purlJam

# The Hourglass Lounge Shorts
**Design Profile:** High-waisted, wide-leg knit shorts designed to accentuate the hips while providing a comfortable, relaxed thigh fit. The beige colour adds a classic, neutral tone.
**Difficulty:** Beginner (Knitting in the round, basic increases).

## [] Specifications
*   **Size:** One Size (Relaxed M/L). Designed to fit Hips 90-100cm with generous ease.
*   **Finished Measurements:**
    *   Waist (unstretched): 75 cm
    *   Hip Circumference: 113 cm (Creates the "wide hip" visual effect)
    *   Thigh Circumference: 62 cm (Loose fit)
    *   Length: Approx. 40-45 cm (Adjustable)

## [] Materials & Tools
*   **Yarn:** Worsted / Aran weight yarn (approx. 400-450 meters).
    *   *Recommended Colour:* Beige / Oatmeal / Sand.
    *   *Fibre Suggestion:* Cotton blend or Superwash Merino (for structure and drape).
*   **Needles:**
    *   4.5 mm circular needles (40cm and 80cm length).
    *   5.0 mm circular needles (80cm length) for the main body.
*   **Notions:** Stitch marker, tapestry needle, scrap yarn (to hold stitches), 3-4cm wide elastic band (length matching your waist measurement).

## [] Tension (Gauge)
18 stitches and 24 rows = 10 x 10 cm in Stockinette Stitch using 5.0 mm needles.
*Please check your tension. If you have more stitches per 10cm, use larger needles.*

## [] Terminology & Abbreviations (UK English)
*   **k:** knit
*   **p:** purl
*   **st(s):** stitch(es)
*   **M1:** Make 1 (Increase) - Lift the bar between stitches and knit into the back of it to create a new stitch.
*   **CO:** Cast On
*   **PM:** Place Marker
*   **SM:** Slip Marker
*   **Stockinette:** Knit every round.
*   **Garter Stitch (in the round):** Knit 1 round, Purl 1 round.

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## [] Instructions

### Phase 1: The Waistband (Double Fold)
*To ensure a good fit that doesn't sag, we create a hollow casing for elastic.*

1.  Using **4.5 mm** needles, **CO 136 sts**. Join in the round, being careful not to twist. PM to mark start of round.
2.  Work in Stockinette Stitch (knit every stitch) for **8 cm**.
3.  Purl 1 round (this creates a "folding line" or turning ridge).
4.  Work in Stockinette Stitch for another **8 cm**.
    *   *Note: Later, you will fold this along the purl ridge and sew it down to create the casing.*

### Phase 2: Hip Shaping (Creating the Silhouette)
*We now switch to larger needles and increase stitches rapidly. This gathers the fabric at the waist and pushes the fabric out, making the hips look wider.*

1.  Change to **5.0 mm** needles.
2.  **Increase Round:** *K2, M1* repeat from * to * to end of round.
    *   *Math Check: [136 start sts + 68 new sts (136/2) = 204 sts total]*
3.  You now have **204 sts**.
4.  Work straight in Stockinette Stitch (knit every round) until the piece measures **28 cm** from the "folding line" (the purl ridge created in Phase 1).
    *   *Tip: For a higher waist or longer rise, knit to 30 cm.*

### Phase 3: Dividing the Legs
*We will split the tube into two leg holes and add a crotch gusset for comfort.*

1.  **Setup for separation:**
    *   Knit the first **102 sts** (Front and Back of Left Leg).
    *   Place the remaining **102 sts** (Right Leg) on scrap yarn or a stitch holder.
2.  You are now working only on the Left Leg.

### Phase 4: Left Leg
*Working on the 102 active stitches.*

1.  **Crotch Cast On:** At the end of the 102 sts, using the backwards loop method, **CO 10 sts** (crotch gusset). Join to working in the round. PM in the centre of these new 10 stitches to mark the new start of round.
    *   *Math Check: [102 body sts + 10 crotch sts = 112 sts total for leg]*
2.  Work straight in Stockinette Stitch on these 112 sts for **6 cm** (or desired inseam length). The wide circumference (approx 62cm) ensures the "loose thigh" look.
3.  **Hem (Non-curling):**
    *   Round 1: Purl
    *   Round 2: Knit
    *   Repeat Rounds 1-2 three times total (Garter Stitch ridge).
4.  Cast off all stitches loosely knitwise.

### Phase 5: Right Leg
1.  Put the **102 held sts** back onto the 5.0 mm needles.
2.  Pick up and knit **10 sts** from the cast-on edge of the Left Leg crotch gusset.
    *   *Math Check: [102 body sts + 10 picked up sts = 112 sts]*
3.  Join in the round and PM.
4.  Work straight in Stockinette Stitch for **6 cm** (match length of Left Leg).
5.  **Hem:** Work the same Garter Stitch border as the Left Leg.
6.  Cast off all stitches loosely knitwise.

### Phase 6: Finishing
1.  **Waistband:**
    *   Fold the waistband inside along the purl ridge.
    *   Cut your elastic band to your comfortable waist measurement (e.g., 70cm) + 2cm for sewing overlap. Sew the elastic ends together to form a ring.
    *   Place the elastic ring inside the folded knitted fabric.
    *   Using the tapestry needle and a length of yarn, loosely whip stitch the cast-on edge to the inside of the fabric (near the increase row). Ensure the elastic is enclosed but not sewn *through*.
2.  **Crotch:** Sew up any small holes that may have formed at the corners of the crotch gusset.
3.  **Blocking:** Soak the shorts in lukewarm water, gently squeeze out excess water, and lay flat to dry. *Important: Pat the hips outwards while drying to encourage the "wide hip" shape.*