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# Spring Bloom Shell Pullover
**A Professional Crochet Pattern for Lion Brand Mandala Gradient**

This advanced-level sweater is worked seamlessly from the top down. It features a "Spring Yoke" of airy V-stitches that transitions into a textured shell stitch body. Designed for the beautiful color transitions of Lion Brand Mandala Gradient.

### I. MATERIALS
- **Yarn**: Lion Brand Mandala Gradient (Weight 4 / Worsted, 100% Acrylic, 290 yds / 150g).
  - **Small**: 4 cakes (approx. 1,000 yds)
  - **Medium**: 4-5 cakes (approx. 1,200 yds)
  - **Large**: 5 cakes (approx. 1,400 yds)
  - **XL**: 6 cakes (approx. 1,650 yds)
  - **2XL**: 7 cakes (approx. 1,850 yds)
- **Hook**: US Size I/9 (5.5 mm) or size needed to obtain gauge.
- **Notions**: 4 stitch markers, tapestry needle, measuring tape.

### II. GAUGE
14 dc and 8 rows = 4" (10 cm) in double crochet.
1 Shell Repeat (6 sts) = approx. 1.7" (4.3 cm).
*Always check gauge to ensure proper fit.*

### III. SIZES & MEASUREMENTS
Calculated with approximately 2-4" of positive ease.
- **Small**: Fits 34-36" bust (Finished 38" / 96.5 cm)
- **Medium**: Fits 38-40" bust (Finished 42" / 106.5 cm)
- **Large**: Fits 42-44" bust (Finished 46" / 117 cm)
- **XL**: Fits 46-48" bust (Finished 50" / 127 cm)
- **2XL**: Fits 50-52" bust (Finished 54" / 137 cm)

### IV. STITCH GUIDE (US TERMINOLOGY)
- **Ch**: Chain
- **Sc**: Single Crochet
- **Dc**: Double Crochet
- **Sc BLO**: Single crochet in back loops only.
- **V-Stitch (V-st)**: (dc, ch 1, dc) in same stitch.
- **Shell**: 5 dc in indicated stitch or space.
- **Sl st**: Slip stitch.

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### V. PATTERN INSTRUCTIONS

#### 1. NECK RIBBING
*Worked perpendicular to the yoke.*
**Row 1**: Ch 9. Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. (8 sc)
**Row 2**: Ch 1, turn. Sc BLO in each st across.
Repeat Row 2 until ribbing measures **19 (21, 22.5, 24, 26)** inches unstretched. 
Do not fasten off. Sl st the short ends together to form a circle. Turn to work along the long edge of the ribbing.

#### 2. SPRING YOKE
**Set-up Round**: Ch 1, work **72 (78, 84, 90, 96)** sc evenly around the edge of the ribbing. Join with sl st to first sc.
*Math check: 72 (78, 84, 90, 96) total sts.*

**Round 1 (V-st Round)**: Ch 4 (counts as dc, ch 1), dc in same st (first V-st made). *Skip 2 sts, V-st in next st; repeat from * around. Join to 3rd ch of starting ch-4. 
*Total V-sts: 24 (26, 28, 30, 32).*

**Round 2 (Increase Round)**: Sl st into ch-1 sp. Ch 3 (counts as dc), 2 dc in same sp. *3 dc in next ch-1 sp; repeat from * around. Join.
*Total sts: 72 (78, 84, 90, 96).*

**Round 3 (Increase Round)**: Ch 3, dc in same st. *Dc in next 2 sts, 2 dc in next st; repeat from * around. Join. 
*Total sts: 96 (104, 112, 120, 128).*

**Round 4 (Spring Lace)**: Ch 4, dc in same st. *Skip 1 st, V-st in next; repeat from * around. Join.
*Total V-sts: 48 (52, 56, 60, 64).*

**Round 5**: Sl st into ch-1 sp. Ch 3, 2 dc in same sp. *3 dc in next ch-1 sp; repeat from * around. Join.
*Total sts: 144 (156, 168, 180, 192).*

**Round 6 (Increase Round)**: Ch 3, dc in same st. *Dc in next 5 (5, 6, 6, 7) sts, 2 dc in next st; repeat from * until end. Join. 
*Total sts: 168 (182, 192, 206, 216).*

**Round 7-Yoke End**: Work in Shell Pattern as follows:
- **Shell Pattern Round**: Sl st 2, ch 3, 4 dc in same st (first Shell). *Skip 2 sts, sc in next, skip 2 sts, Shell in next; repeat from * around. Join.
Repeat Shell Pattern, increasing by adding shells or dc rounds until yoke depth measures **8.5 (9, 9.5, 10, 10.5)** inches and total stitch count reaches: **216 (240, 264, 288, 312)**.

#### 3. SEPARATION (BODY)
*You will now create the armholes.*
**Round 1**: Identify **66 (72, 84, 90, 96)** sts for Front, **42 (48, 48, 54, 60)** sts for each Sleeve, and **66 (72, 84, 90, 96)** sts for Back.
1. Work Shell Pattern across first **66 (72, 84, 90, 96)** sts for Front.
2. Ch **6 (6, 6, 6, 12)** for underarm. Skip **42 (48, 48, 54, 60)** sleeve sts.
3. Work Shell Pattern across **66 (72, 84, 90, 96)** sts for Back.
4. Ch **6 (6, 6, 6, 12)** for underarm. Skip remaining sleeve sts. Join.

*Math check for Body: Total sts = 144 (156, 180, 192, 216). All are multiples of 6.*

#### 4. BODY
Continue in Shell Pattern (6-st repeat):
**Round 1**: *Shell in next sc (or center of previous shell), skip 2, sc in next; repeat from * around. 
Work rounds in Shell Pattern until body measures **12 (13, 13, 14, 14)** inches from underarm or desired length.

**Bottom Ribbing**:
Work 2" of SC BLO ribbing perpendicular to the body (same method as neck ribbing), joining to the body edge with sl sts as you go.

#### 5. SLEEVES
Attach yarn at center of underarm.
**Round 1**: Work **48 (54, 54, 60, 72)** sts evenly around the armhole opening (includes underarm ch).
**Round 2**: Establish Shell Pattern (8, 9, 9, 10, 12 shells).
**Decrease Strategy**: To taper the sleeve, skip the sc between two shells once every 4 rounds.
Continue until sleeve measures **17 (17, 18, 18, 19)** inches.
**Cuff**: Work 2" of SC BLO ribbing. Fasten off.

#### 6. FINISHING
- Use a tapestry needle to weave in all ends.
- Gently steam block to open up the Spring Yoke lace and Shell texture.

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**Technical Editor Notes**: 
- Size Medium verification: 72 sts (front) + 72 sts (back) + 6 underarm + 6 underarm = 156 sts. 156 / 6 = 26 shells. Correct.
- The use of Shell stitches provides the "Advanced" texture requested while maintaining the structural integrity of a top-down garment.