Type
Machine Knitting
Difficulty
beginner
Category
pullover
AI Thinking Process
Planning
1. **Design Strategy**: The goal is to adapt the "Basic Crew Neck Pullover" template for a canine anatomy while maintaining the technical rigor of a machine knitting pattern. I will use the user-provided measurements (19" length, 11" neck, 20" chest) as the base (Size M). I will incorporate approximately 1.5" of positive ease for comfort.
2. **Construction Plan**: The sweater will be worked in two flat pieces: the **Back** (running from tail to neck) and the **Tummy** (shorter to allow for movement and hygiene). Leg openings will be created by leaving gaps in the side seams. The neckline will be finished with a picked-up 2x2 ribbing.
3. **Quality Assurance**:
* **Chest Fit**: Ensure the total circumference (Back + Tummy widths) equals the target measurement.
* **Dog Anatomy**: The Tummy piece must be significantly shorter than the Back piece to prevent "soiling" and provide leg clearance.
* **Stitch Math**: 25 sts / 4" = 6.25 sts per inch. 40 rows / 4" = 10 rows per inch.
4. **Final Calculations**:
* Target Chest: 21.5" (134 sts total).
* Back Width: 12.8" (80 sts).
* Tummy Width: 8.7" (54 sts).
* Total Length: 19" (190 rows).
Verification
[PRE-FLIGHT CHECKS]
1. **Completeness**: Includes setup, back, tummy, neckband, and finishing sections.
2. **Consistency**: Gauge-to-stitch math verified. 80 (Back) + 54 (Tummy) = 134 sts. 134 / 6.25 = 21.44" (Perfect for 20" chest + ease).
3. **Constraints**: 4-ply yarn (fingering), standard gauge machine instructions included.
4. **Safety**: Added a "Male Dog" note to shorten the tummy piece further if necessary to avoid accidents.
Pattern
# DOG CREW NECK PULLOVER (Standard Gauge)
**Difficulty**: Intermediate
**Yarn**: 4-ply / Fingering weight (approx. 150-250g)
**Machine**: 4.5mm Standard Gauge with Ribber attachment
**Tension**:
* Main Bed (Stockinette): MT 5
* Ribbing (2x2): T 3/3
**Gauge**: 25 sts and 40 rows = 10cm (4") in Stockinette Stitch.
---
### MEASUREMENTS & SIZING
Measurements represent the finished garment. Size Medium (M) is calculated based on user-provided specs (Chest 20", Length 19").
| Size | Small (S) | **Medium (M)** | Large (L) | XL | 2XL |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **Chest Circ.** | 16" (40cm) | **21.5" (54cm)** | 25" (63cm) | 29" (74cm) | 33" (84cm) |
| **Total Length** | 14" (35cm) | **19" (48cm)** | 22" (56cm) | 25" (63cm) | 28" (71cm) |
| **Back Width** | 60 sts | **80 sts** | 94 sts | 110 sts | 124 sts |
| **Tummy Width** | 40 sts | **54 sts** | 62 sts | 72 sts | 82 sts |
---
### 1. BACK PIECE (Tail to Neck)
1. **Setup**: Arrange needles for 2x2 ribbing from **L40 to R40** (Total 80 sts).
2. **Cast On**: Use waste yarn and ravel cord, or perform a standard 2x2 industrial cast-on. Set Tension to 3/3.
3. **Ribbing**: Work 20 rows in 2x2 rib. RC 020.
4. **Transfer**: Transfer all stitches to the Main Bed. RC 000. COL. Change Tension to MT 5.
5. **Main Body**:
* Knit straight in Stockinette Stitch until RC 160 (Approx 16" / 40cm).
* *Note: This is the point where the side seams will eventually end to allow for the neck opening.*
6. **Armhole Level**: Continue knitting straight. At RC 180, we prepare for the neck.
7. **Neck Shaping**:
* At RC 180, COR.
* Bind off center 30 sts for the neck.
* Work each side (25 sts) separately.
* Decrease 1 st at neck edge every row 5 times. (20 sts remaining).
* At RC 190, bind off all stitches.
* *Math Check: 190 rows / 10 rows per inch = 19" total length.*
---
### 2. TUMMY PIECE (Waist to Neck)
*Note: The Tummy piece is shorter than the Back to allow the dog to walk without restriction.*
1. **Setup**: Arrange needles for 2x2 ribbing from **L27 to R27** (Total 54 sts).
2. **Cast On**: Tension 3/3. Perform 2x2 rib cast-on.
3. **Ribbing**: Work 15 rows. RC 015.
4. **Transfer**: Transfer stitches to Main Bed. RC 000. COL. Change Tension to MT 5.
5. **Main Body**:
* Knit straight in Stockinette.
* **Male Dog Adjustment**: If knitting for a male dog, bind off at RC 080 (8").
* **Standard**: Knit until RC 110 (11").
6. **Armhole Shaping**:
* At RC 110, Bind off 3 sts at the beginning of the next 2 rows. (48 sts remaining).
* Knit straight until RC 130.
7. **Neck Shaping**:
* At RC 130, bind off center 18 sts.
* Decrease 1 st at neck edge every row 5 times. (10 sts remaining per shoulder).
* At RC 140, bind off remaining stitches.
---
### 3. ASSEMBLY & NECKLINE
1. **Shoulders**: Join the small shoulder seams of the Back and Tummy pieces using a mattress stitch or linking machine.
2. **Neckband**:
* With the RS facing you, pick up stitches around the entire neckline onto the machine (approx. 72–76 sts).
* *Math Check: 76 sts / 6.25 = 12.1" circumference. Requirement was 11". This allows for ease/stretch.*
* Work 12 rows in 2x2 ribbing (Tension 3/3).
* Bind off loosely with a latch tool or tapestry needle to ensure it fits over the dog's head.
3. **Side Seams & Leg Holes**:
* Start seaming from the Neck down toward the tail.
* Seam for 1.5" (4cm).
* **LEAVE GAP**: Leave the next 3" to 4" (8-10cm) unseamed for the leg holes.
* Seam the remainder of the Tummy piece to the Back piece.
* *Note: The Back piece will extend further than the Tummy piece; leave the remaining "Tail" section of the Back piece unseamed.*
---
### 4. FINISHING
1. **Weave in Ends**: Use a tapestry needle to hide all yarn tails.
2. **Steam Block**: Lightly steam the seams to flatten. **Do not** over-steam the ribbing, or it will lose its elasticity.
3. **Check Fit**: Ensure the leg holes are wide enough for the dog's gait. If too tight, undo a few stitches of the side seam.
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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