Type
Knitting
Difficulty
intermediate
Category
custom
AI Thinking Process
Planning
1. **Design Strategy**: The user wants "wide-hip shorts" in black mohair, size M, advanced difficulty, using 4mm needles and a 2mm mohair cone yarn. The "wide-hip" aspect will be achieved through significant increases after the waistband to create a voluminous silhouette in the hip area, allowing for substantial positive ease. The advanced difficulty allows for a seamless, top-down construction for easy try-on and fit adjustment. The yarn conflict (2mm mohair vs. 4mm needles and implicit "worsted" instruction) will be resolved by specifying that the 2mm mohair cone yarn should be *held double* to achieve a suitable fabric density and gauge on 4mm needles, approximating a DK/light worsted weight.
2. **Construction Plan**: The shorts will be worked seamlessly from the top down.
* **Waistband**: 2x2 Rib for flexibility and an optional elastic channel.
* **Body**: Worked in the round. Initial straight section, followed by a section with rapid, evenly distributed increases to create the "wide-hip" flare. Another straight section leads to the crotch.
* **Leg Separation**: Stitches will be divided for front and back, and new stitches cast on between the sections to form the crotch gusset.
* **Legs**: Each leg will be worked in the round, maintaining a generous circumference, and finished with a matching 2x2 Rib cuff.
3. **Quality Assurance**:
* **Fit and "Wide-Hip"**: The pattern will aim for a finished hip circumference with 2-4 inches of positive ease for Size M, and the strategic increases will ensure the desired voluminous shape.
* **Yarn/Needle Compatibility**: Explicitly stating to hold the 2mm mohair double will address the perceived mismatch with 4mm needles and ensure a non-transparent, durable fabric suitable for shorts.
* **Mathematical Accuracy**: All stitch counts, increase/decrease rates, and row counts will be rigorously calculated to ensure consistent sizing and shaping.
* **Clarity**: Instructions will be clear, unambiguous, and use standard US knitting terminology.
4. **Final Calculations**:
* **Gauge**: Aiming for 20 stitches and 28 rounds per 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch on 4mm (US 6) needles using mohair held double. This equates to 5 stitches per inch and 7 rounds per inch.
* **Size M Measurements (US Women's)**:
* Waist Circumference: 28 inches (71 cm) for the waistband (stretched).
* Finished Hip Circumference: 42 inches (107 cm) for significant positive ease.
* Crotch Depth (from top of waistband): ~10.4 inches (26.5 cm).
* Inseam: 4 inches (10 cm), excluding ribbing (adjustable).
* Leg Opening: ~22.2 inches (56 cm).
* **Stitch Counts**:
* Waistband: 140 stitches (28 inches * 5 sts/inch).
* Max Hip: 210 stitches (42 inches * 5 sts/inch).
* Total Increases: 70 stitches. These will be distributed over 10 increase rounds, with 7 stitches increased per round, worked every 3rd round.
* Legs: 105 stitches per half + 6 cast-on stitches = 111 stitches per leg.
Verification
[PRE-FLIGHT CHECKS]
1. **Completeness**: All required sections (Title, Materials, Gauge, Sizes, Abbreviations, Pattern Notes, Instructions, Finishing) are planned.
2. **Consistency**:
* Gauge (20 sts/4") aligns with finished circumference calculations (Waist: 28" * 5 sts/in = 140 sts; Hip: 42" * 5 sts/in = 210 sts).
* Increase schedule (70 stitches over 28 rounds) is mathematically feasible and integrates correctly into the total crotch depth calculation.
* Leg separation and stitch counts are consistent.
* Row counts for various sections add up to the total planned length.
3. **Constraints**:
* "Wide-hip" addressed through significant increases and positive ease.
* "black" color specified.
* "Mohair cone yarn 2mm" addressed by holding it double on 4mm needles.
* "Size M" measurements used.
* "Advanced" difficulty techniques (seamless, increases, potentially optional elastic channel) are suitable.
4. **Safety**: The mathematical plan is sound; no obvious errors in stitch counts, increase/decrease rates, or gauge application. The note about holding yarn double resolves the potential yarn weight conflict.
Pattern
<pattern>
# Mohair Dream Flares: Wide-Hip Shorts
These "Mohair Dream Flares" are designed for the advanced knitter seeking to create a stylish, comfortable, and voluminous pair of shorts with a distinctly wide-hip silhouette. Worked seamlessly from the top down, these shorts feature a ribbed waistband, a dramatic flare through the hip for generous positive ease, and wide, relaxed leg openings. The luxurious feel of mohair held double creates a soft, hazy fabric with beautiful drape, perfect for a cozy yet chic look.
**Difficulty Level:** Advanced
---
## Materials
* **Yarn:** Light Worsted / DK weight mohair blend yarn, approx. 700 (750, 800) yards [640 (685, 730) meters].
* _Note on yarn:_ The user specified "2mm mohair cone yarn." This typically refers to a lace weight yarn. To achieve a suitable fabric density and gauge for shorts on 4mm (US 6) needles, **you will need to hold two strands of this 2mm mohair yarn together throughout the pattern.** Please choose a black color.
* **Needles:**
* US 6 / 4 mm (32-inch [80 cm] circular needle or longer for body)
* US 6 / 4 mm (16-inch [40 cm] circular needle for waistband)
* US 6 / 4 mm (DPNs or preferred method for small circumference knitting for leg cuffs)
* **Notions:**
* Stitch markers (including one unique marker for BOR)
* Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
* Waste yarn or stitch holders
* Optional: 1 inch [2.5 cm] wide elastic for waistband (length matching your waist circumference)
---
## Gauge
20 stitches and 28 rounds = 4 inches [10 cm] in Stockinette Stitch in the round, using US 6 / 4 mm needles with mohair held double, after blocking.
**It is crucial to achieve the correct gauge for accurate sizing.** Please swatch generously and block your swatch before measuring.
---
## Sizes
M (L, XL)
* **To Fit Waist Circumference:** 28 (32, 36) inches [71 (81, 91.5) cm]
* **Finished Hip Circumference:** 42 (46, 50) inches [107 (117, 127) cm]
* **Finished Inseam:** 4 inches [10 cm] (adjustable)
* **Finished Total Length:** Approx. 14 inches [35.5 cm] (adjustable)
_The sample pattern is written for Size M. Adjustments for L and XL are provided in parentheses._
---
## Abbreviations
* **BOR:** Beginning of Round
* **k:** knit
* **p:** purl
* **M1L:** Make 1 Left - Insert left needle under horizontal strand between stitches from front to back, knit into the back loop. (1 st increased)
* **M1R:** Make 1 Right - Insert left needle under horizontal strand between stitches from back to front, knit into the front loop. (1 st increased)
* **k2tog:** knit 2 stitches together (1 st decreased)
* **ssk:** slip, slip, knit - Slip two stitches knitwise, one at a time, to the right needle. Insert the left needle into the fronts of both slipped stitches and knit them together. (1 st decreased)
* **pm:** place marker
* **sm:** slip marker
* **st(s):** stitch(es)
* **rnd(s):** round(s)
* **WS:** wrong side
* **RS:** right side
* **CO:** Cast On
* **BO:** Bind Off
---
## Pattern Notes
* This pattern uses US knitting terminology.
* The shorts are worked seamlessly in the round from the top down.
* Always hold two strands of the 2mm mohair yarn together as if they were one strand.
* Gauge is critical for achieving the correct fit, especially due to the "wide-hip" shaping.
* Try on your shorts frequently as you knit, especially when approaching the crotch, to ensure proper fit and length.
---
## Instructions
### 1. Waistband
Using US 6 / 4 mm 16-inch [40 cm] circular needle and mohair held double, CO 140 (160, 180) stitches using the long-tail cast-on method. Pm for BOR and join to work in the round, being careful not to twist stitches.
Work in 2x2 Rib (k2, p2) for 2 inches [5 cm] (approx. 14 rounds).
_Expected stitches at end of Waistband: 140 (160, 180) sts._
### 2. Body - Shaping for Hips
Switch to US 6 / 4 mm 32-inch [80 cm] circular needle (or longer as needed).
**Transition Round:** Knit 1 round.
_Stitch count remains 140 (160, 180) sts._
Work 9 (11, 13) rounds in Stockinette Stitch (knit every round).
_Stitch count remains 140 (160, 180) sts._
**Increase Section:**
We will increase 70 (80, 90) stitches evenly over 10 rounds to create the "wide-hip" flare. Each increase round will add 7 (8, 9) stitches. These increase rounds will be worked every 3rd round.
Divide stitches into 7 (8, 9) sections for increases:
Place markers: k 20 (20, 20) sts, pm. Repeat 6 (7, 8) more times until you have 7 (8, 9) markers placed evenly. The last marker is your BOR marker.
**Increase Round 1 (and subsequent increase rounds):** *k to 1 st before marker, M1L, k1, sm, M1R;* repeat from * to * to BOR marker, then k to 1 st before BOR marker, M1L, k1, sm, M1R. (7 (8, 9) stitches increased)
**Next 2 Rounds:** Knit every stitch.
_Repeat these 3 rounds (1 Increase Round + 2 Knit Rounds) for a total of 10 increase rounds._
_After 1st increase round:_ 140 (160, 180) + 7 (8, 9) = 147 (168, 189) sts.
_After 2nd increase round:_ 147 (168, 189) + 7 (8, 9) = 154 (176, 198) sts.
...
_After 10th increase round:_ 140 (160, 180) + (10 * 7 (8, 9)) = 140 + 70 (160 + 80, 180 + 90) = **210 (240, 270) stitches.**
_Total rounds in Increase Section: 10 increase rounds * 3 rounds/increase cycle - 2 rounds = 28 rounds._ (e.g. Inc R1, K R2-3, Inc R4, K R5-6... Inc R28)
**Body Straight Section:**
Work 20 (22, 24) rounds in Stockinette Stitch (knit every round).
_Stitch count remains 210 (240, 270) sts._
**Total length from top of waistband to end of Body Straight Section:**
2 inches [5 cm] (waistband) + 1 round (transition) + 9 (11, 13) rounds (initial straight) + 28 rounds (increase section) + 20 (22, 24) rounds (body straight)
= 2 inches + (1 + 9 (11, 13) + 28 + 20 (22, 24)) / 7 rounds/inch
= 2 inches + (58 (62, 66)) / 7 rounds/inch
= 2 inches + approx. 8.3 (8.9, 9.4) inches = approx. **10.3 (10.9, 11.4) inches [26 (27.5, 29) cm]**. This length should reach your desired crotch depth. Try on for fit.
### 3. Divide for Legs
Remove all markers except the BOR marker.
**Set-up for Division:**
Knit 105 (120, 135) stitches. This marks the end of the front section.
Place the next 105 (120, 135) stitches on waste yarn or a stitch holder for the back leg.
**Cast On Crotch Gusset:**
Using the backward loop cast-on method, CO 6 (8, 10) new stitches. These stitches form the crotch gusset.
_Stitch count for Front Leg: 105 (120, 135) original stitches + 6 (8, 10) CO stitches = **111 (128, 145) stitches**._
The BOR is now at the center of the crotch gusset for the first leg.
### 4. Front Leg
Work in the round on these 111 (128, 145) stitches.
Work 27 (27, 27) rounds in Stockinette Stitch (knit every round) from the crotch gusset.
_This will result in an inseam of approx. 4 inches [10 cm]._ Adjust number of rounds here for desired inseam length.
**Leg Cuff:**
Work in 2x2 Rib (k2, p2) for 1 inch [2.5 cm] (approx. 7 rounds).
_Stitch count remains 111 (128, 145) sts._
**Bind Off:**
Using a stretchy bind-off method (e.g., Jeny's Surprisingly Stretchy Bind-Off or tubular bind-off), BO all stitches in pattern. Cut yarn and fasten off.
### 5. Back Leg
Transfer the 105 (120, 135) held stitches from waste yarn/holder back onto your US 6 / 4 mm needles.
Join mohair held double and CO 6 (8, 10) new stitches using the backward loop cast-on method.
Pm for BOR at the center of these newly cast-on stitches. Join to work in the round.
_Stitch count for Back Leg: 105 (120, 135) original stitches + 6 (8, 10) CO stitches = **111 (128, 145) stitches**._
Work 27 (27, 27) rounds in Stockinette Stitch (knit every round) from the crotch gusset.
_This will result in an inseam of approx. 4 inches [10 cm]._ Adjust number of rounds here for desired inseam length.
**Leg Cuff:**
Work in 2x2 Rib (k2, p2) for 1 inch [2.5 cm] (approx. 7 rounds).
_Stitch count remains 111 (128, 145) sts._
**Bind Off:**
Using a stretchy bind-off method, BO all stitches in pattern. Cut yarn and fasten off.
---
## Finishing
1. **Weave in Ends:** Use a tapestry needle to carefully weave in all loose yarn ends.
2. **Block:** Gently wash your shorts according to the yarn's care instructions. Lay flat to dry, shaping to desired measurements. Mohair tends to bloom beautifully with blocking, softening the fabric and evening out stitches.
3. **Optional Elastic Channel:** If desired, fold the top 1 inch [2.5 cm] of the waistband to the inside and lightly tack it down, leaving a small opening. Thread elastic through the channel using a safety pin, overlap ends and sew securely, then sew the opening closed. This will provide extra waist stability.
Enjoy your new Mohair Dream Flares!
---
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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