purlJam

# The Digital Nomad Trench (Matrix-Inspired)

This advanced-level pattern creates a floor-length, structured duster coat with a mandarin collar and flared hem.

## Materials
*   **Yarn**: Worsted weight yarn (approx. 2,200 – 2,500 metres / 2,400 – 2,750 yards). 
    *   *Fibre Recommendation*: Acrylic/Wool blend for structure and warmth without excessive weight.
*   **Hook**: 5mm (H/8) or size needed to obtain tension.
*   **Notions**: Tapestry needle, 8 x 20mm buttons, stitch markers.

## Tension (Gauge)
16 sts and 20 rows = 10cm (4") in UK dc (US sc) using a 5mm hook.
*Math Validation: 1.6 sts per cm. (1.6 * 50cm back width = 80 sts).*

## Abbreviations (UK Terms)
*   **ch**: chain
*   **st(s)**: stitch(es)
*   **dc**: double crochet (US single crochet)
*   **tr**: treble crochet (US double crochet)
*   **ltr**: linked treble crochet (Insert hook into horizontal bar of previous tr, pull up loop, insert hook into next st, pull up loop, [yo, pull through 2] twice).
*   **htr**: half treble crochet (US half double crochet)
*   **inc**: increase (2 sts in 1)
*   **dec**: decrease (dc2tog)
*   **RS/WS**: Right Side / Wrong Side

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## Pattern Instructions

### Back Panel
**Bodice**
1.  **Foundation**: Ch 81.
2.  **Row 1 (RS)**: Dc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across. (80 dc).
3.  **Rows 2–80**: Ch 1, turn. Dc in each st across. (Row 80 should hit the waistline, approx 40cm from start).
4.  **Waist Shaping**: Row 81 (Inc Row): Ch 1, turn. 2 dc in first st, dc to last st, 2 dc in last st. (82 dc).
5.  **Rows 82–100**: Work even in dc.

**Skirt Flare**
*Switching to Linked Treble (ltr) for drape.*
6.  **Row 101**: Ch 3 (counts as tr), tr in next st, ltr in each st across. (82 sts).
7.  **Row 102 (Inc Row)**: Ch 3, tr in same st, ltr across to last st, 2 ltr in last st. (84 sts).
8.  **Rows 103–220**: Repeat Inc Row every 6th row. 
    *Math Validation: 220-101 = 119 rows. 119/6 ≈ 20 increase rows. 84 + (20 * 2) = 124 sts at hem.*
9.  Fasten off when piece measures 135cm (53") or desired length.

### Front Panels (Make 2)
1.  **Foundation**: Ch 43.
2.  **Row 1 (RS)**: Dc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across. (42 dc).
3.  **Rows 2–80**: Work even in dc. 
4.  **Waist Shaping**: Row 81: Inc 1 st at the side edge (opposite the centre front edge). (43 dc).
5.  **Armhole Shaping (Row 85)**: Dec 1 st at side edge every row 5 times. (38 dc).
6.  **Neckline Shaping (Row 95)**: Dec 1 st at centre front edge every row 8 times. (30 dc remaining for shoulder).
7.  **Skirt Section**: Match construction of Back Panel skirt flare, increasing only at the side edge every 6th row.

### Sleeves (Make 2)
1.  **Foundation**: Ch 33.
2.  **Row 1**: Dc in 2nd ch and across. (32 dc).
3.  **Sleeve Increase**: Inc 1 st at each end every 4th row until you have 52 sts.
4.  **Length**: Work until sleeve measures 48cm (19").
5.  **Sleeve Cap**: Dec 2 sts at the start of next 6 rows. (40 sts). Fasten off.

### Assembly
1.  **Shoulders**: Join front panels to back using mattress stitch for a flat seam.
2.  **Sleeves**: Pin centre of sleeve cap to shoulder seam. Sew in place.
3.  **Side Seams**: Sew from cuff to armpit, then down the side to the hem.

### Finishing
**Mandarin Collar**
1.  Join yarn to RS neck edge.
2.  **Row 1**: Work 60 dc evenly around the neckline.
3.  **Rows 2–8**: Ch 1, turn. Dc in each st across.
4.  **Row 9 (Edging)**: Crab stitch (reverse dc) around the top of the collar for a stiff, professional finish.

**Front Placket**
1.  Join yarn at bottom Right Front. 
2.  Work 3 rows of dc up the front, around the collar, and down the Left Front.
3.  On the 2nd row (Right side for men's, Left for women's), create buttonholes: [Ch 2, skip 2 sts, dc 15] 8 times.
4.  Fasten off and sew buttons to the opposite side to correspond with holes.

**Final Block**
Steam block heavily, especially the skirt, to encourage the "drop" and vertical drape of the ltr stitches.