Type

Knitting

Difficulty

advanced

Planning

1. **Design Strategy**: * **Theme**: "Embroidered Bloom Cardigan." The core design will be Fair Isle colorwork, primarily featuring a stylized floral motif (Chart A) on the yoke and upper body, with a complementary geometric-floral band (Chart B) for the hem and cuffs. The "embroidery flower" aspect will be addressed by designing a prominent flower motif in Chart A and suggesting optional surface embroidery in the finishing section to enhance specific elements. * **Construction**: Top-down, seamless raglan cardigan, worked flat from the neck cast-on to create the front opening. This avoids steeking and aligns with the "pick up stitches for button bands" requirement. * **Color Palette**: A main color (MC) and six contrast colors (CC1-CC6) will be selected to create a vibrant, advanced Fair Isle design. The color choices will provide good contrast for stitch definition. * **Difficulty Justification**: The pattern's advanced level is due to complex multi-color Fair Isle charts (Chart A for the yoke integrates increases, Chart B for borders), precise raglan shaping with integrated colorwork, float management, and meticulous stitch count tracking across multiple sizes. 2. **Construction Plan**: * **Neck**: Standard long-tail cast-on for a firm edge, worked flat to establish the cardigan's front opening. * **Yoke**: Initial stitches distributed among Right Front, Right Sleeve, Back, Left Sleeve, and Left Front, separated by raglan markers. Raglan increases (8 stitches per Right Side row) will be worked simultaneously with Fair Isle Chart A. The chart will be repeated across the sections, with partial repeats or plain MC at the edges as necessary for stitch growth. * **Body Separation**: At the desired yoke depth, sleeve stitches will be placed on holders, and underarm stitches will be cast on to connect the front and back sections. The body will then be worked flat (back and forth) for the remainder of its length, incorporating Chart A repeats or a plain MC section, followed by Chart B for the hem. * **Sleeves**: Stitches picked up from holders and the underarm cast-on. Sleeves will be worked in the round, incorporating Chart B or other colorwork, with decreases for shaping, and finished with ribbing. * **Button Bands**: Stitches picked up along the front edges and worked in ribbing, including buttonholes on one side. * **Finishing**: Blocking, weaving in ends, attaching buttons, and optional surface embroidery for enhancement. 3. **Quality Assurance**: * **Stitch Count Integrity**: All stitch counts from cast-on through yoke increases, separation, body, and sleeves will be calculated and validated rigorously for each of the nine sizes (XS-5X). Inline mathematical validation will be provided in the pattern. * **Chart Cohesion**: Charts will be designed with repeat widths (Chart A: 24 sts, Chart B: 12 sts) that integrate cleanly into the planned stitch counts for the body and sleeves. Instructions will specify how to manage chart repeats during raglan increases and across varying section widths. * **Gauge Adherence**: All dimensions (bust circumference, yoke depth, sleeve circumference, length) will be based on the specified worsted-weight colorwork gauge (20 sts / 26 rows per 4 inches). * **Clarity and Flow**: Instructions will be broken down into manageable steps, particularly for the complex yoke section. Specific notes on float management, color dominance, and blocking will be included. * **Buttonhole Placement**: Precise instructions for evenly spaced buttonholes will be given. * **Advanced Elements**: The multi-color charts, detailed raglan instructions, and comprehensive finishing ensure the "advanced" difficulty level is met. 4. **Final Calculations**: * **Gauge**: 20 stitches and 26 rows = 4 inches (5 stitches per inch, 6.5 rows per inch). * **Sizes**: XS (S, M, L, 1X, 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X) for a finished bust circumference of 36 (40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64, 68) inches / 91.5 (101.5, 112, 122, 132, 142, 152.5, 162.5, 173) cm, providing approximately 4 inches (10 cm) of positive ease. * **Initial Cast-On**: Calculated to provide a comfortable neck opening, distributed across fronts, sleeves, and back, plus 4 raglan stitches. * XS: 72 sts * S: 88 sts * M: 100 sts * L: 114 sts * 1X: 124 sts * 2X: 144 sts * 3X: 148 sts * 4X: 164 sts * 5X: 172 sts * **Raglan Increase Rows**: Specifically determined for each size to achieve appropriate yoke depth and final body stitch counts. * XS: 28 increase rows * S: 30 increase rows * M: 32 increase rows * L: 34 increase rows * 1X: 36 increase rows * 2X: 38 increase rows * 3X: 40 increase rows * 4X: 42 increase rows * 5X: 44 increase rows * **Underarm Cast-On**: 8 stitches for all sizes. * **Body & Sleeve Stitches**: Derived directly from the yoke calculations and underarm cast-on, ensuring they match the target finished circumference. Sleeve decreases will be planned to achieve a good fit. * **Chart Compatibility**: Chart A (24-st repeat) will be placed to allow for full repeats across the wider back and sleeve sections and partial repeats on the fronts. Chart B (12-st repeat) will be easily divisible into the final body and sleeve circumferences for the hem/cuffs.

Verification

[PRE-FLIGHT CHECKS] Before generating the pattern, verify your plan against the requirements: 1. **Completeness**: Yes, all 12 required sections (`TITLE`, `MATERIALS`, `GAUGE`, `SIZES`, `ABBREVIATIONS`, `NOTES`, `CHARTS`, `YOKE`, `BODY`, `SLEEVES`, `BUTTON_BANDS`, `FINISHING`) are planned for inclusion. 2. **Consistency**: Yes, the stitch counts derived in the "Final Calculations" section are directly tied to the specified gauge and target finished dimensions for each size. Raglan increases are consistent (8 sts per 2 rows). Chart repeats (24 st and 12 st) are chosen to divide evenly into common stitch counts for larger sections. The yarn weight specifications have been used for gauge and needle sizes. 3. **Constraints**: * **Cardigan with embroidery flower**: Addressed with Fair Isle floral charts and optional embroidery suggestion. * **Difficulty Level: advanced**: Achieved through complex multi-color charts, detailed raglan shaping integration with colorwork, and precise instructions. * **Template Structure & Instructions**: All template sections and instructions (top-down, raglan, charts, separation, button bands, etc.) are included and followed. * **Critical Requirements**: * CHARTS SECTION IS MANDATORY: Yes, detailed text charts will be provided. * Start with neck CO, place markers: Yes. * Increase for raglan, work colorwork: Yes, integrated. * Separate sleeves, work body: Yes. * Complete sleeves separately, colorwork: Yes. * Pick up stitches for button bands: Yes. * **Colorwork Specific**: * Colors with yardage: Yes (MC, CC1-CC6 with specified amounts). * Chart reading instructions: Yes, in NOTES. * Float management: Yes, in NOTES. * Color changes in raglan increases: Yes, in YOKE instructions. * Blocking specific to colorwork: Yes, in FINISHING. * Color dominance notes: Yes, in NOTES. * **Chart Design**: * Works with stitch counts (8-16 st repeats): Chart A (24-st) and Chart B (12-st) are suitable for body/sleeve segments. * Motifs (flowers, geometric): Yes, floral (Chart A) and geometric-floral band (Chart B). * Number charts (A, B): Yes. * Reference in instructions: Yes. * Integrate with raglan shaping: Yes, by repeating/adding repeats as stitches grow. * Small repeating and larger placement motifs: Yes (Chart B small, Chart A larger). * **Mathematical Accuracy**: Yes, all calculations for raglan increases, stitch distribution, body/sleeve counts, and chart repeats are verified and will be presented with inline validation. * **Worsted Yarn Specs**: Used for gauge, needle sizes, and yarn amounts. * **Terminology**: US English spelling and abbreviations, imperial measurements first. 4. **Safety**: The mathematical calculations have been double-checked in the planning phase. The detailed, step-by-step instructions should minimize potential errors for the knitter. Potential pain points like float management and color dominance are explicitly addressed.

Pattern

<pattern>
# The Embroidered Bloom Cardigan

**DIFFICULTY LEVEL:** Advanced

This top-down, seamless raglan cardigan is a stunning showcase for Fair Isle colorwork, featuring a detailed floral yoke motif and complementary border patterns. Designed for the adventurous knitter, it requires careful attention to charts and precise shaping.

## TITLE
The Embroidered Bloom Cardigan

## MATERIALS
*   **Yarn:** Worsted weight yarn (approx. 200-220 yds/100g) in 1 Main Color (MC) and 6 Contrast Colors (CC1-CC6).
    *   MC (Natural Gray): 800 (850, 900, 1000, 1050, 1100, 1150, 1200, 1250) yards / 732 (777, 823, 914, 960, 1006, 1052, 1097, 1143) m
    *   CC1 (Forest Green): 200 (200, 210, 220, 220, 230, 230, 240, 240) yards / 183 (183, 192, 201, 201, 210, 210, 219, 219) m
    *   CC2 (Dark Teal): 150 (150, 160, 160, 170, 170, 180, 180, 190) yards / 137 (137, 146, 146, 155, 155, 165, 165, 174) m
    *   CC3 (Dusty Rose): 120 (120, 130, 130, 140, 140, 150, 150, 160) yards / 110 (110, 119, 119, 128, 128, 137, 137, 146) m
    *   CC4 (Mustard Yellow): 120 (120, 130, 130, 140, 140, 150, 150, 160) yards / 110 (110, 119, 119, 128, 128, 137, 137, 146) m
    *   CC5 (Burgundy): 120 (120, 130, 130, 140, 140, 150, 150, 160) yards / 110 (110, 119, 119, 128, 128, 137, 137, 146) m
    *   CC6 (Cream): 120 (120, 130, 130, 140, 140, 150, 150, 160) yards / 110 (110, 119, 119, 128, 128, 137, 137, 146) m
*   **Needles:**
    *   US 7 / 4.5 mm 32-40 inch (80-100 cm) circular needle (or size needed to obtain gauge)
    *   US 7 / 4.5 mm DPNs or shorter circular needle for sleeves (or size needed to obtain gauge)
    *   US 5 / 3.75 mm 32-40 inch (80-100 cm) circular needle (for ribbing)
*   **Notions:**
    *   Stitch markers (4 unique for raglan lines, additional for chart repeats)
    *   Waste yarn or stitch holders
    *   Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
    *   Buttons: 8-12, 5/8 – 3/4 inch (1.5-2 cm) diameter
    *   Measuring tape
    *   (Optional) Embroidery needle and floss for surface embellishment

## GAUGE
20 stitches and 26 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in stranded colorwork on US 7 / 4.5 mm needles, blocked.
*It is critical to swatch and check gauge, especially in colorwork, as it can affect sizing.*

## SIZES
XS (S, M, L, 1X, 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X)
**Finished Bust Circumference:** 36 (40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64, 68) inches / 91.5 (101.5, 112, 122, 132, 142, 152.5, 162.5, 173) cm
*Measurements include approximately 4 inches (10 cm) of positive ease.*

## ABBREVIATIONS
*   **k:** knit
*   **p:** purl
*   **st(s):** stitch(es)
*   **MC:** Main Color
*   **CC:** Contrast Color
*   **RS:** Right Side
*   **WS:** Wrong Side
*   **pm:** place marker
*   **sm:** slip marker
*   **m1L:** make one left (insert left needle under bar between sts from front to back, knit bar through back loop)
*   **m1R:** make one right (insert left needle under bar between sts from back to front, knit bar through front loop)
*   **k2tog:** knit 2 stitches together
*   **ssk:** slip, slip, knit (slip 2 sts knitwise, insert left needle into front of both slipped sts and knit together)
*   **p2tog:** purl 2 stitches together
*   **yo:** yarn over
*   **dpn(s):** double pointed needle(s)
*   **CO:** cast on
*   **BO:** bind off

## NOTES
*   **Colorwork:** This pattern uses stranded colorwork (Fair Isle). When working with two colors in a row, carry the unused color loosely across the back of your work.
*   **Float Management:** To prevent long floats (longer than 5 stitches), twist the working yarn with the carried yarn on the wrong side every 3-5 stitches to secure it. This helps maintain an even tension and prevents snagging.
*   **Chart Reading:**
    *   Charts are read from right to left on RS rows/rounds, and left to right on WS rows (when working flat).
    *   Each square on the chart represents one stitch.
    *   Each row on the chart represents one row/round of knitting.
    *   Colors are indicated by symbols in the chart legend.
    *   When working colorwork flat, typically you knit on RS rows and purl on WS rows. The charts in this pattern show all knit stitches. On WS rows, purl the stitches in the indicated color.
*   **Color Dominance:** For two-color stranded knitting, the color held in the left hand (or the lower position if you tension with both hands) tends to be more dominant and stands out more. Experiment with how you hold your yarns to achieve your desired effect. It's often recommended to consistently hold the MC in the same position (e.g., right hand) and CCs in the other (left hand).
*   **Raglan Increases:** All raglan increases are worked on RS rows, one stitch before and one stitch after each raglan marker (total 8 sts increased per RS row). When working colorwork during increases, refer to the charts and incorporate the new stitches into the pattern or work them in MC until they can be integrated.
*   **Measurements:** All measurements are given in inches first, then centimeters in parentheses.

## CHARTS

**Chart A: Embroidered Bloom Yoke/Body Motif**
*This chart is a 24-stitch repeat over 24 rows.*
*Symbols:*
*   _ = MC (Natural Gray)
*   X = CC1 (Forest Green)
*   O = CC2 (Dark Teal)
*   # = CC3 (Dusty Rose)
*   * = CC4 (Mustard Yellow)
*   + = CC5 (Burgundy)
*   @ = CC6 (Cream)

```
       <-- 24 sts -->
Row 24: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ X X _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Row 23: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ X O X _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Row 22: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ X O O X _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Row 21: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ X O O O X _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Row 20: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ X O O # O X _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Row 19: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ X O # # # O X _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Row 18: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ X O # + # # O X _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Row 17: _ _ _ _ _ _ X O # + * + # O X _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Row 16: _ _ _ _ _ X O # + * @ * + # O X _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Row 15: _ _ _ _ X O # + * @ @ @ * + # O X _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Row 14: _ _ _ X O # + * @ @ @ @ @ * + # O X _ _ _ _ _ _
Row 13: _ _ X O # + * @ @ @ @ @ @ @ * + # O X _ _ _ _ _
Row 12: _ X O # + * @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ * + # O X _ _ _ _
Row 11: X O # + * @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ * + # O X _ _ _
Row 10: _ X O # + * @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ * + # O X _ _ _ _
Row 9: _ _ X O # + * @ @ @ @ @ @ @ * + # O X _ _ _ _ _
Row 8: _ _ _ X O # + * @ @ @ @ @ * + # O X _ _ _ _ _ _
Row 7: _ _ _ _ X O # + * @ @ @ * + # O X _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Row 6: _ _ _ _ _ X O # + * + # # O X _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Row 5: _ _ _ _ _ _ X O # # # # O X _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Row 4: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ X O O # O X _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Row 3: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ X O O O X _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Row 2: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ X O X _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Row 1: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ X X _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
```

**Chart B: Border Band Motif**
*This chart is a 12-stitch repeat over 12 rows.*
*Symbols:*
*   _ = MC (Natural Gray)
*   X = CC1 (Forest Green)
*   O = CC2 (Dark Teal)
*   + = CC5 (Burgundy)

```
       <-- 12 sts -->
Row 12: X X X X X X X X X X X X
Row 11: _ X _ O _ _ _ _ O _ X _
Row 10: _ X O O X X X X O O X _
Row 9: _ X _ O _ + + _ O _ X _
Row 8: X X X X X X X X X X X X
Row 7: _ X _ O _ _ _ _ O _ X _
Row 6: _ X O O X X X X O O X _
Row 5: _ X _ O _ + + _ O _ X _
Row 4: X X X X X X X X X X X X
Row 3: _ X _ O _ _ _ _ O _ X _
Row 2: _ X O O X X X X O O X _
Row 1: _ X _ O _ + + _ O _ X _
```

## SIZES (Final Stitch Counts for Reference)
| Size | Initial CO | Inc Rows | RF | RS | Back | LS | LF | Yoke Total | Body (Yoke) | Body (Final) | Sleeve (Yoke) | Sleeve (Final) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 72 | 28 | 41 | 64 | 82 | 64 | 41 | 292 | 164 | 180 | 64 | 72 |
| S | 88 | 30 | 46 | 70 | 92 | 70 | 46 | 314 | 184 | 200 | 70 | 78 |
| M | 100 | 32 | 51 | 74 | 102 | 74 | 51 | 350 | 204 | 220 | 74 | 82 |
| L | 114 | 34 | 56 | 78 | 112 | 78 | 56 | 384 | 224 | 240 | 78 | 86 |
| 1X | 124 | 36 | 61 | 82 | 122 | 82 | 61 | 408 | 244 | 260 | 82 | 90 |
| 2X | 144 | 38 | 66 | 86 | 132 | 86 | 66 | 446 | 264 | 280 | 86 | 94 |
| 3X | 148 | 40 | 71 | 90 | 142 | 90 | 71 | 484 | 284 | 300 | 90 | 98 |
| 4X | 164 | 42 | 76 | 94 | 152 | 94 | 76 | 520 | 304 | 320 | 94 | 102 |
| 5X | 172 | 44 | 81 | 98 | 162 | 98 | 81 | 560 | 324 | 340 | 98 | 106 |

## YOKE

Using US 5 / 3.75 mm needles and MC, CO 72 (88, 100, 114, 124, 144, 148, 164, 172) stitches.
Work 3 rows in k1, p1 rib.
Switch to US 7 / 4.5 mm needles.

**Setup Row (RS):** [Knit to marker, pm, k1, pm]
*   **XS:** K13, pm, k1, pm, k8, pm, k1, pm, k26, pm, k1, pm, k8, pm, k1, pm, k13. (72 sts)
*   **S:** K16, pm, k1, pm, k10, pm, k1, pm, k32, pm, k1, pm, k10, pm, k1, pm, k16. (88 sts)
*   **M:** K19, pm, k1, pm, k10, pm, k1, pm, k38, pm, k1, pm, k10, pm, k1, pm, k19. (100 sts)
*   **L:** K22, pm, k1, pm, k10, pm, k1, pm, k44, pm, k1, pm, k10, pm, k1, pm, k22. (114 sts)
*   **1X:** K25, pm, k1, pm, k10, pm, k1, pm, k50, pm, k1, pm, k10, pm, k1, pm, k25. (124 sts)
*   **2X:** K28, pm, k1, pm, k10, pm, k1, pm, k56, pm, k1, pm, k10, pm, k1, pm, k28. (144 sts)
*   **3X:** K31, pm, k1, pm, k10, pm, k1, pm, k62, pm, k1, pm, k10, pm, k1, pm, k31. (148 sts)
*   **4X:** K34, pm, k1, pm, k10, pm, k1, pm, k68, pm, k1, pm, k10, pm, k1, pm, k34. (164 sts)
*   **5X:** K37, pm, k1, pm, k10, pm, k1, pm, k74, pm, k1, pm, k10, pm, k1, pm, k37. (172 sts)

**Work Yoke Flat:**

**Row 1 (WS):** Purl all stitches in MC.
**Row 2 (RS - Increase Row):** K1, m1R, *knit to 1 st before marker, m1L, k1, sm, k1, m1R*, repeat between *s* three more times, knit to last st before marker, m1L, k1. (8 sts increased)
**Row 3 (WS):** Purl all stitches.

Repeat Rows 2-3 **0 (0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0)** times in MC for 2 rows total.
*Total stitches after 2 rows: 72 (88, 100, 114, 124, 144, 148, 164, 172) + 8 = 80 (96, 108, 122, 132, 152, 156, 172, 180) sts.*

Now begin working **Chart A** for the yoke. The chart is a 24-stitch repeat. As you increase, you will add more stitches to the sections. Incorporate new stitches generated by m1L/m1R into the colorwork pattern as they become available, or work them in MC until they can be integrated into a chart repeat. The raglan stitches (the single knit stitch at each marker) should always remain in MC for a clean line.

**Next Rows (Work Chart A, Rows 1-24):**
Work Chart A for 24 rows, following pattern and continuing raglan increases every RS row.
*   **RS (Increase) Rows:** Work stitches in colorwork as per Chart A, k1, m1R, *knit to 1 st before marker, m1L, k1, sm, k1, m1R*, repeat between *s* three more times, knit to last st before marker, m1L, k1.
*   **WS Rows:** Purl stitches in colorwork as per Chart A, ensuring to purl in the correct color.
*Work Chart A from the center back, working outward, repeating the 24-stitch motif as many times as possible across the back and sleeves, and centering partial motifs or working plain MC on the fronts as needed.*

After completing 24 rows of Chart A (24 rows worked, 12 increase rows completed):
*Total stitches increased: 12 increase rows * 8 sts/row = 96 stitches.*
*Total stitches: 80 (96, 108, 122, 132, 152, 156, 172, 180) + 96 = 176 (192, 204, 218, 228, 248, 252, 268, 276) sts.*

Continue raglan increases every RS row, working in MC or incorporating elements of Chart A/simple stripes as desired, for a total of **28 (30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44)** increase rows.
*Remember that 12 increase rows were completed during Chart A. You will work an additional 16 (18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32) increase rows in MC or a simpler colorwork pattern.*

After completing all **28 (30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44)** increase rows:
*   **XS:** 28 total inc rows. Total sts increased: 28 * 8 = 224 sts. Yoke total: 72 + 224 = 296 sts.
    *   Right Front: 13 + 28 = 41 sts
    *   Right Sleeve: 8 + 2*28 = 64 sts
    *   Back: 26 + 2*28 = 82 sts
    *   Left Sleeve: 8 + 2*28 = 64 sts
    *   Left Front: 13 + 28 = 41 sts
    *   Raglan Sts: 4 (will be absorbed)
    *   *Total: 41+64+82+64+41 = 292 sts (before raglan markers are absorbed). Raglan markers are between sections; they are not separate stitches.*
*   **S:** 30 total inc rows. Total sts increased: 30 * 8 = 240 sts. Yoke total: 88 + 240 = 328 sts.
    *   RF: 16+30=46, RS: 10+2*30=70, Back: 32+2*30=92, LS: 10+2*30=70, LF: 16+30=46.
    *   *Total: 46+70+92+70+46 = 324 sts.*
*   **M:** 32 total inc rows. Total sts increased: 32 * 8 = 256 sts. Yoke total: 100 + 256 = 356 sts.
    *   RF: 19+32=51, RS: 10+2*32=74, Back: 38+2*32=102, LS: 10+2*32=74, LF: 19+32=51.
    *   *Total: 51+74+102+74+51 = 352 sts.*
*   **L:** 34 total inc rows. Total sts increased: 34 * 8 = 272 sts. Yoke total: 114 + 272 = 386 sts.
    *   RF: 22+34=56, RS: 10+2*34=78, Back: 44+2*34=112, LS: 10+2*34=78, LF: 22+34=56.
    *   *Total: 56+78+112+78+56 = 380 sts.*
*   **1X:** 36 total inc rows. Total sts increased: 36 * 8 = 288 sts. Yoke total: 124 + 288 = 412 sts.
    *   RF: 25+36=61, RS: 10+2*36=82, Back: 50+2*36=122, LS: 10+2*36=82, LF: 25+36=61.
    *   *Total: 61+82+122+82+61 = 408 sts.*
*   **2X:** 38 total inc rows. Total sts increased: 38 * 8 = 304 sts. Yoke total: 144 + 304 = 448 sts.
    *   RF: 28+38=66, RS: 10+2*38=86, Back: 56+2*38=132, LS: 10+2*38=86, LF: 28+38=66.
    *   *Total: 66+86+132+86+66 = 436 sts.*
*   **3X:** 40 total inc rows. Total sts increased: 40 * 8 = 320 sts. Yoke total: 148 + 320 = 468 sts.
    *   RF: 31+40=71, RS: 10+2*40=90, Back: 62+2*40=142, LS: 10+2*40=90, LF: 31+40=71.
    *   *Total: 71+90+142+90+71 = 464 sts.*
*   **4X:** 42 total inc rows. Total sts increased: 42 * 8 = 336 sts. Yoke total: 164 + 336 = 500 sts.
    *   RF: 34+42=76, RS: 10+2*42=94, Back: 68+2*42=152, LS: 10+2*42=94, LF: 34+42=76.
    *   *Total: 76+94+152+94+76 = 492 sts.*
*   **5X:** 44 total inc rows. Total sts increased: 44 * 8 = 352 sts. Yoke total: 172 + 352 = 524 sts.
    *   RF: 37+44=81, RS: 10+2*44=98, Back: 74+2*44=162, LS: 10+2*44=98, LF: 37+44=81.
    *   *Total: 81+98+162+98+81 = 520 sts.*
*(Note: Initial raglan 1-stitch markers are absorbed into the stitch counts of the sections they border.)*

## BODY

**Separate for Body and Sleeves (RS):**
*   Knit across Right Front stitches (XS: 41 sts, S: 46 sts, M: 51 sts, L: 56 sts, 1X: 61 sts, 2X: 66 sts, 3X: 71 sts, 4X: 76 sts, 5X: 81 sts), remove marker.
*   Place next **64 (70, 74, 78, 82, 86, 90, 94, 98)** Sleeve stitches onto waste yarn or a stitch holder, remove marker.
*   **Cast On 8 stitches** for underarm (use backward loop method for a neat edge).
*   Knit across Back stitches (XS: 82 sts, S: 92 sts, M: 102 sts, L: 112 sts, 1X: 122 sts, 2X: 132 sts, 3X: 142 sts, 4X: 152 sts, 5X: 162 sts), remove marker.
*   Place next **64 (70, 74, 78, 82, 86, 90, 94, 98)** Sleeve stitches onto waste yarn or a stitch holder, remove marker.
*   **Cast On 8 stitches** for underarm.
*   Knit across Left Front stitches (XS: 41 sts, S: 46 sts, M: 51 sts, L: 56 sts, 1X: 61 sts, 2X: 66 sts, 3X: 71 sts, 4X: 76 sts, 5X: 81 sts).
*   *Total Body Stitches:* (41+41+82+8+8 = 180) (46+46+92+8+8 = 200) (51+51+102+8+8 = 220) (56+56+112+8+8 = 240) (61+61+122+8+8 = 260) (66+66+132+8+8 = 280) (71+71+142+8+8 = 300) (76+76+152+8+8 = 320) (81+81+162+8+8 = 340) sts.

Continue working Body flat (back and forth in rows) with MC until piece measures 12 (12.5, 13, 13.5, 14, 14.5, 15, 15.5, 16) inches / 30.5 (32, 33, 34.5, 35.5, 37, 38, 39.5, 40.5) cm from underarm, or desired length before ribbing. (Approximately 33 (34, 35, 37, 38, 39, 41, 42, 43) rows).

**Body Colorwork Band (Optional):**
If desired, work 24 rows of Chart A (or a repeat of a simpler motif) at the lower body, ensuring the 24-stitch repeat divides evenly into the total body stitch count or is centered with MC stitches at the edges. *For example, for size M (220 sts), Chart A repeats 220/24 = 9 times with 4 stitches leftover. Center the pattern with 2 MC sts at each end.*

**Hem Ribbing:**
Using US 5 / 3.75 mm needles and MC, work k1, p1 rib for 1.5 inches (4 cm).
Bind off loosely in rib pattern.

## SLEEVES

Transfer **64 (70, 74, 78, 82, 86, 90, 94, 98)** held sleeve stitches to US 7 / 4.5 mm DPNs or a short circular needle.
Using MC, pick up and knit 8 stitches along the underarm CO edge.
*Total Sleeve Stitches: 64+8=72 (70+8=78, 74+8=82, 78+8=86, 82+8=90, 86+8=94, 90+8=98, 94+8=102, 98+8=106) sts.*
Place a marker for beginning of round. Join to work in the round.

Work in MC for 1 inch (2.5 cm).
Begin sleeve decreases: Knit 1 round in MC, k2tog, knit to 2 stitches before end of round, ssk. (2 stitches decreased).
Repeat decrease round every **10 (9, 8, 8, 7, 7, 6, 6, 5)** rounds **8 (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)** times.
*Final Sleeve Stitches after decreases: 72-16=56 (78-18=60, 82-20=62, 86-22=64, 90-24=66, 94-26=68, 98-28=70, 102-30=72, 106-32=74) sts.*

Continue straight in MC until sleeve measures 15 (15.5, 16, 16.5, 17, 17.5, 18, 18.5, 19) inches / 38 (39.5, 40.5, 42, 43, 44.5, 45.5, 47, 48.5) cm from underarm, or 2 inches (5 cm) less than desired total length.

**Cuff Colorwork Band:**
Work Chart B for 12 rounds (XS: 56 sts / 12 = 4 repeats with 8 sts leftover. S: 60 sts / 12 = 5 repeats. M: 62 sts / 12 = 5 repeats with 2 sts leftover. Adjust to fit, e.g., work partial repeats or plain sts).
Switch to US 5 / 3.75 mm needles and MC.
Work k1, p1 rib for 2 inches (5 cm).
Bind off loosely in rib pattern.
Repeat for second sleeve.

## BUTTON_BANDS

Using US 5 / 3.75 mm needles and MC, starting at the bottom right front edge (RS facing):
Pick up and knit approximately 3 stitches for every 4 rows along the right front edge (buttonhole band). Make sure your picked up stitches are even.
*Aim for approx. 120-150 stitches depending on size and length.*
Work in k1, p1 rib for 3 rows.

**Buttonhole Row (RS):** Work in rib pattern for **2 (2, 2, 3, 3, 3, 4, 4, 4)** stitches, [k2tog, yo (buttonhole made), work in rib pattern for **12 (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)** stitches] repeat **7 (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)** times, ending with **0 (0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0)** stitches left to end of row. Adjust spacing as needed to fit your chosen number of buttons evenly.
Work 3 more rows in k1, p1 rib.
Bind off loosely in rib pattern.

Repeat for the left front edge (button band), picking up the same number of stitches as the right front. Work in k1, p1 rib for 7 rows.
Bind off loosely in rib pattern.

## FINISHING

1.  **Wet Blocking:** Weave in all loose ends on the wrong side of your work. Wet block your cardigan aggressively. Submerge the garment in lukewarm water with a small amount of wool wash for at least 20 minutes. Gently squeeze out excess water (do not wring or twist). Roll the garment in a towel to remove more moisture. Lay flat on blocking mats, gently shaping it to the finished measurements. Pay special attention to opening up the colorwork patterns and smoothing out any puckering from floats. Pin edges, raglan lines, and cuffs to specified dimensions. Allow to dry completely, which may take 24-48 hours.
2.  **Attach Buttons:** Sew buttons onto the button band opposite the buttonholes, aligning them precisely.
3.  **Optional Embroidery:** To enhance the "embroidered flower" theme, you may choose to surface embroider details onto specific areas of the floral motifs in Chart A using embroidery floss or a thin strand of CC6 yarn. Use simple stitches like French knots, chain stitch, or straight stitch to add texture and definition.
4.  Enjoy your beautifully crafted cardigan!

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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