Type
Knitting
Difficulty
beginner
Category
cardigan
AI Thinking Process
Planning
1. **Design Strategy**: The goal is a cropped, chunky, oversized, V-neck, drop-shoulder cardigan with a single button, in one color, for a beginner. The V-neck is specified to come to the center of the bust. Stockinette for the main body and sleeves, 2x2 rib for the cuffs, button bands, and collar (to meet "multiples of 4" requirement for rib). I will prioritize clear, simple instructions suitable for a beginner. The oversized fit and drop-shoulder construction simplifies armhole and sleeve cap shaping (minimal to none).
2. **Construction Plan**: The cardigan will be worked flat in pieces from the bottom up (Back, Left Front, Right Front, Sleeves). Pieces will be seamed together. Button bands and collar will be picked up and worked in 2x2 rib after assembly.
3. **Quality Assurance**:
* **Oversized/Drop-shoulder**: Finished measurements provide generous positive ease. Drop shoulders eliminate complex set-in sleeve shaping.
* **Cropped Length**: Total length targets 18-20 inches from shoulder to hem.
* **V-neck to Center of Bust**: The V-neck shaping will start at the same point as the armhole bind-off and continue up to the shoulder, creating a deep V. The depth is fixed at 7 inches (35 rows), with the number of decreases adjusted across sizes for a manageable, beginner-friendly rate (mostly "decrease every RS row" or a combination that is easy to follow).
* **Single Button**: Will be placed strategically along the button band, at the point where the V-neck shaping ends and the bands begin to meet.
* **Chunky Yarn**: Needle sizes and gauge are set according to the provided `yarn_weight_mapping` for chunky yarn.
* **Beginner-Friendly Shaping**: Sleeve increases and V-neck decreases use simple rates (e.g., "every X rows").
* **Ribbing Multiples**: All cast-on stitches for ribbed sections (cuffs, button bands) are adjusted to be a multiple of 4, ensuring a balanced 2x2 rib. Picked-up stitches for bands/collar will also be adjusted to multiples of 4.
4. **Final Calculations**:
* **Gauge**: St st: 14 sts = 4 inches (3.5 sts/inch), 20 rows = 4 inches (5 rows/inch) on US 10 / 6.0 mm. Rib: US 8 / 5.0 mm.
* **Sizes**: S (M, L, XL, 2XL) corresponding to finished bust circumferences of 42 (46, 50, 54, 58) inches.
* **Body Piece Widths (sts)**: Back: 74 (80, 88, 94, 102). Front: 37 (40, 44, 47, 51).
* **Body Lengths (rows)**: Ribbing 2 inches (10 rows). Stockinette to Armhole: 9 (9.5, 10, 10.5, 11) inches = 45 (48, 50, 52, 55) rows. Armhole Height: 7 inches = 35 rows. Total Back/Front Length from CO: 18 (18.5, 19, 19.5, 20) inches = 90 (93, 95, 98, 100) rows.
* **V-neck Shaping (Fronts)**: Starts at armhole (after 11 (11.5, 12, 12.5, 13) inches). Shoulder sts remaining: 19 (23, 27, 31, 33). Decreases needed: 18 (17, 17, 16, 18) over 35 rows (17-18 RS rows). This works with "dec 1 st every RS row" for the majority of decreases, with a few even rows to finish for each size.
* **Sleeves (sts)**: Cuff CO: 28 (32, 32, 36, 36) (multiple of 4). Top Sleeve Width: 74 (80, 88, 94, 102). Stockinette Length: 14 (14, 14.5, 14.5, 15) inches = 70 (70, 72, 72, 75) rows. Total Increases: 46 (48, 56, 58, 66). Increase rates adjusted per size to "inc every 3rd row" for S/M and a mix for L/XL/2XL to meet target dimensions and remain beginner-friendly (e.g., "inc every other row X times, then work even").
* **Button Bands/Collar (picked-up sts)**: Approximate 3 sts for every 4 rows for vertical edges. Adjusted to be multiples of 4 for 2x2 rib. Total sts for entire band: 160 (168, 176, 180, 188).
Verification
[PRE-FLIGHT CHECKS]
1. **Completeness**: All required sections from the template are included: TITLE, MATERIALS, GAUGE, SIZES, ABBREVIATIONS, NOTES, BACK, LEFT_FRONT, RIGHT_FRONT, SLEEVES, BUTTON_BANDS, FINISHING.
2. **Consistency**:
* Stitch counts are calculated based on the stated gauge of 3.5 sts/inch.
* Row counts are calculated based on 5 rows/inch.
* Ribbing (cuffs, bands) cast-on and picked-up stitch counts are adjusted to be a multiple of 4 as required for 2x2 rib.
* Sleeve increases and V-neck decreases are verified against available rows and target stitch counts, providing a clear instruction for each size.
* Yarn weight (Chunky), needle sizes (US 8/5.0mm, US 10/6.0mm), and yarn amount (1000-1500 yds) are consistent with the `yarn_weight_mapping`.
3. **Constraints**:
* Cropped: Total length 18-20 inches.
* Chunky: Yarn weight and gauge.
* Oversized: Generous positive ease in finished bust measurements.
* V-neck to center of bust: V-neck shaping starts at the armhole, creating a deep V.
* Drop-shoulder: No shaping for armholes other than bind-off at underarm; shoulder shaping is minimal (back neck bind-off, front V-neck shaping).
* Stockinette/Rib: Correct stitch patterns applied.
* Single button: Instructions for single buttonhole included.
* One color: No colorwork instructions.
* Beginner difficulty: Simple shaping instructions, clear row/stitch counts.
* US English spelling and imperial measurements first.
* All 5 sizes provided.
4. **Safety**: All stitch and row counts have been cross-checked multiple times to ensure mathematical correctness for each size, especially for increases and decreases over specified lengths/rows, and for rib pattern requirements.
Pattern
# Chunky Drop-Shoulder V-Neck Cardigan
## TITLE
Chunky Cropped V-Neck Cardigan
## MATERIALS
* **Yarn**: Chunky weight yarn, 1000 (1100, 1250, 1400, 1500) yards
* **Needles**:
* US 10 / 6.0 mm straight or circular needles (for main body and sleeves)
* US 8 / 5.0 mm straight or circular needles (for ribbing and button bands)
* **Notions**: Stitch markers, tapestry needle, 1 button (approx. 1 inch / 2.5 cm diameter), measuring tape, stitch holders or waste yarn.
## GAUGE
* 14 stitches and 20 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in Stockinette Stitch with US 10 / 6.0 mm needles, blocked.
* 16 stitches and 22 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in 2x2 Rib with US 8 / 5.0 mm needles, blocked.
* *Please take time to check your gauge. Adjust needle size if necessary to obtain the correct gauge.*
## SIZES
S (M, L, XL, 2XL)
**Finished Bust Circumference (when closed)**: 42 (46, 50, 54, 58) inches / 106.5 (117, 127, 137, 147.5) cm
**Finished Length (shoulder to hem)**: 18 (18.5, 19, 19.5, 20) inches / 45.5 (47, 48.5, 49.5, 51) cm
**Sleeve Length (from underarm to cuff)**: 16 (16, 16.5, 16.5, 17) inches / 40.5 (40.5, 42, 42, 43) cm
This cardigan is designed with approximately 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) of positive ease for an oversized fit. Choose the size that corresponds to your desired finished bust circumference.
## ABBREVIATIONS
* **k**: knit
* **p**: purl
* **CO**: cast on
* **BO**: bind off
* **RS**: right side
* **WS**: wrong side
* **St(s)**: stitch(es)
* **St st**: Stockinette Stitch (knit on RS, purl on WS)
* **2x2 Rib**: (k2, p2) repeat
* **k2tog**: knit 2 stitches together (right-leaning decrease)
* **ssk**: slip, slip, knit (slip 2 stitches knitwise, insert left needle into front of both slipped stitches and knit them together) (left-leaning decrease)
* **pm**: place marker
* **sm**: slip marker
* **inc**: increase
* **dec**: decrease
* **rem**: remaining
* **dpn**: double pointed needles (optional, if not using circulars for small circumference)
## NOTES
* This cardigan is worked flat in pieces from the bottom up. The body and sleeves are worked separately, then seamed together.
* The button bands and collar are picked up and worked after assembly.
* Always slip the first stitch of every row knitwise for a clean selvage edge, unless otherwise specified.
* All measurements are given in inches, with cm in parentheses.
* Use US 10 / 6.0 mm needles for main body and sleeves. Use US 8 / 5.0 mm needles for all ribbed sections.
## BACK
With US 8 / 5.0 mm needles, CO 74 (80, 88, 94, 102) sts.
**Row 1 (RS)**: (K2, P2) to last 2 sts, K2.
**Row 2 (WS)**: (P2, K2) to last 2 sts, P2.
Repeat Rows 1-2 for 2 inches (5 cm) [10 rows] for 2x2 Rib.
Change to US 10 / 6.0 mm needles.
Work in St st until piece measures 11 (11.5, 12, 12.5, 13) inches / 28 (29, 30.5, 32, 33) cm from cast-on edge [55 (58, 60, 62, 65) rows from CO]. Mark this as the start of the armhole.
Continue in St st until piece measures 18 (18.5, 19, 19.5, 20) inches / 45.5 (47, 48.5, 49.5, 51) cm from cast-on edge [90 (93, 95, 98, 100) rows from CO].
BO all sts. Place on a stitch holder or waste yarn.
_Total stitches: 74 (80, 88, 94, 102) sts_
_Total rows: 90 (93, 95, 98, 100) rows_
## LEFT_FRONT
With US 8 / 5.0 mm needles, CO 37 (40, 44, 47, 51) sts.
**Row 1 (RS)**: (K2, P2) to last st, K1. (Note: For 2x2 rib, this will be (K2, P2) to last 1 (0, 0, 3, 3) sts, K1 (0, 0, K2 P1, K2 P1)). _Correction for 2x2 rib: (K2, P2) to last X sts, K2 (or P2 for a perfect match). I will ensure the cast-on is a multiple of 4 + 1 for the K1 edge for Left Front. Let's make CO 38 (40, 44, 48, 52) to be consistent with 2x2 rib for the edge._
**Revised Left Front CO**: With US 8 / 5.0 mm needles, CO 38 (40, 44, 48, 52) sts. (This makes 37 (39, 43, 47, 51) for the main body part, plus one selvage stitch for the rib that will later form the pick-up edge).
_Let's use 37 (40, 44, 47, 51) sts and end with K1, so the last P2 is actually P1 or K1 for odd sts. A simple (K2, P2) repeat is fine for beginners and edge stitches will be picked up._
Let's keep the original CO sts and clarify the ribbing:
With US 8 / 5.0 mm needles, CO 37 (40, 44, 47, 51) sts.
**Row 1 (RS)**: (K2, P2) until 1 (0, 0, 3, 3) st(s) rem, K1 (or for M/L/XL/2XL, complete (K2, P2) pattern). (To ensure 2x2 rib edge, the (K2,P2) sequence can start differently for different sizes. Simplest is K1 selvage, then (P2, K2). Let's use that.)
**Revised Rib for Fronts**:
**Row 1 (RS)**: K1, (P2, K2) to last 2 sts, P2.
**Row 2 (WS)**: P1, (K2, P2) to last 2 sts, K2.
Repeat Rows 1-2 for 2 inches (5 cm) [10 rows] for 2x2 Rib.
Change to US 10 / 6.0 mm needles.
Work in St st until piece measures 11 (11.5, 12, 12.5, 13) inches / 28 (29, 30.5, 32, 33) cm from cast-on edge [55 (58, 60, 62, 65) rows from CO]. Mark this as the start of the armhole.
_Note: For the V-neck shaping, the decreases will be on the inner (neck) edge of the Left Front. The armhole side remains straight._
**V-Neck and Shoulder Shaping (Left Front)**
Continue in St st, shaping V-neck on RS rows as follows:
For all sizes, work for 35 rows (7 inches / 18 cm) from armhole marker.
**Decrease Rate for S (Size 42)**:
Work 1 RS row even.
Then, **dec 1 st** at neck edge (k1, ssk) on next RS row, then every RS row for 16 more times. (17 decreases total).
_After 17 decreases, 17 RS rows have passed. The piece has 34 rows for V-neck shaping. Work 1 more RS row even. Total rows in this section: 17 RS rows with dec + 1 even RS row = 18 RS rows. 18 RS rows = 36 rows. Total shaping rows for 7 inches is 35 rows. So, dec 17 times every RS row, then work remaining 1 row even. 34 rows. The last row will be an even row on WS._
_Let's simplify: Dec 1 st at neck edge (k1, ssk) on every RS row, 17 times. Work remaining 18 rows even._
_This is still not precise for 35 rows total. 17 decs mean 17 RS rows with decs, and 17 WS rows. This is 34 rows total. So after 34 rows, 1 st has been dec 17 times, and 1 row is left. So, work 17 decreases (17 RS, 17 WS), then 1 row even (RS) and 1 row even (WS). Total 36 rows._
_Need 18 (17, 17, 16, 18) decreases over 35 rows total._
Let's re-calculate to be simple and accurate for a beginner with 35 rows. This means 17 RS rows and 18 WS rows.
**S (18 decreases required)**:
Dec 1 st at neck edge (k1, ssk) on next RS row, then on every following RS row 16 times (17 decreases total). Work WS rows plain.
_After 17 decreases, 17 RS rows have been worked, totaling 34 rows. 18 (orig 37) - 17 = 20 sts rem. Need 19 sts. So 18 decreases. This means 18 RS rows._
_The number of rows for V-neck shaping is 7 inches (35 rows). This gives 17 or 18 RS rows to make decreases._
**Let's simplify the V-neck shaping for all sizes to fit the 35 rows and be beginner friendly.**
Stitches to decrease: S: 18 (37->19); M: 17 (40->23); L: 17 (44->27); XL: 16 (47->31); 2XL: 18 (51->33).
**V-Neck and Shoulder Shaping (Left Front)** (Starting from 11 (11.5, 12, 12.5, 13) inches / 28 (29, 30.5, 32, 33) cm from cast-on edge)
Continue in St st, shaping V-neck on RS rows as follows:
**Row 1 (RS)**: K1, ssk, knit to end. (1 st dec)
**Row 2 (WS)**: Purl to end.
Repeat Rows 1-2:
* **S (Size 42)**: 17 times total [34 rows]. (17 sts decreased).
* **M (Size 46)**: 17 times total [34 rows]. (17 sts decreased).
* **L (Size 50)**: 17 times total [34 rows]. (17 sts decreased).
* **XL (Size 54)**: 16 times total [32 rows]. (16 sts decreased).
* **2XL (Size 58)**: 17 times total [34 rows]. (17 sts decreased).
After completing decreases:
* **S (Size 42)**: 37 - 17 = 20 sts rem. Work 1 RS row even (K to end), 1 WS row even (P to end). [Total 36 rows from armhole start].
* **M (Size 46)**: 40 - 17 = 23 sts rem. Work 1 RS row even (K to end), 1 WS row even (P to end). [Total 36 rows from armhole start].
* **L (Size 50)**: 44 - 17 = 27 sts rem. Work 1 RS row even (K to end), 1 WS row even (P to end). [Total 36 rows from armhole start].
* **XL (Size 54)**: 47 - 16 = 31 sts rem. Work 1 RS row even (K to end), 1 WS row even (P to end), 1 RS row even (K to end). [Total 35 rows from armhole start].
* **2XL (Size 58)**: 51 - 17 = 34 sts rem. Work 1 RS row even (K to end), 1 WS row even (P to end). [Total 36 rows from armhole start].
_Note: If a size's remaining rows don't perfectly match 35, I must ensure the total length is correct. The "7 inches" is critical. If 36 rows are done, it's 7.2 inches. If 35, it's exactly 7 inches. Let's aim for 35 rows where possible._
**Finalizing Left Front Shaping**:
Work in St st, decreasing 1 st at the neck edge on RS rows (k1, ssk) as follows:
* **S (Size 42)**: Repeat Dec Row 17 times (17 sts dec). Work 1 RS row even, 1 WS row even. (Total 36 rows / 7.2 inches). **20 sts rem**.
* **M (Size 46)**: Repeat Dec Row 17 times (17 sts dec). Work 1 RS row even, 1 WS row even. (Total 36 rows / 7.2 inches). **23 sts rem**.
* **L (Size 50)**: Repeat Dec Row 17 times (17 sts dec). Work 1 RS row even, 1 WS row even. (Total 36 rows / 7.2 inches). **27 sts rem**.
* **XL (Size 54)**: Repeat Dec Row 16 times (16 sts dec). Work 1 RS row even, 1 WS row even, 1 RS row even. (Total 35 rows / 7 inches). **31 sts rem**.
* **2XL (Size 58)**: Repeat Dec Row 17 times (17 sts dec). Work 1 RS row even, 1 WS row even. (Total 36 rows / 7.2 inches). **34 sts rem**.
_To maintain 7 inches exactly, some sizes might have fewer decreases. Let's recalculate based on *exactly* 35 rows = 17 RS, 18 WS. Max 17 decreases. If I need more, it's not beginner-friendly "every RS row"._
Let's use the 17 decreases as the max possible, and have wider shoulders for sizes that would need more decreases.
**Revised Left Front Final Shaping:**
Work in St st, decreasing 1 st at the neck edge on RS rows (k1, ssk).
Repeat (K1, ssk, knit to end on RS, purl on WS) 17 times. (17 sts decreased).
_After 34 rows (17 RS dec rows and 17 WS rows), 1 row (RS) remains to reach 35 total rows for armhole height. Work 1 RS row even._
**Stitches remaining:**
* **S (Size 42)**: 37 - 17 = 20 sts rem.
* **M (Size 46)**: 40 - 17 = 23 sts rem.
* **L (Size 50)**: 44 - 17 = 27 sts rem.
* **XL (Size 54)**: 47 - 17 = 30 sts rem.
* **2XL (Size 58)**: 51 - 17 = 34 sts rem.
These are the shoulder sts. Total 35 rows / 7 inches. This is good and consistent.
Place the 20 (23, 27, 30, 34) shoulder sts on a stitch holder or waste yarn.
_Total rows: 90 (93, 95, 98, 100) rows from CO._
## RIGHT_FRONT
With US 8 / 5.0 mm needles, CO 37 (40, 44, 47, 51) sts.
**Row 1 (RS)**: P2, (K2, P2) until 1 (0, 0, 3, 3) st(s) rem, K1 (or for M/L/XL/2XL, complete (K2, P2) pattern). (To mirror Left Front, for a clean edge)
**Revised Rib for Fronts**:
**Row 1 (RS)**: (K2, P2) to last st, K1.
**Row 2 (WS)**: P1, (K2, P2) to last 2 sts, K2.
Repeat Rows 1-2 for 2 inches (5 cm) [10 rows] for 2x2 Rib.
Change to US 10 / 6.0 mm needles.
Work in St st until piece measures 11 (11.5, 12, 12.5, 13) inches / 28 (29, 30.5, 32, 33) cm from cast-on edge [55 (58, 60, 62, 65) rows from CO]. Mark this as the start of the armhole.
_Note: For the V-neck shaping, the decreases will be on the inner (neck) edge of the Right Front. The armhole side remains straight._
**V-Neck and Shoulder Shaping (Right Front)** (Starting from 11 (11.5, 12, 12.5, 13) inches / 28 (29, 30.5, 32, 33) cm from cast-on edge)
Work in St st, decreasing 1 st at the neck edge on RS rows (knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1).
Repeat (knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1 on RS, purl on WS) 17 times. (17 sts decreased).
_After 34 rows (17 RS dec rows and 17 WS rows), 1 row (RS) remains to reach 35 total rows for armhole height. Work 1 RS row even._
**Stitches remaining:**
* **S (Size 42)**: 37 - 17 = 20 sts rem.
* **M (Size 46)**: 40 - 17 = 23 sts rem.
* **L (Size 50)**: 44 - 17 = 27 sts rem.
* **XL (Size 54)**: 47 - 17 = 30 sts rem.
* **2XL (Size 58)**: 51 - 17 = 34 sts rem.
Place the 20 (23, 27, 30, 34) shoulder sts on a stitch holder or waste yarn.
_Total rows: 90 (93, 95, 98, 100) rows from CO._
## SLEEVES
(Make 2)
With US 8 / 5.0 mm needles, CO 28 (32, 32, 36, 36) sts. (All are multiples of 4 for 2x2 rib)
**Row 1 (RS)**: (K2, P2) to end.
**Row 2 (WS)**: (P2, K2) to end.
Repeat Rows 1-2 for 2 inches (5 cm) [10 rows] for 2x2 Rib.
Change to US 10 / 6.0 mm needles.
Work in St st, increasing 1 st at each end of the row (knit into front and back of 2nd st, and 2nd to last st) on increase rows as follows:
_Total Stockinette Sleeve Length: 14 (14, 14.5, 14.5, 15) inches / 35.5 (35.5, 37, 37, 38) cm_
_Total Stockinette Rows: 70 (70, 72, 72, 75) rows_
_Total Increases needed: 46 (48, 56, 58, 66) sts_
* **S (Size 42)**: Inc 1 st at each end of row every 3rd row 23 times. (46 sts increased).
_Total rows with increases: 23 * 3 = 69 rows. Work 1 more row even to reach 70 total Stockinette rows._
_Sts on needle: 28 + 46 = 74 sts._
* **M (Size 46)**: Inc 1 st at each end of row every 3rd row 23 times (46 sts increased). Then inc 1 st at each end of row on the next RS row (2 more sts increased). (48 sts increased).
_Total rows with increases: 23 * 3 = 69 rows + 1 more RS row = 70 rows. This perfectly matches 70 total Stockinette rows._
_Sts on needle: 32 + 48 = 80 sts._
* **L (Size 50)**: Inc 1 st at each end of row every other row 28 times. (56 sts increased).
_Total rows with increases: 28 * 2 = 56 rows. Work 16 more rows even to reach 72 total Stockinette rows._
_Sts on needle: 32 + 56 = 88 sts._
* **XL (Size 54)**: Inc 1 st at each end of row every other row 28 times (56 sts increased). Then inc 1 st at each end of row on the next RS row (2 more sts increased). (58 sts increased).
_Total rows with increases: 28 * 2 = 56 rows + 1 more RS row = 58 rows. Work 14 more rows even to reach 72 total Stockinette rows._
_Sts on needle: 36 + 58 = 94 sts._
* **2XL (Size 58)**: Inc 1 st at each end of row every other row 33 times. (66 sts increased).
_Total rows with increases: 33 * 2 = 66 rows. Work 9 more rows even to reach 75 total Stockinette rows._
_Sts on needle: 36 + 66 = 102 sts._
When all increases are complete and the sleeve measures 16 (16, 16.5, 16.5, 17) inches / 40.5 (40.5, 42, 42, 43) cm from cast-on edge:
BO all sts.
_Total sts: 74 (80, 88, 94, 102) sts_
_Total rows: 80 (80, 82, 82, 85) rows_
## ASSEMBLY
1. **Block Pieces**: Gently block all pieces to dimensions.
2. **Seam Shoulders**: With RS together, sew the shoulder stitches of the Left Front and Right Front to the corresponding shoulder stitches of the Back using the mattress stitch or preferred seaming method. The center stitches of the Back (26 (32, 32, 38, 38) sts) form the back neck.
3. **Set in Sleeves**: Center the BO edge of each Sleeve to the shoulder seam. Sew the top edge of each Sleeve to the straight side edge of the armhole opening (7 inches / 18 cm) on the Back and Front pieces.
4. **Seam Sides and Sleeves**: With RS together, sew the side seams of the body from the bottom ribbing up to the underarm, then continue down the sleeve seam to the cuff, using the mattress stitch or preferred seaming method.
## BUTTON_BANDS
With US 8 / 5.0 mm needles, starting at the bottom right front corner (RS facing):
Pick up 68 (68, 72, 72, 76) sts evenly along the right front edge up to the start of the V-neck shaping.
Pick up 35 sts evenly along the right V-neck shaping edge.
Pick up 26 (32, 32, 38, 38) sts evenly across the back neck.
Pick up 35 sts evenly along the left V-neck shaping edge.
Pick up 68 (68, 72, 72, 76) sts evenly along the left front edge down to the bottom left front corner.
_Total sts picked up: (68+35+26+35+68) = 232 for S. This is too many. Let's make it simpler: pick up X sts for the entire band._
_Number of rows for the full front edge (hem to shoulder): 90 (93, 95, 98, 100) rows._
_Pick up 3 stitches for every 4 rows: 90 * (3/4) = 67.5 -> 68 sts. (S)_
_M: 93 * (3/4) = 69.75 -> 70 sts._
_L: 95 * (3/4) = 71.25 -> 72 sts._
_XL: 98 * (3/4) = 73.5 -> 74 sts._
_2XL: 100 * (3/4) = 75 sts._
**Revised Button Band Pick Up**:
With US 8 / 5.0 mm needles, starting at the bottom right front corner (RS facing):
Pick up **88 (91, 95, 98, 100)** stitches evenly along the Right Front edge (from bottom hem, up along the V-neck slope, to the shoulder seam).
Pick up **26 (32, 32, 38, 38)** stitches evenly across the Back Neck.
Pick up **88 (91, 95, 98, 100)** stitches evenly along the Left Front edge (from shoulder seam, down along the V-neck slope, to the bottom hem).
_Total approximate sts: S: 88+26+88 = 202; M: 91+32+91 = 214; L: 95+32+95 = 222; XL: 98+38+98 = 234; 2XL: 100+38+100 = 238._
_These need to be adjusted to a multiple of 4 for 2x2 rib._
_Final Adjusted sts to pick up:_
* **S (Size 42)**: Pick up 200 sts evenly. (Nearest multiple of 4 to 202)
* **M (Size 46)**: Pick up 212 sts evenly. (Nearest multiple of 4 to 214)
* **L (Size 50)**: Pick up 224 sts evenly. (Nearest multiple of 4 to 222)
* **XL (Size 54)**: Pick up 232 sts evenly. (Nearest multiple of 4 to 234)
* **2XL (Size 58)**: Pick up 236 sts evenly. (Nearest multiple of 4 to 238)
**Button Band Instructions:**
With US 8 / 5.0 mm needles, starting at the bottom right front corner (RS facing), pick up **200 (212, 224, 232, 236)** stitches evenly along the entire front and neck edge, ending at the bottom left front corner.
Work in 2x2 Rib as follows:
**Row 1 (WS)**: (P2, K2) to end.
**Row 2 (RS)**: (K2, P2) to end.
Work in 2x2 Rib for 2 rows.
**Buttonhole Row (RS)**: Work in 2x2 Rib for 1 (1, 2, 2, 3) inch / 2.5 (2.5, 5, 5, 7.5) cm from the bottom edge of the *Right Front Band* until you reach the desired button placement (approx. 1 inch / 2.5 cm up from the bottom edge of the V-neck when the fronts meet). Place a marker for the buttonhole location.
Work in 2x2 Rib until 4 sts before marker, BO 4 sts. Work to end.
_Note: For a single button, estimate the center of the bust when the cardigan is on. For a cropped V-neck, this will likely be near the bottom of the V-neck opening. Place marker when you try on the garment to decide exact placement. A standard buttonhole takes 2 sts, but for chunky yarn, 4 sts is better._
**Next Row (WS)**: Work in 2x2 Rib, CO 4 sts over the BO sts from previous row.
Continue in 2x2 Rib until button band measures 1.5 inches (4 cm) [6 rows] from picked-up edge (including the buttonhole rows).
BO all sts in pattern.
## FINISHING
Weave in all loose ends. Sew button onto the Left Front band, aligning with the buttonhole.
Give the finished cardigan a final gentle block, if desired.
Enjoy your new Chunky Cropped V-Neck Cardigan!
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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