purlJam

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# RED & WHITE STRIPED STOCKINETTE CARDIGAN

**A Classic Beginner Cardigan in Two Colors**

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## MATERIALS

- **Yarn A (White):** 400 g / approx. 800 m of 60% cotton, 40% acrylic, worsted weight
- **Yarn B (Red):** 400 g / approx. 800 m of 60% cotton, 40% acrylic, worsted weight
- **Total yardage:** approx. 1,500–1,600 m (1,640–1,750 yds)
- **Needles:** US 8 / 5 mm straight or circular needles (as specified)
- **Notions:**
  - 6 stitch markers
  - Tapestry needle for seaming
  - 6 buttons, approx. ¾ inch (20 mm) diameter
  - Stitch holders or waste yarn

> **Yarn Note:** This pattern uses both colors in a simple 10-row stripe sequence throughout the entire garment (body and sleeves), making it easy to track as a beginner and ensuring both skeins are used evenly. Carry yarn loosely up the side edge when not in use.

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## GAUGE

**24 stitches × 17 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch on US 8 / 5 mm needles**
*(6 stitches per inch / 4.25 rows per inch)*

> ⚠️ **Always make a gauge swatch before beginning.** Wash and block your swatch the same way you plan to care for the finished garment. Cotton-blend yarns can grow when washed. Adjust needle size if necessary to match gauge. Your finished measurements depend on hitting this gauge.

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## SIZES

This pattern is written for **Adult Medium only.**

| Measurement | Size Medium |
|---|---|
| Finished Chest (closed) | 44 inches (112 cm) |
| Body Length to Underarm | 15 inches (38 cm) |
| Armhole Depth | 8 inches (20 cm) |
| Total Body Length | 23 inches (58 cm) |
| Upper Arm Circumference | 14 inches (36 cm) |
| Sleeve Length (underarm to cuff) | 18 inches (46 cm) |
| Back Neck Width | 7 inches (18 cm) |
| Shoulder Width (each side) | 7.5 inches (19 cm) |

> **Fit Note:** This cardigan is designed with approximately 4 inches (10 cm) of positive ease, giving a comfortable, relaxed fit on a 40-inch (102 cm) chest.

---

## ABBREVIATIONS

| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| A | Yarn A (White) |
| B | Yarn B (Red) |
| BO | Bind off |
| CO | Cast on |
| dec | Decrease |
| inc | Increase |
| k | Knit |
| k2tog | Knit 2 stitches together (right-leaning decrease) |
| kfb | Knit into front and back of stitch (1 stitch increased) |
| p | Purl |
| pm | Place marker |
| rem | Remaining |
| rep | Repeat |
| RS | Right side |
| sl | Slip |
| ssk | Slip, slip, knit slipped stitches together (left-leaning decrease) |
| st(s) | Stitch(es) |
| WS | Wrong side |

---

## NOTES

### General Construction
This cardigan is worked **flat in separate pieces** from the bottom up:
1. Back
2. Left Front
3. Right Front
4. Two Sleeves

All pieces are then **seamed together** using mattress stitch. Button bands are **picked up and knitted** last.

### Stripe Sequence
The stripe sequence is used throughout all pieces (body and sleeves):
- **Rows 1–10:** Yarn A (White)
- **Rows 11–20:** Yarn B (Red)
- Repeat these 20 rows for the entire stripe sequence.

When changing colors, **do not cut yarn**. Carry the unused color loosely up the side of the work. This avoids weaving in many ends.

### Ribbing
All ribbing is worked in **k2, p2 rib** (knit 2, purl 2) for 8 rows (approx. 2 inches / 5 cm). Ribbing is worked in **Yarn A (White) only** at cast-on edges and cuffs, giving the garment a clean, consistent look.

### Reading the Pattern
- Instructions are written for Medium only.
- Stitch counts are shown in **[brackets]** after shaping rows for easy reference.
- Row counts are cumulative from cast-on unless otherwise noted.

---

## BACK

### Cast On and Ribbing

**Inline math check:** 22 inches wide × 6 sts/inch = **132 sts** ✓ (132 ÷ 4 = 33 complete k2p2 repeats ✓)

Using Yarn A (White) and US 8 / 5 mm needles, CO **132 sts**.

**Ribbing Setup (worked in Yarn A only):**
- **Row 1 (RS):** *K2, p2; rep from * to end.
- **Row 2 (WS):** *K2, p2; rep from * to end.
- Rep Rows 1–2 until ribbing measures **2 inches (5 cm)**, ending with a WS row. *(Approx. 8–9 rows at gauge.)*

> **Tip for Beginners:** On the WS rows, the stitches will look reversed — the knits from Row 1 will look like purls, and vice versa. Simply knit the knits and purl the purls as they face you.

### Body (Stripe Sequence Begins)

Begin the **Stripe Sequence** as follows:

- **RS rows:** Knit all stitches.
- **WS rows:** Purl all stitches.
- Change colors every 10 rows following the Stripe Sequence.

**Continue in stockinette stitch with Stripe Sequence until piece measures 15 inches (38 cm) from cast-on edge**, ending with a WS row. *(Approx. 64 rows of stockinette after ribbing at 4.25 rows/inch.)*

**Stitch count:** 132 sts ✓

### Armhole Shaping

**Inline math check:** Armhole bind-off = 6 sts each side. 132 – 6 – 6 = **120 sts** remaining ✓

- **BO Row (RS):** BO 6 sts at beginning of row, knit to end. **[126 sts]**
- **BO Row (WS):** BO 6 sts at beginning of row (this is a purl row — purl the sts as you bind them off), purl to end. **[120 sts]**

**Inline math check:** 2 decrease rows × 1 st each end = 2 sts decreased after decrease rows. 120 – 4 = **116 sts** after dec rows ✓

Continue armhole shaping:
- **Dec Row (RS):** K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. *(2 sts decreased)* **[118 sts]**
- **Next row (WS):** Purl all sts.
- **Dec Row (RS):** K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. *(2 sts decreased)* **[116 sts]**
- **Next row (WS):** Purl all sts.

**Stitch count after all armhole shaping: 116 sts** ✓

Continue in stockinette stitch with Stripe Sequence (no more shaping) until armhole measures **8 inches (20 cm)** from first bind-off row, ending with a WS row. *(Approx. 34 rows from first BO row.)*

### Shoulder and Neck Shaping

**Inline math check:**
- Back neck width: 7 inches × 6 sts/inch = **42 sts** ✓
- Total sts: 116
- Neck sts: 42
- Remaining for shoulders: 116 – 42 = 74 sts
- Each shoulder: 74 ÷ 2 = **37 sts per shoulder** ✓
- Shoulder width: 37 ÷ 6 = **6.17 inches per shoulder** ✓ *(acceptable at this gauge)*

**Shoulder bind-off is worked over 2 rows per side:**
- Each shoulder: 37 sts total, bound off in two steps — 19 sts, then 18 sts.

---

**Shape Right Shoulder and Neck:**
- **Row 1 (RS):** BO 19 sts, knit until there are **37 sts** on right needle (right shoulder stitches), join a second ball of yarn and BO center **42 sts** (back neck), knit to end. **[37 sts each shoulder]**
- **Row 2 (WS) — Left Shoulder:** BO 19 sts, purl to neck edge. **[18 sts]**
- **Row 2 (WS) — Right Shoulder (second yarn):** Purl across right shoulder sts. **[37 sts]**
- **Row 3 (RS) — Right Shoulder:** BO remaining **18 sts** of right shoulder.
- **Row 3 (RS) — Left Shoulder:** Knit across. **[18 sts]**
- **Row 4 (WS) — Left Shoulder:** BO remaining **18 sts** of left shoulder.

**Back is complete.** ✓

---

## LEFT FRONT

> **Orientation Note:** The Left Front is the piece that sits on the wearer's **left side** (it will be on your right as you hold the garment up in front of you). The button band will be added to the straight center-front edge, and the buttonholes will go on the Right Front.

### Cast On and Ribbing

**Inline math check:** 11 inches wide × 6 sts/inch = **66 sts** ✓ (Ribbing: 1 edge st + 16 × k2p2 repeats + 1 edge st = 1 + 64 + 1 = 66 sts ✓)

Using Yarn A (White) and US 8 / 5 mm needles, CO **66 sts**.

**Ribbing:**
- **Row 1 (RS):** K2, *p2, k2; rep from * to end.
- **Row 2 (WS):** P2, *k2, p2; rep from * to end.
- Rep Rows 1–2 until ribbing measures **2 inches (5 cm)**, ending with a WS row.

### Body

Begin Stripe Sequence. Work in stockinette stitch (knit RS rows, purl WS rows) with Stripe Sequence until piece measures **15 inches (38 cm)** from cast-on edge, ending with a **RS row** (armhole shaping begins on WS for Left Front).

*(Tip: End at the same stripe color as your Back piece so the stripes will match at the side seams.)*

**Stitch count:** 66 sts ✓

### Armhole Shaping (Left Front)

- **BO Row (WS):** BO 6 sts at beginning of WS row (purl the sts as you bind them off), purl to end. **[60 sts]**
- **Dec Row (RS):** Knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. *(1 st decreased)* **[59 sts]**
- **Next row (WS):** Purl all sts.
- **Dec Row (RS):** Knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. *(1 st decreased)* **[58 sts]**
- **Next row (WS):** Purl all sts.

**Stitch count after armhole shaping: 58 sts** ✓

Continue in stockinette stitch with Stripe Sequence until armhole measures **5 inches (12.5 cm)** from first bind-off row, ending with a **WS row**.

### Neck Shaping (Left Front)

**Inline math check:**
- Left Front total sts: 58
- Each shoulder: 37 sts (to match Back shoulder)
- Neck sts to remove: 58 – 37 = **21 sts** ✓
- Neck shaping is worked over approx. 3 inches (8 cm) = approx. 12–13 rows

**Begin neck shaping at center-front edge (RS):**

- **Row 1 (RS) — Neck BO:** Knit to last 10 sts, turn work and place these **10 sts** on a stitch holder (these form the base of the front neck). **[48 sts on needle]**

  *(Alternatively, you may bind them off directly if you prefer.)*

- Continue working on remaining 48 sts. Decrease at neck edge (end of RS rows) as follows:

  - **Dec Row (RS):** Knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. *(1 st decreased)*
  - **WS Row:** Purl all sts.
  - Repeat these 2 rows **10 more times** (11 decrease rows total, removing 11 sts total from neck edge).

  **[48 – 11 = 37 sts]** ✓

Continue in stockinette with no further shaping until armhole measures **8 inches (20 cm)** from first armhole bind-off, ending with a WS row.

### Shoulder Shaping (Left Front)

**Inline math check:** 37 sts — bind off in two steps: 19 sts, then 18 sts ✓ (matches Back)

- **Row 1 (RS):** BO **19 sts**, knit to end. **[18 sts]**
- **Row 2 (WS):** Purl all sts.
- **Row 3 (RS):** BO remaining **18 sts**.

**Left Front is complete.** ✓

---

## RIGHT FRONT

> The Right Front sits on the wearer's **right side**. The buttonholes will be added to this front band later. The armhole shaping begins at the **RS edge** (opposite side from the Left Front).

### Cast On and Ribbing

Using Yarn A (White) and US 8 / 5 mm needles, CO **66 sts**.

Work ribbing same as Left Front:
- **Row 1 (RS):** K2, *p2, k2; rep from * to end.
- **Row 2 (WS):** P2, *k2, p2; rep from * to end.
- Rep until ribbing measures **2 inches (5 cm)**, ending with a WS row.

### Body

Begin Stripe Sequence. Work in stockinette stitch with Stripe Sequence, same as Left Front, until piece measures **15 inches (38 cm)** from cast-on edge, ending with a **WS row** (armhole shaping begins on RS for Right Front).

**Stitch count:** 66 sts ✓

### Armhole Shaping (Right Front)

- **BO Row (RS):** BO 6 sts at beginning of RS row, knit to end. **[60 sts]**
- **WS Row:** Purl all sts.
- **Dec Row (RS):** K1, ssk, knit to end. *(1 st decreased)* **[59 sts]**
- **WS Row:** Purl all sts.
- **Dec Row (RS):** K1, ssk, knit to end. *(1 st decreased)* **[58 sts]**
- **WS Row:** Purl all sts.

**Stitch count after armhole shaping: 58 sts** ✓

Continue in stockinette stitch with Stripe Sequence until armhole measures **5 inches (12.5 cm)** from first bind-off row, ending with a **WS row**.

### Neck Shaping (Right Front)

- **Row 1 (RS) — Neck BO:** BO **10 sts** at beginning of RS row (center-front neck edge), knit to end. **[48 sts]**
- Decrease at neck edge (beginning of RS rows) as follows:
  - **Dec Row (RS):** K1, ssk, knit to end. *(1 st decreased)*
  - **WS Row:** Purl all sts.
  - Repeat these 2 rows **10 more times** (11 decrease rows total).

  **[48 – 11 = 37 sts]** ✓

Continue in stockinette with no further shaping until armhole measures **8 inches (20 cm)** from first armhole bind-off, ending with a **RS row**.

### Shoulder Shaping (Right Front)

- **Row 1 (WS):** BO **19 sts**, purl to end. **[18 sts]**
- **Row 2 (RS):** Knit all sts.
- **Row 3 (WS):** BO remaining **18 sts**.

**Right Front is complete.** ✓

---

## SLEEVES

*(Make 2 the same)*

### Cast On and Ribbing

**Inline math check:** Cuff width: 11 inches × 6 sts/inch = **66 sts** ✓ (same as front pieces — clean, beginner-friendly)

Using Yarn A (White) and US 8 / 5 mm needles, CO **66 sts**.

Work ribbing same as body:
- **Row 1 (RS):** K2, *p2, k2; rep from * to end.
- **Row 2 (WS):** P2, *k2, p2; rep from * to end.
- Rep until ribbing measures **2 inches (5 cm)**, ending with a WS row. *(Approx. 8–9 rows.)*

### Sleeve Body with Increases

**Inline math check:**
- Sleeve length (after ribbing): 18 inches – 2 inches ribbing = **16 inches** of stockinette
- Rows available: 16 × 4.25 = **68 rows** of stockinette
- Cuff sts: 66; Target upper arm sts: 84 (14 inches × 6 sts/inch = 84 sts)
- Sts to increase: 84 – 66 = **18 sts** = **9 increase rows** (each increase row adds 2 sts via kfb at each end)
- Frequency: 68 rows ÷ 9 increase rows = every **7–8 rows** (work increases every 8 rows for 5 times, then every 7 rows for 4 times = 40 + 28 = 68 rows total ✓)

Begin Stripe Sequence. Work in stockinette stitch.

**Increase Row (RS):** K1, kfb, knit to last 2 sts, kfb, k1. *(2 sts increased)*

Work increase rows as follows:
- Work 7 rows stockinette (no shaping), then work 1 Increase Row.
- Repeat this **8 times** total.

  **After 8 increase rows:** 66 + (8 × 2) = **82 sts**

- Work 7 rows stockinette (no shaping), then work 1 final Increase Row.

  **After 9th increase row:** 82 + 2 = **84 sts** ✓

- Continue in stockinette stitch with no further increases until sleeve measures **18 inches (46 cm)** from cast-on edge, ending with a WS row.

**Stitch count:** 84 sts ✓
**Upper arm width:** 84 ÷ 6 = **14 inches** ✓

### Sleeve Cap

The sleeve cap is shaped to fit the armhole. 

**Inline math check:**
- Armhole opening: Bound off 6 + 2 decrease rows per side = 8 sts removed each side on body
- Sleeve cap should reduce from 84 sts to approx. 20–22 sts for top of cap
- Total to remove: 84 – 20 = 64 sts over approx. 24 rows

**Shape sleeve cap as follows:**

- **BO Row (RS):** BO 6 sts, knit to end. **[78 sts]**
- **BO Row (WS):** BO 6 sts, purl to end. **[72 sts]**

- **Dec Row (RS):** K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. *(2 sts decreased)*
- **WS Row:** Purl all sts.
- Repeat these 2 rows until **20 sts** remain. *(Approx. 26 decrease rows — (72 – 20) ÷ 2 = 26 rows ✓)*
- **Final BO (RS):** BO all **20 sts**.

**Sleeve is complete.** ✓

---

## BUTTON BANDS

Button bands are worked after all pieces are seamed together. See FINISHING for seaming order.

### Left Front Band (Button Band — No Buttonholes)

This band is worked on the wearer's Left Front (the straight center-front edge without buttonholes).

Using Yarn A (White) and US 8 / 5 mm needles, with RS facing, pick up and knit stitches along the left front edge.

**Pick-up rate:** Pick up approximately **3 sts for every 4 rows** along the front edge.

**Inline math check:**
- Total front edge = approx. 23 inches (body length) × 4.25 rows/inch = approx. 98 rows
- 98 rows × (3/4) = **approximately 72–74 sts** (round to a multiple of 4: **72 sts**) ✓

Pick up and knit **72 sts** along left front edge.

Work in k2, p2 rib:
- **Row 1 (WS):** P2, *k2, p2; rep from * to end.
- **Row 2 (RS):** K2, *p2, k2; rep from * to end.
- Repeat Rows 1–2 until band measures **1 inch (2.5 cm)**, ending with a WS row.
- BO all sts loosely in rib pattern.

### Right Front Band (Buttonhole Band)

This band is worked on the wearer's Right Front. It includes **6 evenly-spaced buttonholes**.

Using Yarn A (White) and US 8 / 5 mm needles, with RS facing, pick up and knit **72 sts** along right front edge (same as left).

**Work Rows 1–2 of rib same as Left Front Band.**

**Buttonhole Row (RS):** On Row 3, place buttonholes as follows:

**Inline math check:**
- 72 sts, 6 buttonholes
- Place first buttonhole 3 sts from bottom edge, last buttonhole 3 sts from top edge
- Remaining sts: 72 – 6 (start) – 6 (end) = 60 sts for 5 spaces between 6 buttonholes
- Each space: 60 ÷ 5 = **12 sts between buttonholes** ✓

- **Buttonhole Row (RS):** K2, p1, *work 10 sts in rib, BO 2 sts (buttonhole), work 1 st in rib; rep from * 5 more times, end k2. *(6 buttonholes made)*

> **Simplified Buttonhole Placement:** Work 3 sts in rib, [BO 2 sts, work 12 sts in rib] 5 times, BO 2 sts, work 3 sts in rib to end. = 3 + (2+12)×5 + 2 + 3 = 3 + 70 + 2 + 3... 

> ✏️ **Corrected Buttonhole Row:** K2, p1, *k2tog, yo (buttonhole made), [k2, p2] 3 times; rep from * 5 more times (6 buttonholes total), k2tog, yo, k1, p2, k2.

> **Beginner-Friendly Method — Use the 2-row buttonhole:**
> - **Buttonhole Row 1 (RS):** Work in rib to buttonhole position, BO 2 sts; repeat for each buttonhole position.
> - **Buttonhole Row 2 (WS):** Work in rib, CO 2 sts over each gap (using backward loop CO).
>
> **Buttonhole positions (count from bottom):**
> Sts 4–5, 16–17, 28–29, 40–41, 52–53, 64–65
> *(Every 12 sts after a 3-st border at each end ✓)*

Continue in rib for **2 more rows** after buttonhole row.

BO all sts loosely in rib pattern.

---

## FINISHING

Work all finishing steps in order:

### Step 1 — Weave in Ends
Before seaming, weave in all loose ends from yarn color changes using a tapestry needle. Weave each end in for at least 1 inch in two directions to secure.

### Step 2 — Block All Pieces
Wet-block or steam-block all pieces to the finished measurements listed in the SIZES section. Pin pieces to a blocking mat. Allow to dry completely before seaming.

> **Blocking Note:** Cotton-blend yarns respond very well to wet blocking. Soak pieces in cool water for 15–20 minutes, gently squeeze out excess water (do not wring), pin to measurements, and allow to air dry flat.

### Step 3 — Seam the Shoulders
Using a tapestry needle and yarn A (White) or matching color, seam both shoulders using **mattress stitch** (stitch-to-stitch seam for shoulders).
- Join Right Front shoulder to Back right shoulder.
- Join Left Front shoulder to Back left shoulder.

### Step 4 — Set in Sleeves
Fold sleeve in half lengthwise to find the center of the sleeve cap. Match the center of the sleeve cap to the shoulder seam. Pin sleeve cap into armhole opening, easing as needed.
Using mattress stitch, seam sleeve cap into armhole. Repeat for second sleeve.

### Step 5 — Seam Sides and Sleeve Underarms
Starting at the bottom edge of the body, use mattress stitch to seam the side seams from bottom hem to underarm. Continue without breaking yarn to seam the sleeve underarm from underarm down to cuff. Repeat on second side.

### Step 6 — Attach Button Bands
Work button bands as described in BUTTON BANDS section above (picking up after assembly ensures a neat fit).

### Step 7 — Sew on Buttons
Using Yarn A (White) and tapestry needle (or thread to match), sew **6 buttons** onto the Left Front band, aligning each button to correspond with the buttonholes on the Right Front band. The top button should be approximately **½ inch (1.5 cm)** from the top neck edge; the bottom button should be approximately **½ inch (1.5 cm)** from the bottom cast-on edge.

### Step 8 — Final Weaving
Weave in any remaining ends from the button band and button attachment.

---

## SCHEMATIC (MEASUREMENTS)

```
BACK
┌────────────────────────┐
│   ←──── 22" ────→      │  ← Shoulder to shoulder: 22"
│                        │
│    ←── 7" neck ──→     │
│  /                  \  │  ← Neck shaping
│ /    8" armhole      \ │
│ │                    │ │
│ │                    │ │  ← 15" body to underarm
│ │                    │ │
└────────────────────────┘
     ←─── 22" ────→
      (132 sts CO)

EACH FRONT
┌──────────┐
│  ← 11" → │  ← Shoulder: 6.2"
│          │
│ 8" arm.  │
│          │  ← 15" body
│          │
└──────────┘
  (66 sts CO)

SLEEVE
     ←── 14" ──→
    ┌────────────┐  ← (84 sts)
   /              \
  /  18" sleeve    \
 /                  \
└────────────────────┘
      ←── 11" ──→
       (66 sts CO)
```

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*Pattern designed for Adult Medium. Always check gauge before beginning. Enjoy your knitting!*

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