purlJam

# Long-Haired Dachshund Graphgan

This advanced-level knitting pattern creates a stunning heirloom-quality throw featuring a detailed long-haired dachshund. The project utilizes Intarsia colorwork to manage the large-scale graphic without the weight of stranded knitting.

## Specifications
*   **Skill Level:** Advanced
*   **Finished Measurements:** Approx. 44.8" wide x 58" tall (114 cm x 147 cm)
*   **Gauge:** 18 sts and 24 rows = 4" [10 cm] in Stockinette Stitch using US 8 [5 mm] needles. 
    *   *Note: Accurate gauge is crucial to ensure the dachshund's proportions remain correct and you do not run out of yarn.*

## Materials
*   **Yarn:** Worsted weight (#4 Medium) acrylic or wool blend.
    *   **Color A (Background):** 1,800 yards (e.g., Cream or Light Gray)
    *   **Color B (Dachshund Body - Dark):** 450 yards (e.g., Deep Espresso)
    *   **Color C (Dachshund Highlights - Light):** 250 yards (e.g., Warm Caramel)
    *   **Color D (Nose/Eyes):** 10 yards (Black)
*   **Needles:** US 8 [5 mm] circular needles, 40" [100 cm] or longer to accommodate the width.
*   **Notions:** Tapestry needle, several large bobbins for Intarsia, stitch markers.

## Terminology & Abbreviations
*   **k:** knit
*   **p:** purl
*   **RS:** Right Side
*   **WS:** Wrong Side
*   **st(s):** stitch(es)
*   **St st:** Stockinette Stitch (K on RS, P on WS)
*   **Garter st:** Knit every row.

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## Technical Notes: Intarsia
1.  **Bobbins:** Do not carry yarn across the back of the work. Wind smaller bobbins of Colors B and C for the different sections of the dog (the ears, body, and tail).
2.  **The Twist:** When changing colors, bring the new color up from *underneath* the old color. This twists the strands and prevents holes in the fabric.
3.  **Reading the Chart:** 
    *   RS rows (Odd numbers) are read Right to Left.
    *   WS rows (Even numbers) are read Left to Right.

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## Instructions

### Bottom Border
Cast on 202 sts.
**Rows 1–12:** Knit all sts (Garter stitch). 
*(Calculation: 12 rows / 6 rows per inch = 2" [5 cm] border)*

### Main Body (Graph Section)
You will now begin the Stockinette section with integrated Garter borders.
**Row 13 (RS):** k10 (border), k182 (St st), k10 (border).
**Row 14 (WS):** k10 (border), p182 (St st), k10 (border).

**Integrating the Graph:**
Continue the 10-st Garter borders on each side. The central 182 stitches will follow the Dachshund Graph.

*   **Rows 15–60:** Background color (Color A) only for the center 182 sts.
*   **Rows 61–300:** Work the Dachshund Motif across the center 182 sts.
    *   *Placement:* Center the graph by working 41 sts of Color A, then the 100-stitch wide dachshund motif, then 41 sts of Color A.
    *   *Long Hair Detail:* When transitioning between Color B and Color C to create the "feathered" hair look, use the "flicker" method: on the chart, where the hair is wispy, alternate single stitches of the two colors to soften the line.
*   **Rows 301–336:** Background color (Color A) only for the center 182 sts.

### Top Border
**Rows 337–348:** Knit all sts (Garter stitch).
*(Calculation: 12 rows / 6 rows per inch = 2" [5 cm] border)*

### Finishing
Bind off loosely knitwise on RS. 
**Weaving Ends:** Because this is Intarsia, there will be many ends. Weave them into the back of the matching color sections to hide them. Ensure you secure the joins at the color transitions to maintain the structural integrity of the "long hair" fringe areas.

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## The Dachshund Graph (Logic Table)
*Grid size: 182 stitches wide by 240 rows high.*

| Section | Rows | Description |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **Paws/Underbelly** | 61–90 | Use Color B for the feet. Incorporate Color C "fringes" at the bottom of the belly and back of legs to simulate the long hair touching the floor. |
| **Main Body** | 91–210 | The core of the dachshund. Use Color B for the upper back. Use Color C in vertical "streaks" down the ribcage to simulate the shine of the long coat. |
| **Head & Ears** | 211–280 | The ears should be large and drooping. Use Color C heavily here to show the flowing hair on the ears. Place Color D for the eye at Row 265, Stitch 150. |
| **Tail** | 100–180 | The tail (on the opposite side of the head) should be "plumed." Use a mix of B and C, carrying the C stitches further out than the B stitches to create a feathered edge. |

## Inline Math Validation
*   **Total Width:** 10 (Left Border) + 182 (Pattern) + 10 (Right Border) = 202 stitches.
*   **Total Height:** 12 (Bottom) + 324 (Body) + 12 (Top) = 348 rows.
*   **Visual Centering:** 182 (Pattern Area) - 100 (Dog Width) = 82 / 2 = 41 stitches of background on either side of the dog.