purlJam

# Classic Men’s Deer Sweater
**Difficulty Level:** Beginner / Easy Intermediate (includes basic colorwork)
**Sizes:** Adult Men's Medium (Instructions for one size to ensure beginner clarity)

### YARN WEIGHT
Worsted / Medium (Weight 4)
*Total Yardage:* 
- Main Color (MC - Gray): Approx. 1,400 yards
- Contrast Color (CC - White or Red): Approx. 100 yards

### SPECIFICATIONS FOR THIS YARN WEIGHT
*   **Hook Size:** US H/8 / 5.0 mm (or size needed to obtain gauge)
*   **Gauge:** 14 hdc and 11 rows = 4 inches (10 cm)
*   **Finished Chest:** 44 inches (112 cm)
*   **Finished Length:** 27 inches (68.5 cm)

### TERMINOLOGY & ABBREVIATION PROFILE
*This pattern uses US English terminology.*
*   **ch:** chain
*   **st(s):** stitch(es)
*   **sc:** single crochet
*   **hdc:** half double crochet
*   **dc:** double crochet
*   **BLO:** back loop only
*   **RS:** right side
*   **WS:** wrong side
*   **MC:** Main Color
*   **CC:** Contrast Color

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### PATTERN INSTRUCTIONS

#### 1. BACK PANEL
**Ribbing**
Using MC, ch 11.
**Row 1:** Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. (10 sc)
**Row 2:** Ch 1, turn. Sc in BLO of each st across.
Repeat Row 2 until ribbing measures 22 inches (56 cm) when slightly stretched, or roughly 78 rows.
*Validation: 78 rows of ribbing provides the base for the 78 body stitches.*

**Body**
Turn ribbing to work along the long edge.
**Row 1 (RS):** Ch 1, work 78 hdc evenly across the ends of the ribbing rows. (78 hdc)
**Row 2-60:** Ch 1, turn. Hdc in each st across.
Continue until piece measures 27 inches (68.5 cm) from bottom edge.
Fasten off, leaving a long tail for shoulder seaming.

#### 2. FRONT PANEL
**Ribbing**
Work same as Back Panel.

**Body & Deer Motif**
**Rows 1-35:** Using MC, repeat as for Back Panel.
*Begin Deer Motif (Tapestry Crochet):*
When changing colors, pull the new color through the last two loops of the previous stitch. Carry the unused color behind the stitches (tapestry style).
The motif is centered on the middle 30 stitches.
**Row 36:** MC hdc 24, [Deer Pattern Start: CC hdc 30], MC hdc 24.
**Rows 37-50:** Follow the written color blocks for the deer silhouette (Simplified):
- *Rows 37-42 (Body):* MC 24, CC 30, MC 24.
- *Rows 43-46 (Neck):* MC 34, CC 10, MC 34.
- *Rows 47-50 (Antlers):* MC 24, [CC 5, MC 6, CC 4, MC 6, CC 5], MC 24.
*Validation: 24+30+24 = 78 total stitches.*
**Rows 51-60:** Using MC only, hdc in each st across.
Fasten off.

#### 3. SLEEVES (Make 2)
**Ribbing**
Using MC, ch 11.
**Row 1-30:** Work sc in BLO as for body ribbing. (30 rows = approx 8.5 inches for wrist).
**Sleeve Body**
**Row 1 (RS):** Work 32 hdc evenly across the ribbing edge (increase 2 sts).
**Row 2 (WS):** Hdc in each st across.
**Row 3 (Increase):** Ch 1, 2 hdc in first st, hdc to last st, 2 hdc in last st. (34 sts)
**Rows 4-45:** Repeat Row 2 and 3 every 3rd row until you have 56 stitches.
Continue in hdc without increasing until sleeve measures 20 inches (51 cm).
Fasten off.

#### 4. ASSEMBLY
1.  **Shoulders:** Place Front and Back panels RS together. Sew 6.5 inches (16.5 cm) in from each shoulder edge toward the center, leaving the middle 9 inches open for the neck.
2.  **Sleeves:** Mark the center of the sleeve top. Align center with the shoulder seam. Sew sleeve to the body.
3.  **Sides:** Sew side seams from the hem up to the armpit and down the sleeve in one continuous seam.
4.  **Neckband:** Join MC at the shoulder seam.
    - **Rnd 1:** Sc evenly around the neck opening. Join with sl st.
    - **Rnd 2-4:** Ch 1, hdc in each st around.
    - Fasten off and weave in all ends.

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**Technical Editor Notes:** 
- Ensure your hdc stitches are not too tight, or the sweater will be stiff. 
- When working the Deer Motif, keep the "carried" yarn loose enough that the fabric can still stretch.
- The 22" width allows for a relaxed fit on a 40-42" chest (approx 2-4" ease).