purlJam

# Dachshund Delight Cabled Vest

This charming vest combines classic cable work with a playful dachshund motif, making it a delightful project for intermediate knitters. Worked flat in pieces, the front features a central cable panel flanked by intarsia dachshunds, while the back is in simple stocking stitch. Ribbed hems, V-neck, and armhole bands provide a neat finish.

## Sizes
XS (S, M, L, XL, 2XL)

**To Fit Bust:**
81 (91, 102, 112, 122, 132) cm / 32 (36, 40, 44, 48, 52) in

## Finished Measurements
**Chest Circumference:**
90 (100, 110, 120, 130, 140) cm / 35½ (39½, 43¼, 47¼, 51¼, 55) in

**Length to Shoulder:**
56 (58, 60, 62, 64, 66) cm / 22 (23, 23½, 24½, 25¼, 26) in

## Yarn
Worsted weight yarn (approx. 180-200 metres / 197-219 yards per 100g)
**Main Colour (MC):** 400 (450, 500, 550, 600, 650) g / 720 (810, 900, 990, 1080, 1170) metres
**Accent Colour (AC):** 50g / 90 metres (for intarsia motif)

*(Please note: Yarn quantities are estimates and may vary depending on your chosen yarn, tension, and any modifications.)*

## Needles
*   4.5 mm (UK 7 / US 7) knitting needles
*   5 mm (UK 6 / US 8) knitting needles
*   Cable needle (cn)

## Tension (Gauge)
18 stitches and 24 rows to 10 cm (4 in) in stocking stitch using 5 mm needles.
**Please check your tension carefully to ensure the garment fits correctly.** If your tension is tighter, use a larger needle size; if it is looser, use a smaller needle size.

## Abbreviations
*   **k:** knit
*   **p:** purl
*   **st(s):** stitch(es)
*   **RS:** Right Side
*   **WS:** Wrong Side
*   **MC:** Main Colour
*   **AC:** Accent Colour
*   **rep:** repeat
*   **cn:** cable needle
*   **k2tog:** knit 2 stitches together (right-leaning decrease)
*   **ssk:** slip, slip, knit (left-leaning decrease)
*   **p2tog:** purl 2 stitches together
*   **tbl:** through back loop
*   **cont:** continue
*   **dec:** decrease
*   **inc:** increase
*   **rem:** remaining
*   **beg:** beginning
*   **M1L:** Make 1 Left (pick up strand between needles from front to back, knit through back loop)
*   **M1R:** Make 1 Right (pick up strand between needles from back to front, knit through front loop)

## Special Stitches
**C4B (Cable 4 Back):** Slip 2 sts to cn and hold at back of work, k2, then k2 from cn.
**C4F (Cable 4 Front):** Slip 2 sts to cn and hold at front of work, k2, then k2 from cn.
**C6F (Cable 6 Front):** Slip 3 sts to cn and hold at front of work, k3, then k3 from cn.

**Intarsia Colourwork:**
Work with separate small balls or bobbins of yarn for each colour section. When changing colours, ensure the old colour is brought under the new colour to prevent holes. Twist the yarns on the wrong side of the work when transitioning between colours within a row. Carry the unused colour lightly across the back if spanning only 1-2 stitches, otherwise use separate bobbins.

## Pattern Notes
*   This vest is worked flat in pieces (Back and Front) from the bottom up.
*   The Cable Panel (Chart A) is worked over 24 stitches.
*   The Dachshund Motif (Chart B) is worked using the intarsia technique on the stocking stitch panels of the Front piece.
*   Read through the entire pattern before you begin.
*   Numbers in parentheses ( ) refer to sizes S, M, L, XL, 2XL respectively. If only one number is given, it applies to all sizes.

---

## PATTERN

### Back
Using 4.5 mm needles and MC, cast on 82 (90, 98, 108, 118, 126) sts.
**Hem:**
Work in 2x2 rib (k2, p2) for 6 cm (2¼ in), ending with a RS row.
*(For XS: 82 sts, 6 cm. For S: 90 sts, 6 cm. For M: 98 sts, 6 cm. For L: 108 sts, 6 cm. For XL: 118 sts, 6 cm. For 2XL: 126 sts, 6 cm.)*

Change to 5 mm needles.
**Body:**
Work in stocking stitch (k on RS, p on WS) until piece measures 35 (36, 37, 38, 39, 40) cm / 13¾ (14¼, 14½, 15, 15¼, 15¾) in from cast-on edge, ending with a WS row.
*(Length check: 35 cm for XS, 36 cm for S, 37 cm for M, 38 cm for L, 39 cm for XL, 40 cm for 2XL before armhole shaping.)*

**Shape Armholes:**
Cast off 4 (4, 5, 5, 6, 6) sts at beg of next 2 rows. [82 - 2*4 = 74 for XS, 90 - 2*4 = 82 for S, 98 - 2*5 = 88 for M, 108 - 2*5 = 98 for L, 118 - 2*6 = 106 for XL, 126 - 2*6 = 114 for 2XL]
*(Sts rem: 74 (82, 88, 98, 106, 114) sts)*
Dec 1 st at each end of the next 3 (3, 4, 4, 5, 5) RS rows, then on every following RS row until 60 (64, 68, 72, 76, 80) sts rem.
*(For XS: 3 RS rows dec. Total 6 sts dec. 74 - 6 = 68 sts. Need to reach 60 sts. So 8 more dec. Total 11 RS rows dec. 74 - 2*3 - 2*8 = 74 - 6 - 16 = 52. My target sts for shoulder is 13/14/14/15/16/17, plus 34/36/38/42/44/46 for neck. Total 60(64,68,72,76,80) stitches should be remaining after armhole shaping. Need to adjust dec rate)*

Let's re-calculate armhole shaping to reach target stitches:
**Target stitches before shoulder shaping**: 60 (64, 68, 72, 76, 80) sts.
After casting off: 74 (82, 88, 98, 106, 114) sts.
Number of sts to decrease: 14 (18, 20, 26, 30, 34) sts total, meaning 7 (9, 10, 13, 15, 17) decreases per side.
Dec 1 st at each end of the next RS row, then on following RS rows until 60 (64, 68, 72, 76, 80) sts rem.
This is typically done every other row for a few times, then every 4th row to shape a gentle curve.
Let's use a standard shaping method:
**Shape Armholes (Revised):**
Cast off 4 (4, 5, 5, 6, 6) sts at beg of next 2 rows. [74 (82, 88, 98, 106, 114) sts rem]
Dec 1 st at each end of next RS row. [72 (80, 86, 96, 104, 112) sts rem]
Dec 1 st at each end of next 3 (4, 4, 5, 6, 6) RS rows.
Then dec 1 st at each end of every 4th row 2 (2, 2, 3, 3, 4) times.
*(Total decreases each side: 1 + 3(4,4,5,6,6) + 2(2,2,3,3,4) = 6 (7,7,9,10,11) decreases per side.
Sts rem after all armhole dec:
XS: 74 - 2*1 - 2*3 = 66 sts.  Still too many.
S: 82 - 2*1 - 2*4 = 72 sts.
M: 88 - 2*1 - 2*4 = 80 sts.
L: 98 - 2*1 - 2*5 = 88 sts.
XL: 106 - 2*1 - 2*6 = 92 sts.
2XL: 114 - 2*1 - 2*6 = 102 sts.
This shaping needs more decreases at the start.)*

**Shape Armholes (Standardised for Target):**
Cast off 4 (4, 5, 5, 6, 6) sts at beg of next 2 rows. [74 (82, 88, 98, 106, 114) sts rem]
**Next Row (RS):** K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. (2 sts dec)
**Next Row (WS):** Purl.
Rep last 2 rows 2 (2, 3, 3, 4, 4) more times. [74 - (2*3) = 68 (82 - (2*3) = 76, 88 - (2*4) = 80, 98 - (2*4) = 90, 106 - (2*5) = 96, 114 - (2*5) = 104) sts rem]
Then dec 1 st at each end of every 4th row 2 (3, 3, 5, 6, 8) times.
*(Total armhole decreases per side: 4 (4,5,5,6,6) cast-off + 3 (3,4,4,5,5) single dec + 2 (3,3,5,6,8) single dec.
XS: (4+3+2) = 9 dec per side. 74 - 2*9 = 56 sts. Target is 60. Still not right.*

Let's simplify the armhole shaping to reach the target stitches more directly.
**Shape Armholes:**
Cast off 4 (4, 5, 5, 6, 6) sts at beg of next 2 rows. [74 (82, 88, 98, 106, 114) sts rem]
Dec 1 st at each end of next RS row, then on every following RS row until 60 (64, 68, 72, 76, 80) sts rem.
*(Number of RS decrease rows needed each side:
XS: (74 - 60) / 2 = 7. So 7 RS rows.
S: (82 - 64) / 2 = 9. So 9 RS rows.
M: (88 - 68) / 2 = 10. So 10 RS rows.
L: (98 - 72) / 2 = 13. So 13 RS rows.
XL: (106 - 76) / 2 = 15. So 15 RS rows.
2XL: (114 - 80) / 2 = 17. So 17 RS rows.)*
Cont straight in stocking stitch until armhole measures 21 (22, 23, 24, 25, 26) cm / 8¼ (8¾, 9, 9½, 9¾, 10¼) in from beg of armhole shaping, ending with a WS row.
Total length approximately 56 (58, 60, 62, 64, 66) cm / 22 (23, 23½, 24½, 25¼, 26) in.

**Shape Shoulders and Neck:**
**Next RS Row:** K 13 (14, 14, 15, 16, 17) sts, cast off next 34 (36, 40, 42, 44, 46) sts for back neck, knit to end.
*(For XS: 13 + 34 + 13 = 60 sts. Correct.
For S: 14 + 36 + 14 = 64 sts. Correct.
For M: 14 + 40 + 14 = 68 sts. Correct.
For L: 15 + 42 + 15 = 72 sts. Correct.
For XL: 16 + 44 + 16 = 76 sts. Correct.
For 2XL: 17 + 46 + 17 = 80 sts. Correct.)*
Working both sides separately:
Cast off all 13 (14, 14, 15, 16, 17) sts for shoulder at beg of next row.
Rep for other side.

### Front
Using 4.5 mm needles and MC, cast on 82 (90, 98, 108, 118, 126) sts.
**Hem:**
Work in 2x2 rib (k2, p2) for 6 cm (2¼ in), ending with a RS row.
*(For XS: 82 sts, 6 cm. For S: 90 sts, 6 cm. For M: 98 sts, 6 cm. For L: 108 sts, 6 cm. For XL: 118 sts, 6 cm. For 2XL: 126 sts, 6 cm.)*

Change to 5 mm needles.
**Body:**
**Set-up Row (WS):** P 29 (33, 37, 42, 47, 51) sts in MC, p 24 sts (as shown in Chart A Row 1) in MC, p 29 (33, 37, 42, 47, 51) sts in MC.
*(Stitch check: 29+24+29 = 82 for XS. 33+24+33 = 90 for S. 37+24+37 = 98 for M. 42+24+42 = 108 for L. 47+24+47 = 118 for XL. 51+24+51 = 126 for 2XL. All correct.)*
Cont in pattern as follows:
Work 29 (33, 37, 42, 47, 51) sts in stocking stitch for Left Front.
Work 24 sts following Chart A for Cable Panel.
Work 29 (33, 37, 42, 47, 51) sts in stocking stitch for Right Front.
At the same time, when piece measures 12 cm (4¾ in) from cast-on, begin working Chart B 'Dachshund Motif' centrally within each stocking stitch side panel. The chart is 12 sts wide.
*(To centre 12 sts in 29 sts for XS: (29-12)/2 = 8.5. So K8, work Chart B over 12 sts, K9. Or K9, work Chart B over 12 sts, K8. For clarity, I will put this in Pattern Notes or a specific instruction.)*

**Working Chart B 'Dachshund Motif' within side panels:**
For Left Front stocking stitch panel: Work in MC for (total side panel sts - 12) / 2 sts, work Chart B over 12 sts, then work in MC for rem sts. (e.g., for XS: K8, work Chart B over 12 sts, K9).
For Right Front stocking stitch panel: Work in MC for rem sts after Chart B, then work Chart B over 12 sts, then work in MC for (total side panel sts - 12) / 2 sts (e.g., for XS: K9, work Chart B over 12 sts, K8).
Repeat Chart B only once vertically in each panel. After completing Chart B, continue with MC stocking stitch for these panels.

Cont in this manner until piece measures 35 (36, 37, 38, 39, 40) cm / 13¾ (14¼, 14½, 15, 15¼, 15¾) in from cast-on edge, ending with a WS row.

**Shape Armholes:**
Cast off 4 (4, 5, 5, 6, 6) sts at beg of next 2 rows. [74 (82, 88, 98, 106, 114) sts rem]
Dec 1 st at each end of next RS row, then on every following RS row until 60 (64, 68, 72, 76, 80) sts rem.
*(As per Back armhole shaping calculation.)*

**Shape V-Neck:**
At the same time as armhole shaping begins, when piece measures 37 (38, 39, 40, 41, 42) cm / 14½ (15, 15¼, 15¾, 16¼, 16½) in from cast-on, divide for V-neck.
**Next RS Row:** Work 30 (32, 34, 36, 38, 40) sts in pattern as established, k2tog (or dec in pattern if that's where the cables are), place rem 30 (32, 34, 36, 38, 40) sts on a stitch holder.
*(For XS: 30 + 1 (dec) + 30 = 61 total. Total sts 60. Divide exactly in half if V-neck starts at center.
Let's re-centre the V-neck. Divide total stitches by 2, then work one side.
Total sts rem after armhole dec: 60 (64, 68, 72, 76, 80) sts.*

**Shape V-Neck (Revised):**
When armhole shaping is complete and 60 (64, 68, 72, 76, 80) sts rem.
**Next RS Row (for V-neck):** Work in pattern to centre 2 sts, k2tog, place rem sts on holder.
*(This gives 29 (31, 33, 35, 37, 39) sts for first side, 1 st from k2tog, then rem on holder. Incorrect logic for V-neck.)*

**Shape V-Neck (Corrected):**
Work as established until piece measures 37 (38, 39, 40, 41, 42) cm / 14½ (15, 15¼, 15¾, 16¼, 16½) in from cast-on, ending with a RS row.
**Next Row (WS):** Work 41 (45, 49, 54, 59, 63) sts in pattern, place centre 0 sts on holder, work to end. (This means working to the middle, then dividing. Centre 0 sts is for a k2tog at centre.)
**Next Row (RS):** Work across 41 (45, 49, 54, 59, 63) sts, k2tog (centre dec), place rem 41 (45, 49, 54, 59, 63) sts on holder.
*(Total Front stitches before V-neck divide: 74 (82, 88, 98, 106, 114) after first bind-off. No, before any V-neck, it's 82 (90, 98, 108, 118, 126) sts at start of body, then armhole shaping happens. The V-neck shaping happens *at the same time* as armhole shaping, but from a lower height.)*

Let's re-synchronise the armhole and V-neck shaping.
Height from cast-on to start V-neck: 37 (38, 39, 40, 41, 42) cm.
Height from cast-on to start armhole: 35 (36, 37, 38, 39, 40) cm.
So the armhole shaping starts 2 cm before the V-neck shaping.

**Front (Revised V-Neck Start):**
Work body until piece measures 35 (36, 37, 38, 39, 40) cm / 13¾ (14¼, 14½, 15, 15¼, 15¾) in from cast-on edge, ending with a WS row.
**Shape Armholes:**
Cast off 4 (4, 5, 5, 6, 6) sts at beg of next 2 rows. [74 (82, 88, 98, 106, 114) sts rem]
**Next RS Row:** Work 37 (41, 44, 49, 53, 57) sts, place rem 37 (41, 44, 49, 53, 57) sts on holder.
*(Half sts. 74/2 = 37. Correct for XS.)*
Working on first side only (Left Front, as you face the piece):
**Next Row (WS):** Purl to end.
**Next Row (RS):** Work in pattern to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. (V-neck decrease)
**Next Row (WS):** Purl.
Rep last 2 rows on every 4th row until armhole measures 21 (22, 23, 24, 25, 26) cm / 8¼ (8¾, 9, 9½, 9¾, 10¼) in from armhole cast-off.
At the same time, cont armhole decs: Dec 1 st at side edge (armhole side) on every RS row until 13 (14, 14, 15, 16, 17) sts rem for shoulder.
*(Armhole decreases: (74 - 60)/2 = 7 per side total.
So (37 - 13) = 24 sts to decrease on each front shoulder for XS.
7 sts for armhole curve, 17 sts for V-neck (approx, needs calculating).)*

Let's simplify and make the V-neck a count of decreases.
**Front (Revised with combined shaping):**
Work body until piece measures 35 (36, 37, 38, 39, 40) cm / 13¾ (14¼, 14½, 15, 15¼, 15¾) in from cast-on edge, ending with a WS row.
**Shape Armholes and V-Neck:**
Cast off 4 (4, 5, 5, 6, 6) sts at beg of next 2 rows. [74 (82, 88, 98, 106, 114) sts rem]
**Next RS Row (Divide for V-Neck):** Work in pattern 37 (41, 44, 49, 53, 57) sts, place rem 37 (41, 44, 49, 53, 57) sts on a holder.
Work on these 37 (41, 44, 49, 53, 57) sts for first side (Left Front).
**Armhole Edge:** Dec 1 st at armhole edge on every RS row 7 (9, 10, 13, 15, 17) times.
**V-Neck Edge:** At the same time, dec 1 st at neck edge on every 4th row 12 (14, 15, 17, 18, 20) times.
*(Total decreases each side:
XS: Armhole 7 dec. V-neck 12 dec. Total 19 dec. 37 - 19 = 18 sts. Target shoulder is 13.
This means I need fewer V-neck decreases, or more armhole decreases.)*

Let's use the number of stitches remaining for the shoulder to determine decreases.
Target shoulder stitches: 13 (14, 14, 15, 16, 17) sts.
Total stitches after armhole cast-off and division for V-neck: 37 (41, 44, 49, 53, 57) sts.

**Front (Final Combined Shaping):**
Work body until piece measures 35 (36, 37, 38, 39, 40) cm / 13¾ (14¼, 14½, 15, 15¼, 15¾) in from cast-on edge, ending with a WS row.
**Shape Armholes:**
Cast off 4 (4, 5, 5, 6, 6) sts at beg of next 2 rows. [74 (82, 88, 98, 106, 114) sts rem]
**Next RS Row (Divide for V-Neck):** Work in pattern 37 (41, 44, 49, 53, 57) sts, place rem 37 (41, 44, 49, 53, 57) sts on a holder.
Work on these 37 (41, 44, 49, 53, 57) sts for first side (Left Front).
**Next Row (WS):** Purl.
**Next Row (RS - Armhole & V-neck decs):** K1, ssk (armhole dec), work in pattern to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1 (V-neck dec). (2 sts dec)
**Next Row (WS):** Purl.
Rep these 2 rows 2 (2, 3, 3, 4, 4) more times. [37 - 2*3 = 31 (41 - 2*3 = 35, 44 - 2*4 = 36, 49 - 2*4 = 41, 53 - 2*5 = 43, 57 - 2*5 = 47) sts rem after these initial decs]
Then, **Armhole Edge:** Cont to dec 1 st at armhole edge on every 4th row 4 (5, 5, 7, 8, 10) times.
And **V-Neck Edge:** Cont to dec 1 st at V-neck edge on every 4th row 10 (12, 13, 15, 16, 18) times.
*(This becomes complex to describe clearly. Let's provide a target number of dec rows for V-neck and armhole and say "simultaneously".)*

**Shape Armholes and V-Neck (Simplified):**
Cont in established pattern.
When piece measures 35 (36, 37, 38, 39, 40) cm / 13¾ (14¼, 14½, 15, 15¼, 15¾) in from cast-on edge, ending with a WS row, **shape armholes** by casting off 4 (4, 5, 5, 6, 6) sts at beg of next 2 rows. [74 (82, 88, 98, 106, 114) sts rem]
**Divide for V-Neck:**
**Next RS Row:** Work 37 (41, 44, 49, 53, 57) sts in pattern, place rem 37 (41, 44, 49, 53, 57) sts on a holder.
Work on these 37 (41, 44, 49, 53, 57) sts for first side (Left Front).
**Shape Armhole and Neck:**
Dec 1 st at armhole edge on every RS row 7 (9, 10, 13, 15, 17) times.
*(These are the remaining armhole decs from earlier calculation, assuming the first bind off is done. 74 (82, 88, 98, 106, 114) sts after initial bind-off. Target 60 (64, 68, 72, 76, 80) sts. 14 (18, 20, 26, 30, 34) sts to dec total. 7 (9, 10, 13, 15, 17) on each side.)*
At the same time, dec 1 st at neck edge (k2tog at end of RS row) on every 4th row 12 (14, 15, 17, 18, 20) times.
*(Need to check these counts. For XS: 37 sts. Armhole decs: 7. V-neck decs: 12. Total 19 decs. 37-19 = 18 sts. Target shoulder is 13. This doesn't quite work. The number of decreases for V-neck and armhole must align with the total rows and reach the shoulder stitch count.)*

Let's make the V-neck shaping a simple count until the correct number of shoulder stitches remain.
**Front (Simplified for clarity):**
Work body until piece measures 35 (36, 37, 38, 39, 40) cm / 13¾ (14¼, 14½, 15, 15¼, 15¾) in from cast-on edge, ending with a WS row.
**Shape Armholes:**
Cast off 4 (4, 5, 5, 6, 6) sts at beg of next 2 rows. [74 (82, 88, 98, 106, 114) sts rem]
**Divide for V-Neck:**
**Next RS Row:** Work 37 (41, 44, 49, 53, 57) sts in pattern, place rem 37 (41, 44, 49, 53, 57) sts on a holder.
Work on these 37 (41, 44, 49, 53, 57) sts for first side (Left Front).
**Shape Armhole and Neck Simultaneously:**
Cont to dec 1 st at armhole edge and at V-neck edge as follows:
Dec 1 st at armhole edge (k1, ssk on RS rows) on every RS row until armhole measures 21 (22, 23, 24, 25, 26) cm / 8¼ (8¾, 9, 9½, 9¾, 10¼) in from armhole cast-off.
At the same time, dec 1 st at V-neck edge (k2tog, k1 on RS rows) on every 4th row until 13 (14, 14, 15, 16, 17) sts rem for shoulder.
*(This implies that the V-neck shaping finishes when the shoulder stitches are correct, and the armhole shaping continues until the full height. This is a common way to phrase it.)*

**Total V-neck decs needed per side:**
XS: 37 sts - 13 shoulder sts = 24 decs. If 7 armhole decs, then 17 V-neck decs. 17 decs on every 4th row is 68 rows (34 RS rows). This is very deep for a V-neck.

Let's re-think the total V-neck depth for the given armhole depth.
Armhole depth = 21 (22, 23, 24, 25, 26) cm = 50 (53, 55, 58, 60, 62) rows.
V-neck shaping should span this length.
If 17 V-neck decs on 34 RS rows (68 total rows), this is too deep.
Let's assume a more standard V-neck rate: dec 1 st at neck edge on every 2nd (RS) row 10 (11, 12, 13, 14, 15) times, then every 4th row until 13 (14, 14, 15, 16, 17) sts remain.

**Front (Final combined shaping logic):**
When piece measures 35 (36, 37, 38, 39, 40) cm / 13¾ (14¼, 14½, 15, 15¼, 15¾) in from cast-on edge, ending with a WS row.
**Shape Armholes:**
Cast off 4 (4, 5, 5, 6, 6) sts at beg of next 2 rows. [74 (82, 88, 98, 106, 114) sts rem]
**Next RS Row (Divide for V-Neck):** Work 37 (41, 44, 49, 53, 57) sts in pattern, place rem 37 (41, 44, 49, 53, 57) sts on a holder.
Work on these 37 (41, 44, 49, 53, 57) sts for first side (Left Front).
**Next Row (WS):** Purl.
**Next Row (RS):** K1, ssk (armhole dec), work in pattern to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1 (V-neck dec).
**Next Row (WS):** Purl.
Rep last 2 rows 2 (2, 3, 3, 4, 4) more times. (Total 3 (3, 4, 4, 5, 5) armhole decs and V-neck decs each)
[37 - 2*3 = 31 (41 - 2*3 = 35, 44 - 2*4 = 36, 49 - 2*4 = 41, 53 - 2*5 = 43, 57 - 2*5 = 47) sts rem]
**Cont Armhole Shaping:** Dec 1 st at armhole edge on every 4th row 4 (5, 5, 7, 8, 10) times. (Total armhole dec: 3+4=7 for XS. Total 7 (8, 9, 11, 13, 15) decs per side, plus initial cast-off. This makes 4+7 = 11 decs for XS. Total 74 - 2*11 = 52. Still not 60.)

Let's stick to the target number of stitches at the end of armhole shaping, and then calculate total required V-neck decreases.
Target shoulder sts: 13 (14, 14, 15, 16, 17).
Total rows for armhole: 50 (53, 55, 58, 60, 62) rows.

**Front (Final version for clarity and correctness):**
Work body until piece measures 35 (36, 37, 38, 39, 40) cm / 13¾ (14¼, 14½, 15, 15¼, 15¾) in from cast-on edge, ending with a WS row.
**Shape Armholes:**
Cast off 4 (4, 5, 5, 6, 6) sts at beg of next 2 rows. [74 (82, 88, 98, 106, 114) sts rem]
**Divide for V-Neck:**
**Next RS Row:** Work 37 (41, 44, 49, 53, 57) sts in pattern, place rem 37 (41, 44, 49, 53, 57) sts on a holder.
Working on the first side (Left Front):
Dec 1 st at armhole edge on every RS row 7 (9, 10, 13, 15, 17) times.
*(This reduces sts from 37 (41, 44, 49, 53, 57) to 30 (32, 34, 36, 38, 40) sts.)*
At the same time, dec 1 st at V-neck edge (k2tog, k1 on RS rows) on every 4th row 10 (11, 12, 13, 14, 15) times.
*(This reduces sts by 10 (11, 12, 13, 14, 15) sts.)*
Total sts after V-neck and armhole decs:
XS: 37 - 7 (armhole) - 10 (V-neck) = 20 sts. Target shoulder is 13. Still not right.

I need a combined shaping section that correctly yields the shoulder stitches.
Let's calculate total decreases needed per side:
Initial sts: 82 (90, 98, 108, 118, 126)
Shoulder sts: 13 (14, 14, 15, 16, 17)
Total decreases for one half front = [Initial sts / 2] - Shoulder sts = [41 (45, 49, 54, 59, 63)] - [13 (14, 14, 15, 16, 17)].
This is incorrect because of the initial armhole cast-off.

Let's use a simpler structure.
**Front Piece:**
Work to armhole length.
**Shape Armholes:** Bind off first sts.
Then, **Next RS Row (Divide for V-Neck):** Work half sts, place other half on holder.
Work on first side, **simultaneously** shaping armhole and V-neck:
Dec 1 st at armhole edge on RS rows X times.
Dec 1 st at neck edge on RS rows Y times.
Until Z shoulder stitches remain.

**Front (Corrected and Simplified):**
Using 4.5 mm needles and MC, cast on 82 (90, 98, 108, 118, 126) sts.
**Hem:**
Work in 2x2 rib (k2, p2) for 6 cm (2¼ in), ending with a RS row.

Change to 5 mm needles.
**Body:**
**Set-up Row (WS):** P 29 (33, 37, 42, 47, 51) sts in MC, p 24 sts (as shown in Chart A Row 1) in MC, p 29 (33, 37, 42, 47, 51) sts in MC.
Cont in pattern as follows:
Work 29 (33, 37, 42, 47, 51) sts in stocking stitch for Left Front.
Work 24 sts following Chart A for Cable Panel.
Work 29 (33, 37, 42, 47, 51) sts in stocking stitch for Right Front.
At the same time, when piece measures 12 cm (4¾ in) from cast-on, begin working Chart B 'Dachshund Motif' centrally within each stocking stitch side panel. The chart is 12 sts wide. Work Chart B once vertically. After completing Chart B, continue with MC stocking stitch for these panels.
*(Example for centering 12 st chart in 29 st panel (XS): K8 in MC, work Chart B over 12 sts, K9 in MC. Adjust for other sizes.)*

Cont in this manner until piece measures 35 (36, 37, 38, 39, 40) cm / 13¾ (14¼, 14½, 15, 15¼, 15¾) in from cast-on edge, ending with a WS row.

**Shape Armholes and V-Neck:**
**Next RS Row (Armhole Shaping Begins):** Cast off 4 (4, 5, 5, 6, 6) sts, knit to centre 2 sts. Work k2tog (for V-neck dec), place rem sts on holder.
*(This implies the V-neck shaping starts at the same row as the armhole cast-off, and one side is worked at a time.)*
Work on these 36 (40, 43, 48, 52, 56) sts for first side (Left Front).
**Next Row (WS):** Cast off 4 (4, 5, 5, 6, 6) sts, purl to end. [32 (36, 38, 43, 46, 50) sts rem]
**Next Row (RS):** K1, ssk (armhole dec), work in pattern to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1 (V-neck dec).
**Next Row (WS):** Purl.
Rep last 2 rows 6 (7, 8, 10, 11, 13) more times.
*(Total 7 (8, 9, 11, 12, 14) V-neck decs and 7 (8, 9, 11, 12, 14) armhole decs after initial cast-off.
XS: 32 - 7 - 7 = 18 sts. Target 13. Still not precise.)*

Let's specify the total required decreases to reach the shoulder stitch count.
Target shoulder stitches: 13 (14, 14, 15, 16, 17) sts.
Total armhole depth from first cast-off: 21 (22, 23, 24, 25, 26) cm.
This equals 50 (53, 55, 58, 60, 62) rows approximately.

**Front (Final pattern text for shaping):**
Work body until piece measures 35 (36, 37, 38, 39, 40) cm / 13¾ (14¼, 14½, 15, 15¼, 15¾) in from cast-on edge, ending with a WS row.
**Shape Armholes and V-Neck:**
**Next RS Row:** Cast off 4 (4, 5, 5, 6, 6) sts, work in pattern to centre 2 sts, k2tog, place rem sts on holder.
*(Rem sts for first side: 37 (41, 44, 49, 53, 57) - 1 (from k2tog) = 36 (40, 43, 48, 52, 56) sts)*
Work on these 36 (40, 43, 48, 52, 56) sts for Left Front.
**Next Row (WS):** Cast off 4 (4, 5, 5, 6, 6) sts, purl to end. [32 (36, 38, 43, 46, 50) sts rem]
**Dec Row (RS):** K1, ssk (armhole dec), work in pattern to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1 (V-neck dec).
**Next Row (WS):** Purl.
Rep **Dec Row (RS)** and **Next Row (WS)** a further 5 (6, 7, 9, 10, 12) times.
*(This provides 6 (7, 8, 10, 11, 13) armhole and V-neck decreases after the initial cast-offs.
XS: 32 - 6 - 6 = 20 sts. Still not 13.
The number of decreases needs to be more precise for the V-neck.)*

Let's restart the V-neck/armhole logic, making it easier to follow.
**Front Shaping:**
Work to length for armhole start.
**Armhole Bind-off:** 4 (4, 5, 5, 6, 6) sts each side.
**V-neck Start:** K half, k2tog, put other half on holder.
Then, work each side simultaneously decreasing at armhole (ssk) and neck (k2tog).

**Front (Final version):**
Using 4.5 mm needles and MC, cast on 82 (90, 98, 108, 118, 126) sts.
**Hem:**
Work in 2x2 rib (k2, p2) for 6 cm (2¼ in), ending with a RS row.

Change to 5 mm needles.
**Body:**
**Set-up Row (WS):** P 29 (33, 37, 42, 47, 51) sts in MC, p 24 sts (as shown in Chart A Row 1) in MC, p 29 (33, 37, 42, 47, 51) sts in MC.
Cont in pattern as follows:
Work 29 (33, 37, 42, 47, 51) sts in stocking stitch for Left Front.
Work 24 sts following Chart A for Cable Panel.
Work 29 (33, 37, 42, 47, 51) sts in stocking stitch for Right Front.
At the same time, when piece measures 12 cm (4¾ in) from cast-on, begin working Chart B 'Dachshund Motif' centrally within each stocking stitch side panel. Chart B is 12 sts wide. Work Chart B once vertically. After completing Chart B, continue with MC stocking stitch for these panels.
*(To centre Chart B (12 sts wide) in side panel (e.g., XS 29 sts): K8 in MC, work Chart B over 12 sts, K9 in MC. Adjust surrounding sts for other sizes accordingly.)*

Cont in this manner until piece measures 35 (36, 37, 38, 39, 40) cm / 13¾ (14¼, 14½, 15, 15¼, 15¾) in from cast-on edge, ending with a WS row.

**Shape Armholes and V-Neck:**
**Next RS Row:** Cast off 4 (4, 5, 5, 6, 6) sts, work in pattern to centre 2 sts, k2tog (V-neck dec), place rem sts on holder.
*(Sts rem for first side: 41 (45, 49, 54, 59, 63) - 4 (cast off) - 1 (k2tog) = 36 (40, 43, 48, 52, 56) sts)*
Work on these 36 (40, 43, 48, 52, 56) sts for Left Front.
**Next Row (WS):** Cast off 4 (4, 5, 5, 6, 6) sts, purl to end. [32 (36, 38, 43, 46, 50) sts rem]
**Cont Armhole and Neck Shaping:**
Work in pattern, decreasing 1 st at the armhole edge (k1, ssk on RS rows) on every RS row 6 (7, 8, 10, 11, 13) times.
At the same time, decreasing 1 st at the neck edge (k2tog, k1 on RS rows) on every 4th row 10 (11, 12, 13, 14, 15) times.
*(This implies 6 (7, 8, 10, 11, 13) RS rows for armhole decs, and 10 (11, 12, 13, 14, 15) V-neck decs.)*
Total V-neck decs from start: 1 (initial k2tog) + 10 (11, 12, 13, 14, 15) = 11 (12, 13, 14, 15, 16) decs.
Total armhole decs from start: 4 (initial BO) + 4 (initial BO) + 6 (7, 8, 10, 11, 13) single decs.
XS: 32 sts. After 6 armhole decs = 26 sts. After 10 V-neck decs = 16 sts. Target 13.
Still not matching. Let's make the decreases precise.

Let's specify the total required decreases to reach the shoulder stitch count.
XS: Initial sts after armhole cast-off and V-neck split: 32 sts. Target shoulder: 13 sts. Need 19 decs total per side.
Armhole depth is 21cm, ~50 rows. V-neck should spread across this.
Let's decide on a V-neck dec rate, e.g., every 2nd row for initial, then every 4th.
**Front (Final shaping logic):**
**Next RS Row (Armhole Cast-off & V-neck Start):** Cast off 4 (4, 5, 5, 6, 6) sts, work in pattern to centre 2 sts, k2tog, place rem sts on holder.
*(Sts for first side: [82 - 4 - 1]/2 = 38.5 for XS? No. [Total - CO on RS - central dec] / 2 )*

Let's simplify:
**Next RS Row:** Cast off 4 (4, 5, 5, 6, 6) sts, work in pattern to end.
**Next WS Row:** Cast off 4 (4, 5, 5, 6, 6) sts, work in pattern to end. [74 (82, 88, 98, 106, 114) sts rem]
**Next RS Row (Divide for V-Neck):** Work 37 (41, 44, 49, 53, 57) sts in pattern, place rem 37 (41, 44, 49, 53, 57) sts on a holder.
Work on these 37 (41, 44, 49, 53, 57) sts for first side (Left Front).
**Shape Armhole and V-Neck:**
Dec 1 st at armhole edge (k1, ssk on RS rows) on every RS row 7 (9, 10, 13, 15, 17) times.
*(This reaches 30 (32, 34, 36, 38, 40) sts after these armhole decs.)*
At the same time, dec 1 st at V-neck edge (k2tog, k1 on RS rows) on every 2nd row 10 (11, 12, 13, 14, 15) times, then on every 4th row 7 (7, 8, 8, 9, 9) times.
*(Total V-neck decs: 17 (18, 20, 21, 23, 24) decs.)*
Final sts: 37 - 7 (armhole) - 17 (V-neck) = 13 sts for XS. (37-7-17=13)
S: 41 - 9 (armhole) - 18 (V-neck) = 14 sts. (41-9-18=14)
M: 44 - 10 (armhole) - 20 (V-neck) = 14 sts. (44-10-20=14)
L: 49 - 13 (armhole) - 21 (V-neck) = 15 sts. (49-13-21=15)
XL: 53 - 15 (armhole) - 23 (V-neck) = 15 sts. (Needs 16). V-neck needs 22 decs. (53-15-22=16).
2XL: 57 - 17 (armhole) - 24 (V-neck) = 16 sts. (Needs 17). V-neck needs 23 decs. (57-17-23=17).

Let's refine the V-neck dec counts for XL and 2XL.
Revised V-neck decs:
XS: 10 (every 2nd row), 7 (every 4th row) -> 17 decs.
S: 11 (every 2nd row), 7 (every 4th row) -> 18 decs.
M: 12 (every 2nd row), 8 (every 4th row) -> 20 decs.
L: 13 (every 2nd row), 8 (every 4th row) -> 21 decs.
XL: 14 (every 2nd row), 8 (every 4th row) -> 22 decs. (For 16 sts)
2XL: 15 (every 2nd row), 8 (every 4th row) -> 23 decs. (For 17 sts)
These V-neck decreases happen over a specific number of rows which should correspond to armhole height.
Armhole decs (7, 9, 10, 13, 15, 17) will take (7, 9, 10, 13, 15, 17) * 2 rows = 14 (18, 20, 26, 30, 34) rows.
V-neck decs: (10,11,12,13,14,15) * 2 rows + (7,7,8,8,8,8) * 4 rows = 20+28=48 (22+28=50, 24+32=56, 26+32=58, 28+32=60, 30+32=62) rows.
This generally fits within the armhole depth of 50-62 rows.
When all shaping is complete, 13 (14, 14, 15, 16, 17) sts remain for shoulder.
Cont until armhole measures 21 (22, 23, 24, 25, 26) cm / 8¼ (8¾, 9, 9½, 9¾, 10¼) in from armhole cast-off.
Cast off rem 13 (14, 14, 15, 16, 17) sts for shoulder.

Work second side (Right Front) to mirror first side.

### Finishing
Block pieces gently to measurements.
Sew shoulder seams. Sew side seams.

### Armhole Bands
Using 4.5 mm needles and MC, with RS facing, pick up and k 80 (84, 88, 92, 96, 100) sts evenly around each armhole edge.
Work in 2x2 rib for 2.5 cm (1 in).
Cast off in rib.

### Neck Band
Using 4.5 mm needles and MC, with RS facing, pick up and k 20 (22, 24, 26, 28, 30) sts up right front neck edge, pick up and k 1 st from centre V-neck, pick up and k 20 (22, 24, 26, 28, 30) sts down left front neck edge, and 34 (36, 40, 42, 44, 46) sts across back neck edge. [Total sts: 75 (81, 89, 95, 101, 107) sts]
Work in 2x2 rib, shaping centre V-neck as follows:
**Row 1 (WS):** Purl to 2 sts before centre st, p2tog, p1 (centre st), p2tog tbl, purl to end.
**Row 2 (RS):** Knit to 2 sts before centre st, k2tog, k1 (centre st), ssk, knit to end.
Cont in 2x2 rib and decreasing at centre V-neck on every row as set for 2.5 cm (1 in).
Cast off in rib.
Weave in all loose ends.

---

## Chart A: Cable Panel (24 stitches, 8-row repeat)

| Row | Stitches | Instructions (RS rows) |
| :-- | :------- | :--------------------- |
| 1   | 24       | P3, C4B, P2, C6F, P2, C4F, P3           |
| 2   | 24       | K3, P4, K2, P6, K2, P4, K3             |
| 3   | 24       | P3, K4, P2, K6, P2, K4, P3             |
| 4   | 24       | K3, P4, K2, P6, K2, P4, K3             |
| 5   | 24       | P3, K4, P2, C6F, P2, K4, P3             |
| 6   | 24       | K3, P4, K2, P6, K2, P4, K3             |
| 7   | 24       | P3, K4, P2, K6, P2, K4, P3             |
| 8   | 24       | K3, P4, K2, P6, K2, P4, K3             |

Repeat Rows 1-8 for pattern.

---

## Chart B: Dachshund Motif (12 stitches wide, 16 rows high)

This chart uses two colours: Main Colour (MC) for the background and Accent Colour (AC) for the dachshund. Each square represents one stitch. Work in stocking stitch (knit on RS rows, purl on WS rows). Read RS rows from right to left, WS rows from left to right.

```
       12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Row 16 RS: _ _ _ _ D D D D D D _ _
Row 15 WS: _ _ _ D D D D D D D D _ _
Row 14 RS: _ _ D D D D D D D D D D _
Row 13 WS: _ D D D D D D D D D D D D
Row 12 RS: D D D D D D D D D D D D
Row 11 WS: D D D D D D D D D D D D
Row 10 RS: D _ D D D D D D D D _ D
Row 9 WS: D _ _ D D D D D D _ _ D
Row 8 RS: D _ _ _ D D D D _ _ _ D
Row 7 WS: D _ D _ D D _ D _ D _ D
Row 6 RS: D _ D _ D D _ D _ D _ D
Row 5 WS: D _ D _ D D _ D _ D _ D
Row 4 RS: D _ D _ D D _ D _ D _ D
Row 3 WS: D D _ D D _ D D _ D D
Row 2 RS: D _ D D D D D D D D D _
Row 1 WS: _ D D D D D D D D D D _
```
Key:
\_ = MC
D = AC