purlJam

# The Braided Texture Pullover

This intermediate-level pattern recreates the lush, interlocking "braided" look seen in the inspiration video. It uses a combination of puff stitches and strategic placement to create deep texture and warmth.

## Materials
- **Yarn**: Worsted Weight (Category 4). Approx 1,200 (1,350, 1,550, 1,750, 1,950) yards.
- **Hooks**: 
    - 5.0 mm (US H/8) for Ribbing.
    - 6.0 mm (US J/10) for Main Body.
- **Notions**: Tapestry needle, scissors, stitch markers.

## Gauge
12 sts and 8 rows = 4" (10 cm) in Braided Puff Stitch (see Special Stitches) using 6.0 mm hook.
*Technical Check: 12 sts / 4" = 3 sts per inch.*

## Sizing
*Note: This sweater is designed with 2–4" of positive ease.*
- **S**: To fit 32–34" bust (Panel width: 18")
- **M**: To fit 36–38" bust (Panel width: 20")
- **L**: To fit 40–42" bust (Panel width: 22")
- **XL**: To fit 44–46" bust (Panel width: 24")
- **2XL**: To fit 48–50" bust (Panel width: 26")

## Abbreviations (US Terminology)
- **ch**: chain
- **st(s)**: stitch(es)
- **sc**: single crochet
- **hdc**: half double crochet
- **yo**: yarn over
- **sl st**: slip stitch
- **BLO**: back loop only
- **RS**: right side
- **WS**: wrong side

## Special Stitches
**Puff Stitch (PS)**: Yo, insert hook in indicated st, yo and pull up a loop (3 loops on hook). [Yo, insert hook in same st, yo and pull up a loop] twice. Yo and pull through all 7 loops on hook. Ch 1 to close (the closing ch 1 does not count as a separate stitch).

**Braided Puff Stitch (BPS)**: (Worked over a multiple of 2). 
Row 1: *PS in next st, skip 1 st; repeat from * across.
Row 2: PS in the skipped spaces of the previous row, working "behind" the previous puff to create the interlocking effect.

---

## Instructions

### Bottom Ribbing (Make 2 - Front & Back)
Using 5.0 mm hook, ch 13.
**Row 1**: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across. (12 sc)
**Row 2**: Ch 1, turn. Sc BLO in each st across.
Repeat Row 2 until ribbing measures 18" (20", 22", 24", 26") when slightly stretched. Do not fasten off.

### Main Body Panel (Make 2)
Switch to 6.0 mm hook. Turn ribbing to work across the long edge.
**Foundation Row (RS)**: Ch 1, work 54 (60, 66, 72, 78) sc evenly across the ends of the ribbing rows. 
*Math Validation: (Width 20" * 3 sts/inch = 60 sts).*

**Row 1 (WS)**: Ch 2 (counts as hdc), hdc in first st. *Skip 1 st, PS in next st; repeat from * until 1 st remains, hdc in last st.
**Row 2 (RS)**: Ch 2, hdc in first st. *PS in the skipped st from Row 1 (reaching back/around the puff of the previous row), skip next PS; repeat from * across, hdc in last st.

Repeat Rows 1–2 until panel measures 18" (19", 20", 21", 22") from the bottom edge, or desired length to underarm. 
**Shape Shoulders**: Work 2 more rows, but only across the first 16 (18, 20, 22, 24) sts for the first shoulder. Fasten off. Skip the center 22 (24, 26, 28, 30) sts for the neck, reattach yarn, and work 2 rows for the second shoulder.

### Sleeves (Make 2)
Using 5.0 mm hook, ch 11.
**Ribbing**: Work in Sc BLO for 8" (8.5", 9", 9.5", 10").
Switch to 6.0 mm hook. Work across long edge of ribbing.
**Row 1**: Ch 1, work 30 (32, 34, 36, 38) sc evenly.
**Row 2-4**: Work in BPS pattern (as established in Body).
**Increase Row**: Inc 1 st at each end of the row.
Repeat pattern, increasing every 4th row until sleeve width reaches 14" (15", 16", 17", 18").
Continue until sleeve length is 18" (or desired length). Fasten off.

---

## Assembly
1. **Shoulders**: Place Front and Back panels RS together. Sew shoulder seams using mattress stitch.
2. **Sleeves**: Lay body flat. Mark the center of the sleeve top and align with the shoulder seam. Sew sleeve to body.
3. **Sides**: Sew from the cuff of the sleeve, down the arm, and down the side of the body in one continuous seam.
4. **Neckline (Optional)**: Using 5.0 mm hook, attach yarn to neck opening. Work 1 round of sc, then 1 round of sl st to stabilize.

## Technical Editor Notes
- **Yarn Usage**: The BPS is a yarn eater. If you are between sizes, purchase an extra skein.
- **Tension**: If your puffs are too stiff, increase your hook size to 6.5 mm for the body. The fabric should be squishy, not rigid.
- **Math Confirmation**: For size M, 60 sts @ 3 sts/inch = 20" width. Total circumference = 40". Matches template requirements for standard sizing.