purlJam

# Oversized Nordic Reindeer Men's Sweater

This pattern is designed for the beginner knitter looking to try their first colorwork project. The drop-shoulder construction makes assembly straightforward, and the two-color palette keeps the stranded knitting manageable.

## Specifications
*   **Skill Level**: Beginner / Intermediate (Basic knowledge of knitting, purling, and stranded colorwork required).
*   **Sizes**: One Size (Oversized Men’s L/XL).
    *   **Finished Chest Circumference**: 50.5" (128 cm).
    *   **Length**: 28" (71 cm).
*   **Yarn**: Worsted weight (Category 4).
    *   **Main Color (MC)**: 1,400 yards (e.g., Deep Navy or Charcoal).
    *   **Contrast Color (CC)**: 400 yards (e.g., Off-White or Light Gray).
*   **Needles**: 
    *   US 7 (4.5 mm) straight or circular needles (for ribbing).
    *   US 8 (5 mm) straight or circular needles (for main body).
*   **Notions**: Yarn needle, stitch markers, measuring tape.

## Gauge
18 sts and 24 rows = 4" (10 cm) in Stockinette Stitch on US 8 (5 mm) needles.
*Validation: 18 / 4 = 4.5 stitches per inch.*

## Abbreviations (US Terms)
*   **k**: knit
*   **p**: purl
*   **st(s)**: stitch(es)
*   **MC**: Main Color
*   **CC**: Contrast Color
*   **RS / WS**: Right Side / Wrong Side
*   **St st**: Stockinette Stitch (Knit RS, Purl WS)
*   **k2tog**: knit 2 stitches together (decrease)

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## Colorwork Charts (Text Based)
**Ornament A (8-st repeat):**
Rows 1-2: *K1 CC, K7 MC*
Rows 3-4: *K1 MC, K1 CC, K5 MC, K1 CC*
Rows 5-6: *K2 MC, K1 CC, K3 MC, K1 CC, K1 MC*

**Reindeer Motif (14-st block):**
*The reindeer is centered on the torso. Beginners: carry yarn loosely across the back.*

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## Instructions

### Back Panel
Using US 7 needles and **MC**, cast on **114** stitches.
1.  **Ribbing**: *K1, P1* repeat for 2.5" (6.5 cm).
2.  Switch to US 8 needles.
3.  **Body**: Work in **St st** (Knit RS, Purl WS) until piece measures 12" (30.5 cm) from cast-on edge, ending with a WS row.
4.  **Ornament A**: Work 6 rows of Ornament A repeat across all stitches.
5.  **Main Body**: Continue in **MC** until piece measures 27" (68.5 cm).
6.  **Neck Shaping**: Knit 38 sts, bind off 38 sts (center), knit 38 sts.
7.  Work each shoulder for 1" (2.5 cm) more. Bind off.

### Front Panel
1.  Work same as Back Panel until piece measures 12" (30.5 cm).
2.  **Ornament A**: Work 6 rows.
3.  **Reindeer Row**: Center the Reindeer motif blocks across the front (Space them approx 10 sts apart).
4.  **Chest**: Continue in **MC** until piece measures 25" (63.5 cm).
5.  **Neck Shaping (Front)**: 
    *   Knit 42 sts, bind off center 30 sts, knit 42 sts. 
    *   Decrease 1 st at neck edge every RS row 4 times (38 sts remaining per shoulder).
6.  Continue until Front matches Back length to shoulders. Bind off.

### Sleeves (Make 2)
*Note: These are designed to be wide/boxy.*
Using US 7 needles and **MC**, cast on **50** stitches.
1.  **Ribbing**: *K1, P1* for 3" (7.5 cm).
2.  Switch to US 8 needles.
3.  **Increase Row**: K2, *M1, K2* across. (Approx **75** sts).
4.  **Wide Sleeve Construction**: 
    *   Work in **St st**, increasing 1 st at each end every 4th row until you have **94** stitches.
    *   At 10" (25.5 cm) height, work **Ornament A** for 6 rows.
5.  Continue in **MC** until sleeve measures 20" (51 cm) or desired length. 
6.  Bind off loosely.

### Finishing
1.  **Shoulders**: Sew Front and Back together at shoulders using Mattress Stitch.
2.  **Neckband**: With US 7 needles and **MC**, pick up approx 80-90 sts around the neck opening. Work in *K1, P1* ribbing for 1.5" (4 cm). Bind off loosely.
3.  **Assembly**: 
    *   Lay the body flat. Mark 10.5" (26.5 cm) down from the shoulder seam on both sides (this creates a 21" armhole). 
    *   Center the sleeve and sew to the body.
    *   Sew side seams and sleeve seams in one continuous line.

## Technical Notes for the Beginner
*   **Oversize Check**: The body width is 25.3" (64 cm) wide. If this feels too wide, check your gauge. If you have fewer than 18 sts per 4 inches, your sweater will be much larger.
*   **Float Tension**: When switching colors, do not pull the yarn tight across the back. Leave it "relaxed" to allow the fabric to stretch.
*   **Seaming**: Use the Mattress Stitch for a professional-looking invisible seam.