purlJam

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# SUNSHINE BLOOMS CARDIGAN
### A V-Neck Balloon Sleeve Cardigan with Intarsia Flowers for Children (Age 10)

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## MATERIALS

| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| **Main Color (MC)** | Pale yellow worsted weight yarn — approx. 1,400 yards (1,280 m) |
| **Contrast Color (CC)** | Light blue worsted weight yarn — approx. 150 yards (137 m) |
| **Needles (Main)** | US 7 / 4.5 mm straight or circular needles, 24 in (60 cm) |
| **Needles (Ribbing)** | US 5 / 3.75 mm straight or circular needles, 24 in (60 cm) |
| **Notions** | Stitch markers, tapestry needle, 5 buttons (½ in / 13 mm), scissors, 4–6 small bobbins for intarsia |
| **Gauge Swatch** | Required before beginning |

> **Yarn Notes**: Any smooth worsted weight yarn is suitable. Recommended fiber: wool-acrylic blend for durability and easy care. Sample shown in a washable merino blend.

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## GAUGE

**20 stitches and 26 rows = 4 inches (10 cm)** in stockinette stitch on US 7 / 4.5 mm needles.

> ⚠️ **Gauge is critical.** Take time to swatch and adjust needle size as needed before casting on. Incorrect gauge will result in incorrect sizing.

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## SIZES

This pattern is written for **one size: Child Age 10**.

| Measurement | Finished Dimension |
|---|---|
| Chest Circumference | 30 in (76 cm) |
| Body Length to Underarm | 14 in (35.5 cm) |
| Total Body Length | 21 in (53.5 cm) |
| Sleeve Length (cuff to underarm) | 15 in (38 cm) |
| Upper Arm Circumference | 14 in (35.5 cm) |
| Cuff Circumference | 5 in (12.5 cm) |

> **Fit Note**: Finished chest is 30 inches, providing approximately 2 inches of positive ease over a typical 28-inch child's chest at age 10. For a looser fit, go up one needle size throughout.

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## ABBREVIATIONS

| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| **k** | knit |
| **p** | purl |
| **st(s)** | stitch(es) |
| **RS** | right side |
| **WS** | wrong side |
| **CO** | cast on |
| **BO** | bind off |
| **MC** | main color (pale yellow) |
| **CC** | contrast color (blue) |
| **k2tog** | knit 2 stitches together (right-leaning decrease) |
| **ssk** | slip, slip, knit (left-leaning decrease) |
| **pm** | place marker |
| **sm** | slip marker |
| **rep** | repeat |
| **rem** | remaining |
| **beg** | beginning |
| **approx** | approximately |
| **St st** | stockinette stitch (knit RS rows, purl WS rows) |
| **2×2 rib** | *k2, p2; rep from * across |

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## NOTES

### General Construction
This cardigan is worked **flat in separate pieces** from the bottom up: Back, Left Front, Right Front, and two Sleeves. All pieces are then seamed together using mattress stitch, and button bands are picked up and knitted last.

### Intarsia Flowers
The blue flowers are worked using the **intarsia method**:
- Use a **separate small bobbin or butterfly** of CC yarn for each flower. Do **not** carry CC across the back of the work — this is not stranded colorwork.
- When changing colors, always **twist the yarns around each other** on the WS at the color join to prevent holes.
- The flower motif is a simple **7-stitch × 9-row** design (see chart and written instructions in each section).
- Flowers are placed on the **Left Front, Right Front**, and optionally the **Back** for a playful look. Positions are specified in each section.
- For beginner confidence: practice the intarsia technique on a small swatch before starting the garment pieces.

### Balloon Sleeves
The balloon sleeve is created by:
1. Casting on a **full, wide number of stitches** at the lower sleeve edge.
2. Working straight to the desired length.
3. **Gathering** the lower sleeve stitches down to a small cuff stitch count using evenly spaced decreases before working a snug ribbed cuff.
This creates the signature puffed, gathered look above the wrist.

### Buttonhole Placement
5 buttons are used. Buttonholes are worked on the **Right Front band** for girls' style, or **Left Front band** if preferred. Buttonhole placement is specified in the Button Band section.

### Reading the Flower Chart
The chart is read from bottom to top. RS (right-side) rows are read **right to left**; WS (wrong-side) rows are read **left to right**. Each square = 1 stitch. Yellow squares = MC; Blue squares = CC.

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## FLOWER MOTIF CHART

```
Row 9 (RS):  · · · B · · ·
Row 8 (WS):  · · B · B · ·
Row 7 (RS):  · B · B · B ·
Row 6 (WS):  B B · B · B B
Row 5 (RS):  · B · B · B ·
Row 4 (WS):  · · B · B · ·
Row 3 (RS):  · · · B · · ·
Row 2 (WS):  · · B B B · ·
Row 1 (RS):  · · · B · · ·

KEY:  · = MC (pale yellow)   B = CC (blue)
```

**Written Instructions for Flower Motif (7 sts wide, 9 rows tall):**
- **Row 1 (RS):** k3 MC, k1 CC, k3 MC
- **Row 2 (WS):** p2 MC, p3 CC, p2 MC
- **Row 3 (RS):** k3 MC, k1 CC, k3 MC
- **Row 4 (WS):** p2 MC, p1 CC, p1 MC, p1 CC, p2 MC
- **Row 5 (RS):** k1 MC, k1 CC, k1 MC, k1 CC, k1 MC, k1 CC, k1 MC
- **Row 6 (WS):** p2 CC, p1 MC, p1 CC, p1 MC, p2 CC
- **Row 7 (RS):** k1 MC, k1 CC, k1 MC, k1 CC, k1 MC, k1 CC, k1 MC
- **Row 8 (WS):** p2 MC, p1 CC, p1 MC, p1 CC, p2 MC
- **Row 9 (RS):** k3 MC, k1 CC, k3 MC

> After Row 9, continue in MC only. Break CC and weave in end on WS.

---

## BACK

### Ribbing
Using **US 5 / 3.75 mm** needles and MC, CO **76 sts**.

**Setup Row (WS):** Purl across.

**Ribbing Row (RS):** *K2, p2; rep from * to last 0 sts. *(76 ÷ 4 = 19 repeats of k2, p2 ✓)*

Work in 2×2 rib for **10 rows** (approx. 1.5 in / 4 cm), ending with a RS row.

---

### Body
Change to **US 7 / 4.5 mm** needles.

**Next Row (WS):** Purl across — 76 sts.

Work in St st (knit RS rows, purl WS rows) until piece measures **14 in (35.5 cm)** from cast-on edge, ending with a WS row.
*(14 in × 6.5 rows/in ≈ 91 rows of St st after ribbing ✓)*

> **Flower Placement on Back (optional):** Place one flower motif centered on back. Center of back = st 38–39. Begin flower motif on a RS row when piece measures approx. 6 in (15 cm) from cast-on, starting flower at **sts 35–41** (7-st motif centered over 76 sts: 76 ÷ 2 = 38; 38 – 3 = st 35 to 38 + 3 = st 41 ✓).

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### Armhole Shaping
**BO 4 sts at beg of next 2 rows** — 68 sts rem.
*(76 – 4 – 4 = 68 sts ✓)*

**Decrease Row (RS):** K2, ssk, knit to last 4 sts, k2tog, k2.
**WS rows:** Purl across.

Rep Decrease Row every RS row **3 more times** — 62 sts rem.
*(68 – 2 × 3 = 62 sts ✓ — 3 RS decrease rows after initial BO)*

> **Math check:** 76 total → –8 (BO) → –6 (3 dec rows × 2 sts each) = **62 sts ✓**

Work even in St st on 62 sts until armhole measures **7 in (18 cm)** from bind-off row, ending with a WS row.
*(7 in × 6.5 rows/in ≈ 46 rows ✓)*

---

### Shoulder and Back Neck Shaping
**Mark center 22 sts** for back neck.

**Next Row (RS):** K20 (right shoulder), BO center 22 sts, k20 (left shoulder).
*(62 – 22 = 40 shoulder sts ÷ 2 = 20 sts each side ✓)*

**Working right shoulder only:**
- **WS:** Purl across.
- **BO 10 sts at beg of next RS row.**
- **WS:** Purl across.
- **BO remaining 10 sts.**

**Rejoin yarn to left shoulder at WS edge:**
- **WS:** BO 10 sts, purl to end.
- **RS:** Knit across.
- **WS:** BO remaining 10 sts.

---

## LEFT FRONT

> The Left Front as worn (viewer's right when garment is laid flat). This front will have the **button band** (no buttonholes).

### Ribbing
Using **US 5 / 3.75 mm** needles and MC, CO **38 sts**.

**Setup Row (WS):** Purl across.

**Ribbing Row (RS):** *K2, p2; rep from * to last 2 sts, k2.
*(9 repeats of k2, p2 = 36 sts + 2 edge sts = 38 sts ✓)*

Work in 2×2 rib for **10 rows**, ending with a RS row.

---

### Body
Change to **US 7 / 4.5 mm** needles.

Work in St st until piece measures **14 in (35.5 cm)** from cast-on, ending with a WS row — 38 sts.

> **Flower Placement on Left Front:**
> Place **one flower motif** beginning when piece measures approx. **5 in (12.5 cm)** from cast-on edge on a RS row.
> Position flower at **sts 8–14** (centering the motif in the lower chest area, 8 sts from the left edge).
> Work Flower Motif Rows 1–9 as written above, keeping all other sts in MC.

---

### Armhole Shaping (Side Edge)
**Next Row (RS):** BO 4 sts at beg of row, knit to end — 34 sts rem.
**WS:** Purl across.

**Decrease Row (RS):** K2, ssk, knit to end.
**WS:** Purl across.

Rep last 2 rows **3 more times** — 31 sts rem.
*(38 – 4 – 3 = 31 sts ✓)*

Work even until armhole measures **2 in (5 cm)**, ending with a WS row.

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### V-Neck Shaping
V-neck shaping begins at the **same time** as armhole shaping, OR after armhole is established — for beginner clarity, begin V-neck shaping after armhole shaping is complete (when 31 sts rem on needles).

**Decrease Row (RS):** Knit to last 4 sts, k2tog, k2. *(neck edge decrease)*
**WS:** Purl across.

Rep Decrease Row **every RS row** until **20 sts rem**.
*(31 – 11 decreases = 20 sts ✓ — matches back shoulder of 20 sts ✓)*

> **Row count check:** 11 decreases × 2 rows = 22 rows = approx. 3.4 in. Armhole remaining after 2 in = 5 in. 5 in × 6.5 = 32.5 rows. 22 rows of neck shaping fits within remaining armhole depth ✓.

Work even on 20 sts until armhole measures **7 in (18 cm)** total, ending with a WS row.

### Shoulder Shaping
- **RS:** BO 10 sts, knit to end.
- **WS:** Purl across.
- **BO remaining 10 sts.**

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## RIGHT FRONT

> The Right Front as worn (viewer's left when garment is laid flat). This front will have the **buttonhole band**.

### Ribbing
Using **US 5 / 3.75 mm** needles and MC, CO **38 sts**.

**Setup Row (WS):** Purl across.

**Ribbing Row (RS):** K2, *k2, p2; rep from * to end.

Work in 2×2 rib for **10 rows**, ending with a RS row.

---

### Body
Change to **US 7 / 4.5 mm** needles.

Work in St st until piece measures **14 in (35.5 cm)** from cast-on, ending with a **RS row** (so armhole BO is on WS edge).

> **Flower Placement on Right Front:**
> Place **one flower motif** beginning when piece measures approx. **5 in (12.5 cm)** from cast-on edge on a RS row.
> Position flower at **sts 25–31** (mirroring the left front placement: 38 – 7 – 7 + 2 = st 26 from right edge, adjusted to sts 25–31 for visual symmetry ✓).
> Work Flower Motif Rows 1–9 as written above.

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### Armhole Shaping (Side Edge)
**Next Row (WS):** BO 4 sts at beg of row, purl to end — 34 sts rem.
**RS:** Knit across.

**Decrease Row (WS):** P to last 4 sts, ssp (slip, slip, purl — or p2tog tbl), p2.

> **Beginner-friendly alternative:** On WS decrease rows, work to last 4 sts, p2tog, p2.

**RS:** Knit across.

Rep last 2 rows **3 more times** — 31 sts rem.
*(38 – 4 – 3 = 31 sts ✓)*

Work even until armhole measures **2 in (5 cm)**, ending with a **RS row**.

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### V-Neck Shaping
**Decrease Row (WS):** P2, p2tog, purl to end. *(neck edge decrease)*
**RS:** Knit across.

Rep Decrease Row **every WS row** until **20 sts rem**.
*(31 – 11 = 20 sts ✓ — matches back shoulder and Left Front ✓)*

Work even on 20 sts until armhole measures **7 in (18 cm)** total, ending with a RS row.

### Shoulder Shaping
- **WS:** BO 10 sts, purl to end.
- **RS:** Knit across.
- **BO remaining 10 sts.**

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## SLEEVES (Make 2)

> These are **balloon sleeves**: wide from shoulder to just above wrist, then gathered into a snug ribbed cuff.

### Cuff Ribbing
Using **US 5 / 3.75 mm** needles and MC, CO **24 sts**.

**Setup Row (WS):** Purl across.

**Ribbing Row (RS):** *K2, p2; rep from * to end.
*(24 ÷ 4 = 6 repeats ✓)*

Work in 2×2 rib for **12 rows** (approx. 2 in / 5 cm), ending with a RS row.

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### Balloon Expansion
Change to **US 7 / 4.5 mm** needles.

**Expansion Row (WS — increase row):** *P1, pfb (purl into front and back); rep from * to end — **36 sts**.
*(24 sts: 12 pfb increases added = 24 + 12 = 36 sts ✓)*

**Next Expansion Row (RS):** *K1, kfb (knit into front and back); rep from * to end — **54 sts**.
*(36 sts: 18 kfb increases added = 36 + 18 = 54 sts ✓)*

**Next Row (WS):** *P1, pfb; rep from * to end — **81 sts**... 

> *(Revised for cleaner math — target is 70 sts for 14 in upper arm. Let's expand efficiently:)*

**Revised Balloon Expansion (use these rows instead):**

After ribbing (24 sts), change to US 7 / 4.5 mm needles.

**Expansion Row (WS):** Purl, increasing evenly as follows: *p2, pfb; rep from * to end — **32 sts**.
*(24 ÷ 3 = 8 groups × pfb = 8 increases. 24 + 8 = 32 sts ✓)*

**Next Row (RS):** Knit, increasing evenly: *k2, kfb; rep from * to last 2 sts, k2 — **42 sts**.
*(32: work 10 groups of k2, kfb = 10 increases. 32 + 10 = 42 sts. Adjust: 30 ÷ 3 = 10 groups + k2 rem = 32 sts. 42 sts total ✓)*

**Next Row (WS):** Purl, increasing evenly: *p1, pfb; rep from * to end — **63 sts**.
*(42: every other st increased = 21 increases. 42 + 21 = 63 sts ✓)*

**Next Row (RS):** Knit, increasing evenly: *k6, kfb; rep from * to end — **72 sts**.
*(63: 63 ÷ 7 = 9 groups. 9 increases. 63 + 9 = 72 sts. ✓ close to target 70 sts — use 72 sts)*

> **72 sts = 14.4 inches at gauge ✓** — this is our balloon sleeve width.

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### Sleeve Body (Balloon Section)
Work even in St st on **72 sts** until sleeve measures **13 in (33 cm)** from top of cuff ribbing, ending with a WS row.
*(Total sleeve length target: 15 in – 2 in cuff ribbing = 13 in body ✓)*

> **Flower Placement on Sleeves (optional):** For a coordinating look, place one flower motif centered on each sleeve front when sleeve body measures approx. **5 in (12.5 cm)** from expansion row. Center of 72 sts = st 36–37. Place motif at sts **33–39** (centered: 36 – 3 = 33 to 36 + 3 = 39 ✓).

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### Cap Shaping
**BO 4 sts at beg of next 2 rows** — 64 sts rem.
*(72 – 4 – 4 = 64 sts ✓)*

**Decrease Row (RS):** K2, ssk, knit to last 4 sts, k2tog, k2.
**WS:** Purl across.

Rep last 2 rows until **24 sts rem**.
*(64 – 24 = 40 sts decreased. 40 ÷ 2 sts per dec row = 20 dec rows ✓)*

**BO 3 sts at beg of next 4 rows** — 12 sts rem.
*(24 – 12 = 12 sts ✓)*

**BO remaining 12 sts.**

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## BUTTON BANDS

**Assembly First:** Before working bands, seam the garment using mattress stitch: join shoulders, set in sleeves, sew side seams, and sew sleeve seams.

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### Left Front Band (No Buttonholes)
With RS facing, using **US 5 / 3.75 mm** needles and MC, pick up and knit sts along the left front edge from hem to V-neck point at **rate of 3 sts for every 4 rows**.

*(Body to underarm = 91 rows; armhole + neck = 46 rows. Total rows ≈ 137. At 3:4 ratio = 103 sts picked up. Round to nearest even number: **104 sts**.)*

**Row 1 (WS):** *K2, p2; rep from * to end.
**Row 2 (RS):** *K2, p2; rep from * to end.

Rep Rows 1–2 for **8 rows** total (approx. 1.25 in / 3 cm).
**BO in rib.**

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### Right Front Band (With Buttonholes)
With RS facing, using **US 5 / 3.75 mm** needles and MC, pick up and knit **104 sts** along the right front edge from V-neck point down to hem.

**Row 1 (WS):** *P2, k2; rep from * to end.
**Row 2 (RS):** *K2, p2; rep from * to end.
**Row 3 (WS):** Work in rib as established.

**Buttonhole Row (RS — Row 4):**
Work **5 buttonholes** evenly spaced. With 104 sts and 5 buttonholes:
- Place first buttonhole 4 sts from bottom edge.
- Place last buttonhole 4 sts from top (V-neck point).
- Space remaining 3 buttonholes evenly between.
*(104 – 8 edge sts = 96 sts for 4 spaces between 5 buttons = 24 sts between each buttonhole ✓)*

Buttonhole position from bottom: sts 4, 28, 52, 76, 100.

**Buttonhole:** Work to buttonhole position, BO 2 sts, continue in rib.
**Next Row (WS):** Work in rib, CO 2 sts over each gap using backward loop cast-on.

Continue in rib for **3 more rows**.
**BO in rib.**

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### V-Neck Band
With RS facing, using **US 5 / 3.75 mm** needles and MC, beginning at top right front edge, pick up and knit:
- **Along right V-neck slope:** approx. 30 sts
- **Across back neck:** 22 sts
- **Along left V-neck slope:** approx. 30 sts
- **Total: approx. 82 sts**

*(Pick up rate along diagonal: 2 sts per 3 rows for neat edge ✓)*

**Row 1 (WS):** *P2, k2; rep from * to last 2 sts, p2.

**Decrease at center-front V point:**
Place marker at center-front V-point (where the two fronts meet at bottom of V).

**Row 2 (RS):** Work in rib to 1 st before marker, ssk, sm, k2tog, work in rib to end.
**Row 3 (WS):** Work in rib as established.

Rep Rows 2–3 for **4 rows** total (2 decrease rows).

**BO in rib**, maintaining decreases at V-point on final BO row.

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## FINISHING

### Seaming
1. **Shoulder Seams:** Join left and right shoulders using mattress stitch or three-needle bind-off with WS together for a flat seam.
2. **Sleeve Set-In:** Pin sleeve cap into armhole, easing to fit. Sew with mattress stitch.
3. **Side Seams:** Sew side seams from hem to underarm using mattress stitch.
4. **Sleeve Seams:** Sew each sleeve seam from cuff to underarm.

### Buttons
Sew 5 buttons to **Left Front band**, aligning with buttonholes on Right Front band.

### Weaving In Ends
Weave in all yarn ends carefully on the WS, especially all intarsia color changes. Use a tapestry needle and weave each end in at least 1 inch in two directions for security.

### Blocking
Wet block the finished cardigan:
1. Soak in cool water with a drop of wool wash for 10–15 minutes.
2. Gently squeeze (do not wring) and roll in a towel to remove excess water.
3. Lay flat and pin to finished measurements.
4. Allow to dry completely before wearing.

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## QUICK REFERENCE — STITCH COUNT SUMMARY

| Piece | Cast-On | After Ribbing | After Armhole | Shoulder |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Back | 76 sts | 76 sts | 62 sts | 20 sts each side |
| Left Front | 38 sts | 38 sts | 31 sts → 20 sts | 20 sts |
| Right Front | 38 sts | 38 sts | 31 sts → 20 sts | 20 sts |
| Sleeve (each) | 24 sts | 24 sts | 72 sts (balloon) | BO all |

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*Pattern designed for one size: Child Age 10. Finished chest 30 in (76 cm). Always check gauge before beginning.*

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