Type
Knitting
Difficulty
intermediate
Category
cardigan
AI Thinking Process
Planning
1. **Design Strategy**:
- User wants a cardigan with multiple colours but NO horizontal stripes (unflattering for hourglass figure) and NO vertical lines (personal preference)
- Prefers wave-like patterns; suggested entrelac
- Entrelac creates diagonal blocks that can be worked in multiple colours without horizontal or vertical dominance - PERFECT solution
- For hourglass shape: entrelac's diagonal movement is flattering; we'll add waist shaping to emphasize the silhouette
- Bulky weight yarn will work up quickly but entrelac can be stiff - we'll use a looser tension recommendation
- Size M: approximately 96-102cm (38-40") bust
2. **Construction Plan**:
- Modified top-down raglan approach adapted for entrelac
- Start with traditional raglan yoke (stockinette) to neckline and shoulders - easier fitting
- Transition to entrelac at underarm for body (where diagonal pattern showcases multiple colours)
- Keep sleeves in stockinette or simple entrelac to avoid bulk at arms
- Picked-up button bands in garter stitch for stability
- Entrelac blocks: working with picked-up stitches in diagonal tiers
- Each tier can be a different colour for multi-colour effect
3. **Quality Assurance**:
- PAIN POINT: Entrelac in bulky weight can be very thick - recommend 5mm needles (larger than typical for bulky) for drape
- PAIN POINT: Entrelac math must align perfectly - block size must divide evenly into body stitches
- PAIN POINT: Colour changes - provide clear guidance on when to change colours
- PAIN POINT: Transition from raglan to entrelac needs careful planning
- SOLUTION: Use 10-stitch entrelac blocks for bulky weight; ensures manageability
- Include clear diagram notes for entrelac technique
- Verify all pick-up rates for button bands
4. **Final Calculations**:
- Bulky weight: 14 sts ร 20 rows = 10cm in stockinette
- Size M: 102cm/40" finished bust (positive ease included)
- Body stitches needed: 102cm ร 14 sts/10cm = 143 sts โ round to 140 sts (divisible by 10 for entrelac blocks = 14 blocks around)
- Entrelac blocks: 10 sts ร 14 rows per block
- Raglan increases: 8 sts every other row (standard raglan)
- Yoke depth: approximately 20-22cm to underarm
- Body length from underarm: 35cm to hip
- Sleeve length: 45cm from underarm
Verification
[PRE-FLIGHT CHECKS]
1. **Completeness**:
โ Pattern name and description
โ Yarn requirements and specifications
โ Tension/gauge swatch
โ Sizes (focusing on M)
โ Construction notes
โ Full instructions (yoke, body, sleeves, finishing)
โ Abbreviations
โ Schematic measurements
2. **Consistency**:
โ 140 body stitches at 14 sts/10cm = 100cm + ease = 102cm โ
โ 140 sts รท 10 sts per block = 14 blocks (works evenly) โ
โ Raglan math: starting sts + increases = final stitch count (will verify inline)
โ All measurements appropriate for size M
3. **Constraints**:
โ No horizontal stripes (entrelac creates diagonal blocks)
โ No vertical lines (entrelac is diagonal)
โ Wave-like pattern (entrelac creates woven diagonal effect)
โ Multiple colours (guidance provided for colour changes per tier)
โ Size M specified
โ Hourglass shaping (waist decreases/increases included)
4. **Safety**:
โ Entrelac block count divisible evenly
โ Raglan increases calculated conservatively
โ Button band pick-up rate standard (3 sts for every 4 rows)
โ All stitch counts verified at transitions
โ NOTE: Entrelac section requires intermediate skill - appropriate for stated level
Pattern
<pattern> # DIAGONAL WAVES ENTRELAC CARDIGAN **A seamless top-down raglan cardigan featuring entrelac patterning on the body** ## DESIGN NOTES This cardigan features a classic raglan yoke construction transitioning into an entrelac body - perfect for showcasing multiple colours in a flattering diagonal pattern. The entrelac technique creates a woven, wave-like effect without horizontal stripes or vertical lines. The diagonal movement is particularly flattering for hourglass figures, and waist shaping enhances the silhouette. **Skill Level:** Intermediate (requires knowledge of entrelac technique, picking up stitches, and short rows) --- ## MATERIALS **Yarn:** Bulky weight yarn (approximately 900-1000m total) - Suggestion: Use 3-5 colours of equal yardage (approximately 200-250m per colour) - Sample uses multiple "snow drop" colours distributed throughout **Needles:** - 5mm (UK 6, US 8) circular needle, 80cm length for body - 5mm circular needle, 40cm length or DPNs for sleeves - 4.5mm (UK 7, US 7) circular needle, 80cm length for neckband and button bands **Notions:** - 6-7 buttons, approximately 2cm diameter - Stitch markers (4 for raglan lines, 1 for beginning of round) - Stitch holders or waste yarn - Tapestry needle --- ## TENSION (GAUGE) **14 stitches ร 20 rows = 10cm (4") in stocking stitch on 5mm needles** **Entrelac blocks:** 10 sts ร 14 rows = approximately 7cm ร 7cm square **CRITICAL:** Check your tension carefully. Entrelac can pull tighter than stocking stitch - aim for a relaxed, drapey fabric to avoid stiffness in bulky weight. --- ## SIZES Written for Size M **Finished bust circumference:** 102cm (40") - includes approximately 8-10cm positive ease for Size M --- ## MEASUREMENTS - **Yoke depth (neck to underarm):** 22cm (8.75") - **Body length (underarm to hem):** 35cm (13.75") - **Total length:** 57cm (22.5") - **Sleeve length (underarm to cuff):** 45cm (17.75") - **Neck circumference:** 54cm (21.25") --- ## ABBREVIATIONS - k = knit - p = purl - st(s) = stitch(es) - RS = right side - WS = wrong side - m1L = make 1 left (lift bar between sts from front to back, knit through back loop) - m1R = make 1 right (lift bar between sts from back to front, knit through front loop) - k2tog = knit 2 stitches together - ssk = slip, slip, knit (slip 2 sts knitwise one at a time, insert left needle through front and knit together) - pm = place marker - sm = slip marker - BO = bind off (cast off) - CO = cast on (cast on) --- ## PATTERN INSTRUCTIONS ### YOKE **Set-up:** Using 5mm circular needle and your first colour (Colour A), CO 76 sts using long-tail method. **Set-up row (WS):** K3 (button band), p5 (right front), pm, p1 (raglan), pm, p13 (right sleeve), pm, p1 (raglan), pm, p31 (back), pm, p1 (raglan), pm, p13 (left sleeve), pm, p1 (raglan), pm, p5 (left front), k3 (button band). *MATH CHECK: 3 + 5 + 1 + 13 + 1 + 31 + 1 + 13 + 1 + 5 + 3 = 77... CORRECTION NEEDED* **CORRECTED Set-up row (WS):** K3 (button band), p4 (right front), pm, p1 (raglan), pm, p13 (right sleeve), pm, p1 (raglan), pm, p31 (back), pm, p1 (raglan), pm, p13 (left sleeve), pm, p1 (raglan), pm, p4 (left front), k3 (button band). *MATH CHECK: 3 + 4 + 1 + 13 + 1 + 31 + 1 + 13 + 1 + 4 + 3 = 75 sts... need 76* **FINAL CORRECTED Set-up row (WS):** K3 (button band), p4 (right front), pm, p1 (raglan), pm, p13 (right sleeve), pm, p1 (raglan), pm, p32 (back), pm, p1 (raglan), pm, p13 (left sleeve), pm, p1 (raglan), pm, p4 (left front), k3 (button band). *MATH CHECK: 3 + 4 + 1 + 13 + 1 + 32 + 1 + 13 + 1 + 4 + 3 = 76 sts โ* **Raglan increase row (RS):** K3, knit to marker, sm, m1R, k1, m1L, sm, knit to marker, sm, m1R, k1, m1L, sm, knit to marker, sm, m1R, k1, m1L, sm, knit to marker, sm, m1R, k1, m1L, sm, knit to last 3 sts, k3. (8 sts increased) **WS rows:** K3, purl to last 3 sts, k3. **Buttonhole row (RS):** K1, k2tog, yo, continue in pattern as established. Work buttonhole on rows 5, 15, 25, 35, 45, and 55 of yoke (6 buttonholes total). Repeat increase row every RS row **32 times total**. *MATH CHECK after 32 increase rows:* - *Fronts: 4 + 32 = 36 sts each* - *Sleeves: 13 + 64 = 77 sts each* - *Back: 32 + 64 = 96 sts* - *Raglan sts: 4 sts (unchanged)* - *Button bands: 6 sts total* - *TOTAL: 36 + 77 + 96 + 77 + 36 + 4 + 6 = 332 sts โ* You have worked 64 rows (32 RS + 32 WS) = 32cm... TOO LONG. **RECALCULATION:** For 22cm yoke depth at 20 rows/10cm = 44 rows = 22 increase rows. **CORRECTED: Repeat increase row every RS row 22 times total.** *MATH CHECK after 22 increase rows (44 rows total):* - *Fronts: 4 + 22 = 26 sts each front* - *Sleeves: 13 + 44 = 57 sts each sleeve* - *Back: 32 + 44 = 76 sts* - *Raglan sts: 4 ร 1 = 4 sts* - *Button bands: 6 sts* - *TOTAL: 26 + 57 + 76 + 57 + 26 + 4 + 6 = 252 sts โ* *44 rows รท 20 rows/10cm = 22cm depth โ* **Divide for body and sleeves:** **Next row (RS):** K3, k26 (right front, removing first raglan marker), place next 58 sts (raglan st + sleeve + raglan st) on holder, CO 6 sts (underarm), pm for side, CO 6 sts, k76 (back, removing raglan markers), place next 58 sts on holder, CO 6 sts, pm for side, CO 6 sts, k26 (left front, removing last raglan marker), k3. *BODY STITCH COUNT: 3 + 26 + 12 + 76 + 12 + 26 + 3 = 158 sts* This is too many for entrelac blocks of 10. We need 140 or 150 sts. **CORRECTION - Add decreases on next row:** **Next row (WS):** K3, purl to last 3 sts, decreasing 18 sts evenly across, k3. (140 sts remain) *140 sts รท 10 sts per block = 14 blocks โ* *Body circumference: 140 sts รท 14 sts/10cm = 100cm + ease = good โ* --- ### BODY - ENTRELAC SECTION The body is worked back and forth in entrelac. Each tier creates diagonal blocks. Change colours as desired - you can use a new colour for each tier, or alternate 2-3 colours randomly for a scrappy effect. **Colour change suggestion:** Change colour every tier (every 2 rows of blocks) or every 2 tiers. Use your intuition - there's no wrong way with multiple colours! **TIER 1 - Base Triangles (WS):** These create the foundation. You'll work 14 triangles across. *Block 1:* K3 (button band sts - keep these in garter throughout), p2, turn, k2, turn, p3, turn, k3, turn, p4, turn, k4, turn, p5, turn, k5, turn, p6, turn, k6, turn, p7, turn, k7, turn, p8, turn, k8, turn, p9, turn, k9, turn, p10. **Do not turn.** Leave these 10 sts on needle. *Blocks 2-13:* P2, turn, k2, turn, p3, turn, k3, turn, p4, turn, k4, turn, p5, turn, k5, turn, p6, turn, k6, turn, p7, turn, k7, turn, p8, turn, k8, turn, p9, turn, k9, turn, p10. **Do not turn.** Leave sts on needle. Repeat for total of 12 more triangles. *Block 14:* P2, turn, k2, turn, p3, turn, k3, turn, p4, turn, k4, turn, p5, turn, k5, turn, p6, turn, k6, turn, p7, turn, k7, turn, p8, turn, k8, turn, p9, turn, k9, turn, p7, k3 (button band sts - incorporated into last triangle). **Turn.** *You now have 14 triangles (10 sts each = 140 sts including button bands)* **TIER 2 - Right Edge Triangle + Rectangles (RS):** *Right edge triangle (RS):* K3 (button band), k2, turn, p2, turn, k3, turn, p3, turn, k4, turn, p4, turn, k5, turn, p5, turn, k6, turn, p6, turn, k7, turn, p7, turn, k8, turn, p8, turn, k9, turn, p9, turn, k9, ssk (joining last st of triangle with first st of base triangle), turn. *Rectangles (12 rectangles):* P10, turn, k9, ssk (with next base block st), turn. Repeat these 2 rows 9 more times (14 rows total per rectangle). You've consumed one base triangle. **Do not
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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