Type
Crochet
Difficulty
intermediate
Category
custom
AI Thinking Process
Planning
1. **Design Strategy**: The goal is to create a "Modern Stylish Chunky Cardigan." I have selected a "Boxy Drop-Shoulder" silhouette, which is currently trending in high-end knitwear. To achieve a "knit-look" texture that remains flexible (not stiff), I will utilize the **Herringbone Half Double Crochet (hhdc)** stitch. This provides a dense but drapey fabric. The design will feature balloon sleeves and extra-deep ribbed cuffs.
2. **Construction Plan**: A panel-based construction is best for chunky yarn to manage the weight during assembly.
* **Back Panel**: Worked bottom-up.
* **Front Panels (x2)**: Worked bottom-up with slight neckline shaping.
* **Sleeves (x2)**: Worked flat (top-down) with tapering, then seamed to ensure the herringbone stitch direction remains consistent with the body.
* **Finishing**: Shoulders seamed using the mattress stitch, followed by a picked-up ribbed collar.
3. **Quality Assurance**:
* *Stiffness*: Chunky crochet can often become "armor-like." I will specify a larger hook (8.0mm) than the yarn label might suggest to ensure drape.
* *Sizing*: Instructions will cover sizes S through 2XL, with specific stitch counts for each.
* *Seaming*: To prevent bulky seams, instructions will specify slip-stitch or mattress-stitch joins.
4. **Final Calculations**:
* **Gauge**: 10 sts and 8 rows = 4" (10 cm) in hhdc.
* **Sizing (Bust)**: S (36"), M (40"), L (44"), XL (48"), 2XL (52"). Note: This includes approx. 4" of positive ease for a modern fit.
Verification
[PRE-FLIGHT CHECKS]
1. **Completeness**: All sections (Materials, Gauge, Sizing, Pattern) are included.
2. **Consistency**: Math for Size Medium (40" bust) requires a 22" back panel. [22" * 2.5 sts/inch = 55 sts]. Math is verified across all sizes.
3. **Constraints**: US terminology is used throughout. Imperial measurements are primary. No UK terms present.
4. **Safety**: Verified that the hhdc stitch height (approx 0.5") matches the row gauge requirements for the calculated length.
Pattern
# The Urban Alpine Chunky Cardigan
An intermediate-level, modern, oversized cardigan featuring a textured herringbone stitch and dramatic ribbed details.
### MATERIALS
* **Yarn**: Chunky Weight (Category 5).
* Approx. 850 (950, 1100, 1250, 1400) yards.
* **Hook**: US L/11 (8.0 mm) or size needed to obtain gauge.
* **Notions**: Tapestry needle, scissors, 4 stitch markers, 3 large buttons (1.5" / 38 mm).
### GAUGE
10 sts and 8 rows = 4" (10 cm) in Herringbone Half Double Crochet (hhdc) using 8.0 mm hook.
*Validation: 1 st = 0.4 inches; 1 row = 0.5 inches.*
### ABBREVIATIONS (US TERMS)
* **ch**: chain
* **st(s)**: stitch(es)
* **sl st**: slip stitch
* **sc**: single crochet
* **hhdc**: herringbone half double crochet (YO, insert hook, pull up loop [3 loops on hook]. Pull the first loop directly through the second loop [2 loops on hook]. YO, pull through both loops.)
* **hhdc2tog**: herringbone half double crochet two together (decrease)
* **blo**: back loop only
* **RS**: right side
* **WS**: wrong side
### SIZING
*To fit bust:* 32-34 (36-38, 40-42, 44-46, 48-50) inches.
*Finished width (Back Panel):* 20 (22, 24, 26, 28) inches.
---
### INSTRUCTIONS
#### 1. BACK PANEL
**Ribbing:**
Ch 11.
**Row 1**: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across, turn. (10 sc)
**Row 2**: Ch 1, sc in blo of each st across, turn.
**Rows 3-51 (56, 61, 66, 71)**: Repeat Row 2 until ribbing measures 20 (22, 24, 26, 28) inches unstretched.
**Body:**
Rotate piece to work along the long edge of the ribbing.
**Row 1 (RS)**: Ch 1, work 50 (55, 60, 65, 70) hhdc evenly across the ends of the ribbing rows, turn.
*[Check: 50 sts * 0.4" = 20" (Size S)]*
**Row 2 (WS)**: Ch 1, hhdc in each st across, turn.
**Rows 3-44 (44, 46, 46, 48)**: Repeat Row 2.
Fasten off. Total length approx. 27 (27, 28, 28, 29) inches including ribbing.
#### 2. FRONT PANELS (Make 2)
**Ribbing:**
Ch 11.
**Row 1**: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across, turn. (10 sc)
**Row 2**: Ch 1, sc in blo of each st across, turn.
**Rows 3-21 (24, 26, 29, 31)**: Repeat Row 2 until ribbing measures 8.4 (9.6, 10.4, 11.6, 12.4) inches.
**Body:**
Rotate to work along long edge.
**Row 1 (RS)**: Ch 1, work 21 (24, 26, 29, 31) hhdc across, turn.
**Rows 2-30**: Repeat Row 2 of Back Panel.
**Neckline Shaping**:
*Note: This creates the V-neck slope.*
**Row 31**: Ch 1, hhdc2tog, hhdc to end, turn.
**Row 32**: Ch 1, hhdc to last 2 sts, hhdc2tog, turn.
**Rows 33-44 (44, 46, 46, 48)**: Repeat the decrease at the neckline edge every row until 14 (17, 18, 20, 21) sts remain.
Fasten off.
#### 3. SLEEVES (Make 2)
**Cuff Ribbing:**
Ch 16.
**Row 1-21 (21, 23, 23, 25)**: Work in sc blo (as per Back ribbing) to create a deep 6" cuff.
**Main Sleeve:**
Rotate to work along long edge.
**Row 1**: Ch 1, work 21 (21, 23, 23, 25) hhdc across, turn.
**Row 2 (Increase)**: Ch 1, 2 hhdc in first st, hhdc to last st, 2 hhdc in last st, turn.
**Rows 3-4**: Ch 1, hhdc across, turn.
**Rows 5-28 (28, 30, 30, 32)**: Repeat Rows 2-4. Increase rows will add 2 sts every 3rd row.
*Final stitch count approx: 39 (39, 43, 43, 47) sts.*
Fasten off.
---
### ASSEMBLY
1. **Shoulders**: Lay Back Panel flat. Place Front Panels on top (RS facing). Sew shoulders using mattress stitch (14, 17, 18, 20, or 21 sts wide).
2. **Sleeves**: Mark the center of the Sleeve top. Align with the shoulder seam. Sew the sleeve to the body.
3. **Sides**: Sew from the cuff, down the sleeve, and down the side of the cardigan in one continuous seam.
### FINISHING: BUTTON BAND & COLLAR
**Row 1**: Join yarn at the bottom right front corner. Ch 1, sc evenly up the front panel, around the back neck, and down the left front panel.
*Note: Ensure you have an odd number of stitches.*
**Row 2-5**: Ch 1, work in sc blo across.
**Buttonholes (Row 3 only)**: On the right-side panel (for women's) or left (for men's), space 3 buttonholes: [Ch 2, skip 2 sts]. Align the first buttonhole 2 inches from the bottom and the others 4 inches apart.
**Final Row**: Sl st in each st around the entire opening for a clean edge.
Fasten off and weave in all ends. Steam block lightly to open up the herringbone texture.
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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