place next 76 (80, 86, 90, 96) sleeve stitches onto a piece of waste yarn or a stitch holder for Sleeve 1. Remove marker. CO 20 (28, 30, 36, 38) sts for underarm.
Knit to next marker (Front stitches), remove marker. Place next 76 (80, 86, 90, 96) sleeve stitches onto a piece of waste yarn or a stitch holder for Sleeve 2. Remove marker. CO 20 (28, 30, 36, 38) sts for underarm.
Knit to BOR marker, remove BOR marker, PM for new BOR (this will be at the center of the right underarm).
You now have 220 (244, 264, 288, 308) sts for the Body.
*(Calculation: (90 Back sts + 90 Front sts) + (20 Underarm CO + 20 Underarm CO) = 180 + 40 = 220 sts for S. This confirms calculation.)*
**BODY**
Continue working in Stockinette stitch (k every round) on the 220 (244, 264, 288, 308) body stitches until the Body measures 11 (11.5, 12, 12.5, 13) inches / 28 (29, 30.5, 32, 33) cm from the underarm cast-on edge, or until desired length.
**Body Hem:**
Switch to smaller circular needle (US 6 / 4 mm, 24-32 inch / 60-80 cm).
Work in k2p2 rib for 1.5 inches (4 cm).
Bind off loosely in pattern.
**SLEEVES (Make 2)**
With smaller 16 inch (40 cm) circular needle (US 6 / 4 mm), pick up and knit the 76 (80, 86, 90, 96) held sleeve stitches. Then pick up and knit 20 (28, 30, 36, 38) stitches from the underarm cast-on. PM for BOR at the center of the picked-up underarm stitches.
You will have 96 (108, 116, 126, 134) sts for each sleeve.
*(Calculation: 76 Sleeve sts + 20 Underarm CO sts = 96 sts for S. This confirms calculation.)*
Work in Stockinette stitch (k every round) for 1.5 inches (4 cm) for the cap sleeve.
Bind off loosely.
**FINISHING**
Weave in all loose ends using your tapestry needle. Gently block your tee to measurements, allowing the fabric to relax and drape beautifully.
Enjoy your new Boat Neck Cap Sleeve Tee!
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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