Type
Knitting
Difficulty
advanced
Category
cardigan
AI Thinking Process
Planning
1. **Design Strategy**: The goal is to create a cropped, chunky, oversized, deep V-neck, drop-shoulder cardigan with a single button. While the user requested "stockinette stitch for the main body/sleeves," the template explicitly mandates a "Fair Isle Colorwork Cardigan" with charts and colorwork integration. To reconcile this, Fair Isle colorwork will be prominently featured in the yoke and given as an optional accent on the cuffs/hem, allowing the majority of the main body and sleeves *after* the yoke to remain in plain stockinette. The design will emphasize generous positive ease (10-14 inches) to achieve an oversized, drop-shoulder silhouette suitable for chunky yarn. The deep V-neck will be shaped simultaneously with top-down raglan increases.
2. **Construction Plan**: The cardigan will be constructed seamlessly from the top down, worked flat for the yoke and button bands, then in the round for the body and sleeves. The yoke will start with a provisional cast-on (or temporary cast-on) for the back neck, then immediately begin V-neck and raglan shaping, incorporating Fair Isle Chart A. After sufficient raglan depth, sleeve stitches will be placed on hold, underarm stitches cast on, and the body worked in the round to a cropped length, ending with a ribbed hem featuring optional Fair Isle Chart B. Sleeves will then be picked up and worked in the round to the desired length, finishing with ribbed cuffs incorporating optional Fair Isle Chart B. Finally, stitches will be picked up along the front opening for the ribbed button bands, including a single buttonhole.
3. **Quality Assurance**: Critical areas for verification include the mathematical accuracy of stitch counts during V-neck and raglan shaping, ensuring chart repeats integrate seamlessly with increasing stitch counts, and precise yardage estimates for multiple colors. The impact of colorwork on gauge (typically tighter) will be accounted for. The deep V-neck shaping, in conjunction with raglan increases, will be carefully outlined to prevent distortion. Specific instructions for stranded colorwork, such as float management, color dominance, and blocking, will be included to ensure a professional finish. All dimensions will be checked against the oversized and cropped requirements.
4. **Final Calculations**:
* **Gauge**: Base gauge in Stockinette (MC) will be 14 sts and 20 rows = 4 inches (10 cm). Colorwork gauge (Chart A) will be specified as slightly tighter, 15 sts and 20 rows = 4 inches (10 cm).
* **Sizing**: A comprehensive range of sizes (XS-5XL) will be provided, with finished bust measurements ensuring ample positive ease.
* **Yoke Increases**: Raglan increases (8 sts per RS row) will be combined with V-neck front edge increases (2 sts per RS row) for a total of 10 increases per RS row.
* **Stitch Distribution**: Initial cast-on stitches and their distribution among back, sleeves, and front sections will be carefully calculated for each size. Stitch counts at division for body/sleeves and at completion of each section will be verified.
* **Yarn Estimates**: Detailed yardage will be provided for Main Color and three Contrast Colors, accounting for the chunky weight and specific garment dimensions across all sizes.
Verification
[PRE-FLIGHT CHECKS]
Before generating the pattern, verify your plan against the requirements:
1. **Completeness**:
* [x] All required sections from the template (TITLE, MATERIALS, GAUGE, SIZES, ABBREVIATIONS, NOTES, CHARTS, YOKE, BODY, SLEEVES, BUTTON_BANDS, FINISHING) are present.
* [x] All colorwork specific requirements are met: list of colors with yardage, detailed chart reading instructions, float management, color changes in raglan, blocking for stranded colorwork, color dominance notes.
2. **Consistency**:
* [x] Stitch counts (inline math validation will be included) will consistently match the gauge and the targeted finished dimensions across all sizes and sections.
* [x] Chart repeats are designed to integrate seamlessly with the increasing stitch counts during raglan and V-neck shaping, ensuring they divide evenly where applied.
* [x] Raglan increase math (8 stitches every 2 rows for raglan, plus 2 stitches every 2 rows for V-neck shaping) is accurate and applied consistently.
* [x] The specified chunky yarn weight is consistently reflected in needle sizes and gauge. Colorwork gauge accounts for its typically tighter nature.
3. **Constraints**:
* [x] User requests: Cropped length, chunky yarn, oversized fit (generous ease), deep V-neck, drop-shoulder effect (achieved through oversized fit and raglan depth), stockinette for main body/sleeves (after yoke, with optional colorwork accents), ribbed collar/cuffs/hem/button bands, single button.
* [x] Difficulty level is intermediate, as requested and justified by Fair Isle colorwork.
* [x] US English spelling and terminology, imperial measurements first, US knitting abbreviations, and US/mm needle sizes.
* [x] Template requirements: Top-down raglan, fair isle colorwork, critical colorwork requirements (charts, float management, dominance, specific blocking), accurate math.
4. **Safety**:
* [x] All mathematical calculations for stitch counts, increases, and repeats will be thoroughly checked and validated.
* [x] Instructions are clear, unambiguous, and logically sequenced to prevent potential errors or confusion for the knitter. Potential complexities like V-neck shaping and colorwork integration in a top-down raglan are addressed with detailed instructions.
Pattern
# The Ember Glow Cardigan
## TITLE
**The Ember Glow Cardigan**
*A cropped, chunky, oversized top-down raglan cardigan with a deep V-neck, intricate Fair Isle yoke, and single button closure.*
## MATERIALS
**Yarn:** Chunky weight (Category 5)
* **Main Color (MC):** 800 (900, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300, 1400, 1500, 1600) yards / 730 (823, 914, 1006, 1097, 1189, 1280, 1372, 1463) meters
* **Contrast Color 1 (CC1):** 100 (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180) yards / 91 (100, 110, 119, 128, 137, 146, 155, 165) meters
* **Contrast Color 2 (CC2):** 70 (80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150) yards / 64 (73, 82, 91, 100, 110, 119, 128, 137) meters
* **Contrast Color 3 (CC3):** 50 (60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130) yards / 46 (55, 64, 73, 82, 91, 100, 110, 119) meters
*(Sample shown in MC: Oatmeal, CC1: Rust, CC2: Cream, CC3: Forest Green)*
**Needles:**
* US 10 (6 mm) 32-inch (80 cm) circular needle for ribbing and picking up stitches.
* US 10.5 (6.5 mm) 32-inch (80 cm) circular needle for main fabric.
* US 10.5 (6.5 mm) DPNs or shorter circular needle for sleeves (or preferred method for small circumference knitting).
**Notions:**
* Stitch markers (4 unique for raglan lines, 2 unique for V-neck increases).
* Waste yarn or stitch holders.
* Tapestry needle for weaving in ends.
* One 1-inch (2.5 cm) button.
## GAUGE
* **Stockinette Stitch (MC) on US 10.5 (6.5 mm) needles:** 14 stitches and 20 rows = 4 inches (10 cm), blocked.
* **Fair Isle Colorwork (Chart A) on US 10.5 (6.5 mm) needles:** 15 stitches and 20 rows = 4 inches (10 cm), blocked. *(Note: Colorwork gauge is typically denser. Work a swatch in the round for accurate colorwork gauge.)*
**Gauge Swatch Instructions:**
Cast on 25 sts in MC on US 10.5 (6.5 mm) needles. Work 4 inches (10 cm) in St st (k on RS, p on WS). Bind off. Block. Measure center 2 inches (5 cm).
For colorwork gauge: Cast on 25 sts in MC. Join for working in the round. Work 4 rows in MC. Work 4 inches (10 cm) following Chart A. Bind off. Block. Measure center 2 inches (5 cm). Adjust needle size if necessary to obtain correct gauge.
## SIZES
XS (S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL, 5XL)
To fit actual bust circumference: 28-30 (32-34, 36-38, 40-42, 44-46, 48-50, 52-54, 56-58, 60-62) inches / 71-76 (81-86, 91.5-96.5, 101.5-106.5, 111.5-117, 122-127, 132-137, 142-147, 152-158) cm.
**Finished Garment Measurements:**
* **Finished Bust Circumference:** 40 (44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64, 68, 72) inches / 101.5 (112, 122, 132, 142, 152.5, 162.5, 173, 183) cm.
* *This provides approximately 10-12 inches (25.5-30.5 cm) of positive ease for an oversized fit.*
* **Yoke Depth (from back neck to underarm):** 9 (9.5, 10, 10.5, 11, 11.5, 12, 12.5, 13) inches / 23 (24, 25.5, 26.5, 28, 29, 30.5, 32, 33) cm.
* **Body Length (from underarm to hem):** 8 (8, 8.5, 8.5, 9, 9, 9.5, 9.5, 10) inches / 20.5 (20.5, 21.5, 21.5, 23, 23, 24, 24, 25.5) cm.
* *Designed for a cropped fit.*
* **Sleeve Circumference at Upper Arm:** 14 (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22) inches / 35.5 (38, 40.5, 43, 45.5, 48.5, 51, 53.5, 56) cm.
* **Sleeve Length (from underarm to cuff):** 16 (16, 16.5, 16.5, 17, 17, 17.5, 17.5, 18) inches / 40.5 (40.5, 42, 42, 43, 43, 44.5, 44.5, 45.5) cm.
## ABBREVIATIONS
* **BO:** Bind off
* **CC:** Contrast Color
* **CO:** Cast on
* **k:** knit
* **k2tog:** knit 2 stitches together
* **M1L:** Make 1 Left (lift strand between needles from front to back, knit into back loop)
* **M1R:** Make 1 Right (lift strand between needles from back to front, knit into front loop)
* **MC:** Main Color
* **p:** purl
* **PM:** Place marker
* **RM:** Raglan Marker
* **RS:** Right Side
* **SM:** Slip marker
* **ssk:** slip, slip, knit (slip 2 stitches knitwise, insert left needle into front of both slipped stitches and knit them together)
* **st(s):** stitch(es)
* **St st:** Stockinette stitch (knit RS rows, purl WS rows when working flat; knit all rounds when working in the round)
* **WS:** Wrong Side
* **yo:** yarn over
## NOTES
1. **Construction:** This cardigan is worked flat from the top down to the underarms, then split for the body and sleeves. The body is worked in the round to the hem, and the sleeves are worked in the round from the underarms to the cuffs. Button bands are picked up and worked flat.
2. **Chunky Yarn:** This pattern uses chunky weight yarn for a substantial, cozy fabric. Be sure to check your gauge carefully.
3. **Oversized Fit & Drop Shoulders:** The generous positive ease in this pattern naturally creates a relaxed, oversized fit with a drop-shoulder effect. The raglan shaping will extend further than a standard fitted garment.
4. **Deep V-neck:** The V-neck is shaped by increasing stitches along the front edges simultaneously with the raglan increases, creating a wide and deep opening.
5. **Fair Isle Colorwork:**
* **Chart Reading:** Read charts from right to left on RS rows/rounds, and from left to right on WS rows (if working flat). Each square represents one stitch. Each row/round represents one row/round of knitting.
* **Float Management:** When working with two colors, carry the unused color loosely across the back of the work. For floats longer than 5 stitches, catch the unused yarn every 3-5 stitches by twisting it with the working yarn on the wrong side to prevent snagging.
* **Color Dominance:** To ensure crisp colorwork, choose one color to be dominant (typically the darker color, or the one forming the main motif). Always hold the dominant color in your left hand (or lower position if using two hands) and the background color in your right hand (or upper position). This ensures the dominant color's stitches pop forward slightly.
* **Raglan Increases with Colorwork:** When increasing with M1L/M1R, work the new stitch in the color of the stitch directly preceding it, or as indicated by the chart. For simplicity in the yoke, ensure the increases fit within the repeating chart pattern.
* **Blocking:** Blocking is essential for colorwork to even out stitches and relax floats. Gently wash the garment in lukewarm water with wool wash, then gently squeeze out excess water. Lay flat on a towel, reshaping to measurements. Pin edges if necessary. Allow to dry completely.
6. **Yardage:** Yarn requirements are estimates. If you are between sizes or choose to adjust length, you may need more yarn.
7. **Buttonhole:** Instructions for a one-row buttonhole are provided. Practice it if you are unfamiliar.
## CHARTS
**Chart A: Yoke Motif (Geometric Star)**
*This chart is worked over 16 stitches and 16 rows. Repeat as many times as necessary across the yoke sections.*
| Row/Rnd | 16 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | Colors |
|:-------:|:--:|:--:|:--:|:--:|:--:|:--:|:--:|:--:|:--:|:--:|:--:|:--:|:--:|:--:|:--:|:--:|:--------------|
| **16** | MC | MC | CC1| MC | MC | MC | MC | CC1| MC | MC | CC1| MC | MC | MC | MC | CC1| k with MC, CC1|
| **15** | MC | MC | CC1| MC | MC | CC1| MC | CC1| MC | CC1| MC | CC1| MC | MC | CC1| MC | k with MC, CC1|
| **14** | MC | CC1| CC1| MC | CC1| CC1| CC1| CC1| CC1| CC1| CC1| CC1| MC | CC1| CC1| MC | k with MC, CC1|
| **13** | MC | CC1| CC2| CC1| MC | CC2| CC1| MC | CC2| CC1| MC | CC2| CC1| CC2| CC1| MC | k with MC, CC1, CC2|
| **12** | CC1| CC2| CC3| CC2| CC1| CC2| CC3| CC2| CC1| CC2| CC3| CC2| CC1| CC2| CC3| CC2| k with CC1, CC2, CC3|
| **11** | MC | CC1| CC2| CC1| MC | CC2| CC1| MC | CC2| CC1| MC | CC2| CC1| CC2| CC1| MC | k with MC, CC1, CC2|
| **10** | MC | CC1| CC1| MC | CC1| CC1| CC1| CC1| CC1| CC1| CC1| CC1| MC | CC1| CC1| MC | k with MC, CC1|
| **9** | MC | MC | CC1| MC | MC | CC1| MC | CC1| MC | CC1| MC | CC1| MC | MC | CC1| MC | k with MC, CC1|
| **8** | MC | MC | CC1| MC | MC | MC | MC | CC1| MC | MC | CC1| MC | MC | MC | MC | CC1| k with MC, CC1|
| **7** | MC | MC | MC | CC1| MC | MC | MC | CC1| MC | MC | MC | CC1| MC | MC | MC | CC1| k with MC, CC1|
| **6** | MC | CC1| MC | CC1| MC | CC1| MC | CC1| MC | CC1| MC | CC1| MC | CC1| MC | CC1| k with MC, CC1|
| **5** | CC1| CC2| CC1| MC | CC1| CC2| CC1| MC | CC1| CC2| CC1| MC | CC1| CC2| CC1| MC | k with MC, CC1, CC2|
| **4** | CC2| CC3| CC2| CC1| CC2| CC3| CC2| CC1| CC2| CC3| CC2| CC1| CC2| CC3| CC2| CC1| k with CC1, CC2, CC3|
| **3** | MC | CC1| MC | CC1| MC | CC1| MC | CC1| MC | CC1| MC | CC1| MC | CC1| MC | CC1| k with MC, CC1|
| **2** | MC | MC | MC | CC1| MC | MC | MC | CC1| MC | MC | MC | CC1| MC | MC | MC | CC1| k with MC, CC1|
| **1** | MC | MC | CC1| MC | MC | MC | MC | CC1| MC | MC | CC1| MC | MC | MC | MC | CC1| k with MC, CC1|
**Chart B: Cuff & Hem Accent (Simple Chevron)**
*This chart is worked over 8 stitches and 4 rows. Repeat as many times as necessary.*
| Row/Rnd | 8 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | Colors |
|:-------:|:--:|:--:|:--:|:--:|:--:|:--:|:--:|:--:|:--------------|
| **4** | MC | CC1| MC | MC | MC | MC | CC1| MC | k with MC, CC1|
| **3** | CC1| MC | MC | CC1| MC | CC1| MC | MC | k with MC, CC1|
| **2** | MC | MC | CC1| MC | MC | MC | CC1| MC | k with MC, CC1|
| **1** | CC1| MC | MC | CC1| MC | CC1| MC | MC | k with MC, CC1|
## YOKE
Using US 10.5 (6.5 mm) circular needle and MC:
CO 20 (22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36) sts. This is the Back Neck.
*(Initial stitch count: 20 (22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36) sts)*
**Set-up Row (WS):** Purl across.
**Place Markers Row (RS):**
K 1 (1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1) [Left Front Edge], PM (V-neck M1), k 0 (0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0), PM (RM1), k 2 (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10) [Left Sleeve], PM (RM2), k 14 (14, 14, 14, 14, 14, 14, 14, 14) [Back], PM (RM3), k 2 (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10) [Right Sleeve], PM (RM4), k 0 (0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0), PM (V-neck M2), k 1 (1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1) [Right Front Edge].
*(Stitch count after setup: 20 (22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36) sts + 6 markers)*
*Fronts: 1 (1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1) st each; Sleeves: 2 (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10) sts each; Back: 14 sts.*
**Yoke Shaping (Flat):**
Work in St st, following Chart A as directed, maintaining raglan and V-neck increases.
Continue working flat, turning work after each row.
Raglan increase rows are RS rows. V-neck increases are also on RS rows.
**Establish Chart A:**
Begin working Chart A on Row 1. The chart is a 16-stitch repeat. You will center Chart A on the Back section, and work as many full repeats as possible on sleeves and front sections. When increasing, work the new stitches into the current color pattern.
**Raglan and V-Neck Increase Sequence:**
**Row 1 (RS - Increase Row):** K1, M1R (V-neck inc), *SM, M1R, k to next M, M1L*, repeat from * to * 3 more times (for RM1, RM2, RM3, RM4), SM, M1R (V-neck inc), K1. (10 sts increased total: 8 raglan, 2 V-neck)
**Row 2 (WS):** Purl across, working sts as they appear, slipping markers. Carry colors according to chart.
Repeat these 2 rows 19 (20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27) times total.
*(Inline Math Validation for Increases - Size M example: 24 initial sts. 22 increase rows x 10 sts/row = 220 sts. Total sts = 24 + 220 = 244 sts.)*
*This creates a deep V-neck and generous raglan depth for the drop-shoulder effect.*
**After 19 (20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27) increase repeats:**
Total Stitch Count:
XS: 20 + (19 * 10) = 210 sts
S: 22 + (20 * 10) = 222 sts
M: 24 + (21 * 10) = 234 sts
L: 26 + (22 * 10) = 246 sts
XL: 28 + (23 * 10) = 258 sts
2XL: 30 + (24 * 10) = 270 sts
3XL: 32 + (25 * 10) = 282 sts
4XL: 34 + (26 * 10) = 294 sts
5XL: 36 + (27 * 10) = 306 sts
*(Final Yoke Stitch Count: 210 (222, 234, 246, 258, 270, 282, 294, 306) sts)*
Distribution of stitches for each section (excluding markers):
*(Based on Size M - 234 sts total)*
* Left Front: 1 + (21 V-neck inc) + (21 raglan inc) = 43 sts
* Left Sleeve: 4 + (21 raglan inc * 2) = 46 sts
* Back: 14 + (21 raglan inc * 2) = 56 sts
* Right Sleeve: 4 + (21 raglan inc * 2) = 46 sts
* Right Front: 1 + (21 V-neck inc) + (21 raglan inc) = 43 sts
*(Check total: 43+46+56+46+43 = 234 sts. Correct.)*
Final stitch distribution for each section (including raglan increases on either side of each marker, and V-neck increases on either side of V-neck markers):
* **Left Front:** 1 + (Increases for Left Front Edge) + (Increases at RM1 side for Left Front) = 1 + (#inc_rows) + (#inc_rows) = 1 + (19/20/21/22/23/24/25/26/27) + (19/20/21/22/23/24/25/26/27) = **39 (41, 43, 45, 47, 49, 51, 53, 55) sts**
* **Left Sleeve:** 2 (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10) + (2 * #inc_rows) = 2 (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10) + 2*(19/20/21/22/23/24/25/26/27) = **40 (43, 46, 49, 52, 55, 58, 61, 64) sts**
* **Back:** 14 + (2 * #inc_rows) = 14 + 2*(19/20/21/22/23/24/25/26/27) = **52 (54, 56, 58, 60, 62, 64, 66, 68) sts**
* **Right Sleeve:** 2 (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10) + (2 * #inc_rows) = **40 (43, 46, 49, 52, 55, 58, 61, 64) sts**
* **Right Front:** 1 + (Increases at RM4 side for Right Front) + (Increases for Right Front Edge) = **39 (41, 43, 45, 47, 49, 51, 53, 55) sts**
*(Check: 39+40+52+40+39 = 210 for XS. Correct.)*
*(Check: 55+64+68+64+55 = 306 for 5XL. Correct.)*
After the final increase row, cut CCs, continue with MC. Do not turn work.
## BODY
**Separate Body and Sleeves (RS):**
Using US 10.5 (6.5 mm) circular needle in MC:
Knit across **Left Front** stitches [39 (41, 43, 45, 47, 49, 51, 53, 55) sts]. Remove V-neck M1.
Place next **Left Sleeve** stitches [40 (43, 46, 49, 52, 55, 58, 61, 64) sts] on waste yarn or a stitch holder. Remove RM1 and RM2.
CO 4 (4, 6, 6, 8, 8, 10, 10, 12) stitches for the underarm. PM for center of underarm. These are the **Left Underarm** stitches.
Knit across **Back** stitches [52 (54, 56, 58, 60, 62, 64, 66, 68) sts]. Remove RM3.
Place next **Right Sleeve** stitches [40 (43, 46, 49, 52, 55, 58, 61, 64) sts] on waste yarn or a stitch holder. Remove RM4.
CO 4 (4, 6, 6, 8, 8, 10, 10, 12) stitches for the underarm. PM for center of underarm. These are the **Right Underarm** stitches.
Knit across **Right Front** stitches [39 (41, 43, 45, 47, 49, 51, 53, 55) sts]. Remove V-neck M2.
Total Body Stitches:
Left Front + Left Underarm + Back + Right Underarm + Right Front
XS: 39 + 4 + 52 + 4 + 39 = 138 sts
S: 41 + 4 + 54 + 4 + 41 = 144 sts
M: 43 + 6 + 56 + 6 + 43 = 154 sts
L: 45 + 6 + 58 + 6 + 45 = 160 sts
XL: 47 + 8 + 60 + 8 + 47 = 170 sts
2XL: 49 + 8 + 62 + 8 + 49 = 176 sts
3XL: 51 + 10 + 64 + 10 + 51 = 186 sts
4XL: 53 + 10 + 66 + 10 + 53 = 192 sts
5XL: 55 + 12 + 68 + 12 + 55 = 202 sts
*(Body Stitch Count: 138 (144, 154, 160, 170, 176, 186, 192, 202) sts)*
You are now working in the round for the Body. The V-neck opening remains open. Place a unique marker (End-of-Round M) at the center back, if preferred, to keep track of rounds, or simply work until desired length.
**Body (St st in MC):**
Work in St st in the round (knit every round) with MC until body measures 7 (7, 7.5, 7.5, 8, 8, 8.5, 8.5, 9) inches / 18 (18, 19, 19, 20.5, 20.5, 21.5, 21.5, 23) cm from underarm, or desired cropped length.
**Hem (Optional Chart B):**
If desired, work 4 rounds of Chart B (using MC and CC1).
*(Ensure your total body stitch count is a multiple of 8 (Chart B repeat) for seamless integration.)*
Current body sts: 138 (144, 154, 160, 170, 176, 186, 192, 202)
XS: 138 / 8 = 17.25 (adjust by 2 sts to 136 or 144 if perfectly even required) -> No, 138 is fine, Chart B can be worked over any number of stitches, it will just repeat fully.
S: 144 / 8 = 18 (Perfect)
M: 154 / 8 = 19.25
L: 160 / 8 = 20 (Perfect)
XL: 170 / 8 = 21.25
2XL: 176 / 8 = 22 (Perfect)
3XL: 186 / 8 = 23.25
4XL: 192 / 8 = 24 (Perfect)
5XL: 202 / 8 = 25.25
*(Note: Chart B is a repeating motif, so exact multiple of 8 is not strictly required for appearance, it just means the last partial repeat will be truncated visually.)*
*Self-correction: For a professional pattern, ensure repeats are cleanly handled. For odd numbers, you could specify a centered motif or simply acknowledge the partial repeat.*
*Let's just state: "Work Chart B. Begin Chart B at st 1 and repeat across round."*
**Ribbed Hem:**
Change to US 10 (6 mm) circular needle and MC.
Work 1x1 Rib (k1, p1) for 1.5 inches (4 cm).
BO loosely in pattern.
## SLEEVES
**Work One Sleeve:**
Using US 10.5 (6.5 mm) DPNs or small circumference circular needle in MC:
Place the held sleeve stitches [40 (43, 46, 49, 52, 55, 58, 61, 64) sts] onto the working needle.
Pick up and knit 4 (4, 6, 6, 8, 8, 10, 10, 12) stitches along the underarm CO edge. PM for beginning of round.
Total Sleeve Stitches: 40 (43, 46, 49, 52, 55, 58, 61, 64) + 4 (4, 6, 6, 8, 8, 10, 10, 12) = **44 (47, 52, 55, 60, 63, 68, 71, 76) sts**.
*(Inline Math Validation - Size M: 46 (sleeve) + 6 (underarm) = 52 sts. Correct.)*
**Sleeve Shaping (St st in MC):**
Work in St st in the round (knit every round) until sleeve measures 2 inches (5 cm) from underarm.
**Decrease Round:** K1, k2tog, knit to last 3 sts, ssk, k1. (2 sts decreased)
Repeat Decrease Round every 6th (6th, 6th, 6th, 5th, 5th, 5th, 5th, 5th) round 5 (6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13) more times.
*(Total 6 (7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14) decrease rounds)*
*(Stitch count after decreases - Size M example: 52 - (8*2) = 52 - 16 = 36 sts. Correct.)*
Final Sleeve Stitch Count:
44 - (6*2) = 32 sts (XS)
47 - (7*2) = 33 sts (S)
52 - (8*2) = 36 sts (M)
55 - (9*2) = 37 sts (L)
60 - (10*2) = 40 sts (XL)
63 - (11*2) = 41 sts (2XL)
68 - (12*2) = 44 sts (3XL)
71 - (13*2) = 45 sts (4XL)
76 - (14*2) = 48 sts (5XL)
*(Final Sleeve Stitch Count: 32 (33, 36, 37, 40, 41, 44, 45, 48) sts)*
Continue working straight in St st with MC until sleeve measures 14.5 (14.5, 15, 15, 15.5, 15.5, 16, 16, 16.5) inches / 37 (37, 38, 38, 39.5, 39.5, 40.5, 40.5, 42) cm from underarm, or 1.5 inches (4 cm) less than desired finished length.
**Cuff (Optional Chart B):**
If desired, work 4 rounds of Chart B (using MC and CC1).
*(Ensure your total sleeve stitch count is a multiple of 8 (Chart B repeat). If not, you may need to adjust by 1-2 sts in the round prior to starting Chart B by k2tog or M1.)*
*(Check Size M: 36 sts / 8 = 4.5. So 36 sts is fine, Chart B will repeat 4 times and then show half a repeat)*
**Ribbed Cuff:**
Change to US 10 (6 mm) DPNs or small circumference circular needle in MC.
Work 1x1 Rib (k1, p1) for 1.5 inches (4 cm).
BO loosely in pattern.
Work second sleeve identically.
## BUTTON_BANDS
Using US 10 (6 mm) circular needle and MC:
Starting at the right front hem, pick up and knit stitches evenly along the Right Front edge, up around the V-neck, and down the Left Front edge to the hem.
Pick up approximately 2 stitches for every 3 rows (or 2 sts per inch) for an even, flat edge.
*(Approximate total stitches to pick up: 2 * (Yoke Depth + Body Length + Ribbing) + 2 * (V-Neck width).
For Size M: Yoke depth ~10", Body Length ~8.5", Hem/Cuff ~1.5".
(10+8.5+1.5) inches * 2 pick-ups/inch = 20 * 2 = 40 sts per side. Total ~80 sts.)*
Aim for a stitch count that is a multiple of 2 for 1x1 rib, and suitable for the buttonhole placement.
**Right Front Band (Buttonhole Band - for women's sizing or if preferred):**
Work 3 rows in 1x1 Rib (k1, p1).
**Buttonhole Row (RS):** Work in 1x1 Rib for 5 sts, BO 2 sts (for a 1-inch / 2.5 cm button), continue in 1x1 Rib to end of row.
**Next Row (WS):** Work in 1x1 Rib, CO 2 sts over the bound-off stitches when you reach the buttonhole gap.
Work 3 more rows in 1x1 Rib.
BO loosely in pattern.
**Left Front Band (Button Band):**
Work 7 rows in 1x1 Rib (k1, p1).
BO loosely in pattern.
*(If you prefer the button on the Left Front (men's sizing or if preferred), reverse the buttonhole/button band instructions.)*
## FINISHING
1. **Weave in Ends:** Use a tapestry needle to carefully weave in all loose yarn ends on the wrong side of the fabric. Pay special attention to colorwork floats to secure them.
2. **Block:** Gently wash the cardigan in lukewarm water with a wool wash. Allow it to soak for about 20 minutes. Gently squeeze out excess water (do not wring). Lay the garment flat on a clean towel, reshaping it to the pattern's finished measurements. Pin the edges if necessary to help hold the shape, especially for the colorwork sections to ensure evenness. Allow to air dry completely. Blocking is crucial for evening out the stitches, relaxing the colorwork floats, and achieving the final drape and size.
3. **Attach Button:** Sew the button onto the Left Front Band (or Right Front Band if you reversed the buttonhole instructions), aligning it with the buttonhole.
Your Ember Glow Cardigan is complete!
Disclaimer: This pattern was generated by AI and should be reviewed for accuracy before use. While we strive for quality, AI-generated content may contain errors. Please verify measurements, stitch counts, and instructions before beginning your project. Generated by purlJam.uk
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