INTRODUCTION

Skift Dog

by Rachel Brockman

The Skift Dog Sweater is an ode to my dog, George. He's new to my family, as we adopted him in July. As I was designing the Skift Cardigan (also featured in this issue!), I couldn't help but think it would be so fun to complement it with a matching dog sweater, especially after learning that George loves to roll around on laundry and enjoys being tucked into the blankets at bedtime. Plus, why should humans have all the fun when it comes to hand knitted sweaters? The Skift Dog Sweater will be the perfect outfit for your best friend this winter, and they'll be the envy of everyone at the dog park!

Spotted this one first? The human version is available for you as well!

model: George (Foxhound) & Peggy (Cattle Dog/Border Collie)

photos: John Mojecki & Rachel Brockman

SIZE

 S[M, L, 1X, 2X]
shown in Large size. See Pattern Notes for sizing suggestions.

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS

Chest Circumference:  14[19, 27, 33, 38] inches / 35.5[48.25, 68.5, 84, 96.5] cm
Total Length (with neck uncuffed):  14[18.75, 25.5, 29.75, 34.25] inches / 35.5[48, 65, 75.5, 87] cm

MATERIALS

Yarn
Universal Yarn Major [100% acrylic; 200g/328 yds]; 122 Sea Glass: 1[1, 2, 2, 3] skeins

Yarn Characteristics
Major is a 2-ply chunky weight yarn made from 100% acrylic. It has a soft hand and feels quite lofty. It is a self-shading, marled yarn. I recommend choosing one of the lighter or more tonal shades to prevent the cable pattern from getting lost. Chunky or bulky weight acrylic or wool yarns with at least two plies would make a suitable alternative.

Recommended needle size
[always use a needle size that gives you the gauge listed below - every knitter's gauge is unique]
1 US #10/6mm 16-32 inch / 40-80 cm circular and set of DPNs (or your preferred needle for knitting small circumferences in the round)
1 US #9/5.5mm 16-32 inch / 40-80 cm circular and set of DPNs (or your preferred needle for knitting small circumferences in the round)

Notions
stitch markers
removable stitch markers
cable needle
stitch holders or waste yarn
yarn needle

GAUGE

16 sts x 20 rows/rnds = 4 inches / 10 cm in Left or Right Twists pattern with larger needles.

PATTERN NOTES

[Knitty's list of standard abbreviations and techniques can be found here.]

Construction method: This sweater is knit seamlessly from the top down (neck to approximately the base of the tail). It begins with the collar, which is knitted to double the length of your preference and cuffed. Then, increases for the chest are worked before dividing the piece to create the holes for the front legs. First, the back is worked even while the underside stitches are placed on hold. After the correct length is worked, stitches from the underside are returned to the needle and worked for the same length. Then, the underside stitches and back stitches are joined together again and worked in the round briefly, before once again placing the belly stitches on a hold and continuing the back stitches flat, gradually working decreases. After the correct length is achieved, stitches are picked up along the decreased edges and belly stitches and worked in the round one final time to create the ribbed edge. Finally, stitches are picked up from around each front leg hole and worked in ribbing to create the sleeves. The bottom hem and sleeves are both finished with a tidy 2-stitch I-cord bind-off.

Choosing a size to knit: Measure your pup and try the sweater on them as you go to achieve the perfect fit, as dogs vary greatly in shape and size. Detailed measurements are provided in the schematic to help you assess where you may need to adjust for the best fit. To further assist you in selecting a size, the following list suggests approximate weight ranges for each size:

Small: 10-15 lbs
Medium: 15-35 lbs
Large: 35-55 lbs
1X: 55-75 lbs
2X: 75-95 lbs

For reference, George is a petite American Foxhound. He wears the Skift Dog Sweater in Size Large with 1 inch / 2.5 cm of positive ease around the chest and weighs about 45 pounds. Peggy is a Cattle Dog/Border Collie mix and wears the Skift Dog Sweater in Size Large with 2 inch / 5 cm of positive ease around the chest and weighs about 45 pounds.

Left Twist (LT): Knit the second st on the left needle through the back loop, knit the first st through the front loop, slip both sts from needle.
Right Twist (RT): K2tog but do not slip st from needle, knit the first st again, slip both sts from needle.
Left Purl Twist (LPT): Purl the second st on the left needle through the back loop, knit the first st through the front loop, slip both sts from needle.
Right Purl Twist (RPT): K2tog but do not slip st from needle, purl the first st again, slip both sts from needle.
1/3 Left Cross (LC): Slip 1 st to cn and hold in front, k3 from left needle, k1 from cn.
1/3 Right Cross (RC): Slip 3 sts to canble needle and hold in back, k1 from left needle, k3 from cn.
3/1 Left Cross (LC): Slip 3 sts to cn and hold in front, k1 from left needle, k3 from cn.
3/1 Right Cross (RC): Slip 1 st to cn and hold in back, k3 from left needle, k1 from cn.
3/1 Left Purl Cross (LPC): Slip 3 sts to cn and hold in front, p1 from left needle, k3 from cn.
3/1 Right Purl Cross (RPC): Slip 1 st to cn and hold in back, k3 from left needle, p1 from cn.
3/3 Left Cross (LC): Slip 3 sts to cn and hold in front, k3 from left needle, k3 from cn.
3/3 Right Cross (RC): Slip 3 sts to cn and hold in back, k3 from left needle, k3 from cn.

2-Stitch I-Cord Bind-Off:
Cast on 2 sts to first st on left needle using knitted cast-on. * K1, k2tog tbl (1 st bound off), slip these 2 sts back to left needle; rep from * until all sts have been bound off. BO rem 2 I-Cord sts.

CHARTS

Left Twists (multiple of 4 sts, worked flat)
Row 1 [RS]: *P2, LT; rep from * to end.
Row 2 [WS]: *P2, k2; rep from * to end.
Row 3: *P2, k2; rep from * to end.
Row 4: * P2, k2; rep from * to end.
Rep Rows 1-4 for patt.

Left Twists (multiple of 4 sts, worked in the round)
Rnd 1: *P2, LT; rep from * to end.
Rnds 2-4: *P2, k2; rep from * to end.
Rep Rnds 1-4 for patt.

Right Twists (multiple of 4 sts, worked flat)
Row 1 [RS]: *RT, p2; rep from * to end.
Row 2 [WS]: *K2, p2; rep from * to end.
Row 3: *K2, p2; rep from * to end.
Row 4: *K2, p2; rep from * to end.
Rep Rows 1-4 for patt.

Right Twists (multiple of 4 sts, worked in the round)
Rnd 1: *RT, p2; rep from * to end.
Rnds 2-4: *K2, p2; rep from * to end.
Rep Rnds 1-4 for patt.

Main Cable Panel (panel of 28 sts, worked in the rnd)
Rnd 1: P3, 1/3 RC, p3, 3/1 RC, 1/3 RC, p3, 1/3 LC, p3.
Rnd 2: P3, k4, p3, k8, p3, k4, p3.
Rnd 3: P2, RPT, 3/1 LPC, 3/2 RPC, RT, 3/2 LPC, 3/1 RPC, LPT, p2.
Rnd 4: P2, k1, p2, k6, p2, k2, p2, k6, p2, k1, p2.
Rnd 5: P2, k1, p2, 3/3 LC, p2, RT, p2, 3/3 RC, p2, k1, p2.
Rnd 6: Rep Rnd 4.
Rnd 7: P2, (LPT, 3/1 RPC, 3/1 LPC, RPT) twice, p2.
Rnd 8: P3, (k4, p2) 3 times, k4, p3.
Rnd 9: P3, 1/3 RC, p2, 3/1 RC, p2, 3/1 LC, p2, 1/3 LC, p3.
Rnds 10-12: P3, (k4, p2) 3 times, k4, p3.
Rnd 13: P3, 3/1 RC, p2, 1/3 RC, p2, 1/3 LC, p2, 3/1 LC, p3.
Rnds 14-16: P3, (k4, p2) 3 times, k4, p3.
Rnd 17: Rep Rnd 9.
Rnds 18-20: P3, (k4, p2) 3 times, k4, p3.
Rnd 21: P3, 3/1 LC, p2, 1/3 RC, p2, 1/3 LC, p2, 3/1 RC, p3.
Rnd 22: P3, (k4, p2) 3 times, k4, p3.
Rnd 23: P2, (RPT, 3/1 LPC, 3/1 RPC, LPT) twice, p2.
Rnd 24: Rep Rnd 4.
Rnd 25: Rep Rnd 5.
Rnd 26: Rep Rnd 4.
Rnd 27: P2, LPT, 3/1 RPC, 3/2 LPC, RT, 3/2 RPC, 3/1 LPC, RPT, p2.
Rnd 28: Rep Rnd 2.
Rnd 29: P3, 3/1 RC, p3, 1/3 RC, 3/1 RC, p3, 3/1 LC, p3.
Rnd 30: Rep Rnd 2.
Rnd 31: P3, k4, p3, k1, 3/3 LC, k1, p3, k4, p3.
Rnd 32: Rep Rnd 2.
Rep Rnds 1-32 for patt.

Main Cable Panel (panel of 28 sts, worked flat)
Row 1 [RS]: P3, 1/3 RC, p3, 3/1 RC, 1/3 RC, p3, 1/3 LC, p3.
Row 2 [WS]: K3, p4, k3, p8, k3, p4, k3.
Row 3: P2, RPT, 3/1 LPC, 3/2 RPC, RT, 3/2 LPC, 3/1 RPC, LT, p2.
Row 4: K2, p1, k2, p6, k2, p2, k2, p6, k2, p1, k2.
Row 5: P2, k1, p2, 3/3 LC, p2, RT, p2, 3/3 RC, p2, k1, p2.
Row 6: Rep Row 4.
Row 7: P2, (LT, 3/1 RPC, 3/1 LPC, RPT) twice, p2.
Row 8: K3, (p4, k2) 3 times, p4, k3.
Row 9: P3, 1/3 RC, p2, 3/1 RC, p2, 3/1 LC, p2, 1/3 LC, p3.
Row 10: Rep Row 8.
Row 11: P3, (k4, p2) 3 times, k4, p3.
Row 12: Rep Row 8.
Row 13: P3, 3/1 RC, p2, 1/3 RC, p2, 1/3 LC, p2, 3/1 LC, p3.
Row 14: Rep Row 8.
Row 15: Rep Row 11.
Row 16: Rep Row 8.
Row 17: Rep Row 9.
Row 18: Rep Row 8.
Row 19: Rep Row 11.
Row 20: Rep Row 8.
Row 21: P3, 3/1 LC, p2, 1/3 RC, p2, 1/3 LC, p2, 3/1 RC, p3.
Row 22: K3, (p4, k2) 3 times, p4, k3.
Row 23: P2, (RPT, 3/1 LPC, 3/1 RPC, LT) twice, p2.
Row 24: Rep Row 4.
Row 25: Rep Row 5.
Row 26: Rep Row 4.
Row 27: P2, LT, 3/1 RPC, 3/2 LPC, RT, 3/2 RPC, 3/1 LPC, RPT, p2.
Row 28: Rep Row 2.
Row 29: P3, 3/1 RC, p3, 1/3 RC, 3/1 RC, p3, 3/1 LC, p3.
Row 30: Rep Row 2.
Row 31: P3, k4, p3, k1, 3/3 LC, k1, p3, k4, p3.
Row 32: Rep Row 2.
Rep Rows 1-32 for patt.

DIRECTIONS

Collar
With smaller needles for small circumferences, CO 36[40, 48, 64, 76] sts. Pm for BOR and join to work in the rnd, being careful not to twist.
Rnd 1: *K1, p2, k1; rep from * to end.
Rep Rnd 1 until piece meas approx 3.5[4, 4.5, 5, 6] inches / 9[10.5, 11.5, 13, 15.5] cm from CO edge. Change to larger needles for small circumferences.

Yoke
Note: Change to longer larger needles when there are too many stitches to fit comfortably on your preferred needle for knitting small circumferences.

Size S ONLY:
Set-up Rnd: K1, p2, k1, pm, M1L, pm, k28, pm, M1R, pm, k1, p2, k1. 2 sts inc'd, 38 sts.
Rnd 1: K1, p2, k1, sl m, M1L, p1, sl m, p28, sl m, p1, M1R, sl m, k1, p2, k1. 2 sts inc'd, 40 sts.
Rnd 2: K1, p2, k1, sl m, M1L, k2, sl m, p3, k4, p3, k6, p3, k4, p3, sl m, k2, M1R, sl m, k1, p2, k1. 2 sts inc'd, 42 sts.
Rnd 3: Cont as est to m, sl m, M1L, p1, RT, sl m, work Rnd 1 of Main Cable Panel to m, sl m, LT, p1, M1R, sl m, cont as est to end. 2 sts inc'd, 44 sts.
Rnd 4: Cont as est to m, sl m, M1L, p2, k2, sl m, work next rnd of Main Cable Panel to m, sl m, k2, p2, M1R, sl m, cont as est to end. 2 sts inc'd, 46 sts.
Rnd 5: Cont as est to m, sl m, M1L, k1, p2, k2, sl m, work next rnd of Main Cable Panel to m, sl m, k2, p2, k1, M1R, sl m, cont as est to end. 2 sts inc'd, 48 sts.
Rnd 6: Cont as est to m, sl m, M1L, k2, p2, k2, sl m, work next rnd of Main Cable Panel to m, sl m, k2, p2, k2, M1R, sl m, cont as est to end. 2 sts inc'd, 50 sts.
Rnd 7: Cont as est to m, sl m, M1L, p1, LT, p2, LT, sl m, work next rnd of Main Cable Panel to m, sl m, RT, p2, RT, p1, M1R, sl m, cont as est to end. 2 sts inc'd, 52 sts.
Rnd 8: Cont as est to m, sl m, M1L, [p2, k2] twice, sl m, work next rnd of Main Cable Panel to m, sl m, [k2, p2] twice, M1R, sl m, cont as est to end. 2 sts inc't, 54 sts.
Rnd 9: Cont as est to m, sl m, M1L, k1, [p2, k2] twice, sl m, work next rnd of Main Cable Panel to m, sl m, [k2, p2] twice, k1, M1R, sl m, cont as est to end. 2 sts inc'd, 56 sts.
Rnd 10: Cont even in patt as est to end.

Size M ONLY:
Set-up Rnd: K1, p2, k2, p1, pm, M1L, pm, k28, pm, M1R, pm, p1, k2, p2, k1. 2 sts inc'd, 42 sts.
Rnd 1: K1, p2, k2, p1, sl m, M1L, p1, sl m, p28, sl m, p1, M1R, sl m, p1, k2, p2, k1. 2 sts inc'd, 44 sts.
Rnd 2: K1, p2, k2, p1, sl m, M1L, k2, sl m, p3, k4, p3, k6, p3, k4, p3, sl m, k2, M1R, sl m, p1, k2, p2, k1. 2 sts inc'd, 46 sts.
Rnd 3: Cont as est to m, sl m, M1L, p1, RT, sl m, work Rnd 1 of Main Cable Panel to m, sl m, LT, p1, M1R, sl m, cont as est to end. 2 sts inc'd, 48 sts.
Rnd 4: Cont as est to m, sl m, M1L, p2, k2, sl m, work next rnd of Main Cable Panel to m, sl m, k2, p2, M1R, sl m, cont as est to end. 2 sts inc'd, 50 sts.
Rnd 5: Cont as est to m, sl m, M1L, k1, p2, k2, sl m, work next rnd of Main Cable Panel to m, sl m, k2, p2, k1, M1R, sl m, cont as est to end. 2 sts inc'd, 52 sts.
Rnd 6: Cont as est to m, sl m, M1L, k2, p2, k2, sl m, work next rnd of Main Cable Panel to m, sl m, k2, p2, k2, M1R, sl m, cont as est to end. 2 sts inc'd, 54 sts.
Rnd 7: Cont as est to m, sl m, M1L, p1, LT, work Rnd 1 of Left Twists patt to m, sl m, work next rnd of Main Cable Panel to m, sl m, work Rnd 1 of Right Twists to 3 sts bef m, RT, p1, M1R, sl m, cont as est to end. 2 sts inc'd, 56 sts.
Rnd 8: Cont as est to m, sl m, M1L, work Rnd 2 of Left Twists patt to m, sl m, work next rnd of Main Cable Panel to m, sl m, work Rnd 2 of Right Twists patt to m, M1R, sl m, cont as est to end. 2 sts inc'd, 58 sts.
Rnd 9: Cont as est to m, sl m, M1L, k1, work Rnd 3 of Left Twists patt to m, sl m, work next rnd of Main Cable Panel to m, sl m, work Rnd 3 of Right Twists patt to 1 st bef m, k1, M1R, sl m, cont as est to end. 2 sts inc'd, 60 sts.
Rnd 10: Cont as est to m, sl m, M1L, k2, work Rnd 4 of Left Twists patt to m, sl m, work next rnd of Main Cable Panel to m, sl m, work Rnd 4 of Right Twists patt to 2 sts bef m, k2, M1R, sl m, cont as est to end. 2 sts inc'd, 62 sts.
Rnds 11-17: Rep Rnds 7-10, once more, then rep Rnds 7-9, one further time. 14 sts inc'd, 76 sts.
Rnd 18: Cont even in patt as est to end.

Size L ONLY:
Set-up Rnd: K1, p2, k2, p2, k1, pm, M1L, k2, pm, k28, pm, k2, M1R, pm, k1, p2, k2, p2, k1. 2 sts inc'd, 50 sts.
Rnd 1: K1, p2, k2, p2, k1, sl m, M1L, [purl to m, sl m] twice, purl to m, M1R, sl m, k1, p2, k2, p2, k1. 2 sts inc'd, 52 sts.
Rnd 2: K1, p2, k2, p2, k1, sl m, M1L, p2, k2, sl m, p3, k4, p3, k6, p3, k4, p3, sl m, k2, p2, M1R, sl m, k1, p2, k2, p2, k1. 2 sts inc'd, 54 sts.
Rnd 3: Cont as est to m, sl m, M1L, k1, work Rnd 1 of Left Twists patt to m, sl m, work Main Cable Panel to m, sl m, work Rnd 1 of Right Twists patt to 1 st bef m, k1, M1R, sl m, cont as est to end. 2 sts inc'd, 56 sts.
Rnd 4: Cont as est to m, sl m, M1L, k2, work Rnd 2 of Left Twists patt to m, sl m, work Main Cable Panel to m, sl m, work Rnd 2 of Right Twists patt to 2 sts bef m, k2, M1R, sl m, cont as est to end. 2 sts inc'd, 58 sts.
Rnd 5: Cont as est to m, sl m, M1L, work Rnd 3 of Left Twists patt to m, sl m, work Main Cable Panel to m, sl m, work Rnd 3 of Right Twists to 3 sts bef m, k2, p1, M1R, sl m, cont as est to end. 2 sts inc'd, 60 sts.
Rnd 6: Cont as est to m, sl m, M1L, work Rnd 4 of Left Twists patt to m, sl m, work Main Cable Panel to m, sl m, work Rnd 5 of Left Twists patt to m, M1R, sl m, cont as est to end. 2 sts inc'd, 62 sts.
Rnds 7-26: Rep Rnds 3-6 5 times more. 40 sts inc'd, 102 sts.
Rnds 27-29: Rep Rnds 3-5 once more. 6 sts inc'd, 108 sts.
Rnd 30: Cont even as est to end.

Size 1X ONLY:
Set-up Rnd: K1, [p2, k2] twice, p2, k1, pm, M1L, k6, pm, k28, pm, k6, M1R, pm, k1, [p2, k2] twice, p2, k1. 2 sts inc'd, 66 sts.
Rnd 1: K1, [p2, k2] twice, p2, k1, sl m, M1L, [purl to m, sl m] twice, purl to m, M1R, sl m, k1, [p2, k2] twice, p2, k1. 2 sts inc'd, 68 sts.
Rnd 2: K1, [p2, k2] twice, p2, k1, sl m, M1L, [p2, k2] twice, sl m, p3, k4, p3, k6, p3, k4, p3, sl m, [k2, p2] twice, M1R, sl m, k1, [p2, k2] twice, p2, k1. 2 sts inc'd, 70 sts.
Rnd 3: Cont as est to m, sl m, M1L, k1, work Rnd 1 of Left Twists to m, sl m, work Main Cable Panel to m, sl m, work Rnd 1 of Right Twists to 1 st bef m, k1, M1R, sl m, cont as est to end. 2 sts inc'd, 72 sts.
Rnd 4: Cont as est to m, sl m, M1L, k2, work Rnd 2 of Left Twists to m, sl m, work Main Cable Panel to m, sl m, work Rnd 2 of Right Twists to 2 sts bef m, k2, M1R, sl m, cont as est to end. 2 sts inc'd, 74 sts.
Rnd 5: Cont as est to m, sl m, M1L, p1, k2, work Rnd 3 of Left Twists to m, sl m, work Main Cable Panel to m, sl m, work Right Twists to 3 sts bef m, k2, p1, M1R, sl m, cont as est to end. 2 sts inc'd, 76 sts.
Rnd 6: Cont as est to m, sl m, work Rnd 4 of Left Twists to m, sl m, work Main Cable Panel to m, sl m, work Rnd 4 of Right Twists patt to m, M1R, sl m, cont as est to end. 2 sts inc'd, 78 sts.
Rnds 7-30: Rep Rnds 3-6 6 times more. 48 sts inc'd, 126 sts.
Rnds 31-33: Rep Rnds 3-5. 6 sts inc'd, 132 sts.
Rnd 34: Cont even as est to end.

Size 2X ONLY:
Set-up Rnd: K1, [p2, k2] 3 times, p2, k1, pm, M1L, k8, pm, k28, pm, k8, M1R, pm, k1, p2, [k2, p2] 3 times, k1. 2 sts inc'd, 78 sts.
Rnd 1: K1, [p2, k2] 3 times, p2, k1, sl m, M1L, [purl to m, sl m] twice, purl to m, M1R, sl m, k1, p2, [k2, p2] 3 times, k1. 2 sts inc'd, 80 sts.
Rnd 2: K1, [p2, k2] 3 times, p2, k1, sl m, M1L, k2, [p2, k2] twice, sl m, p3, k4, p3, k6, p3, k4, p3, sl m, [k2, p2] twice, k2, M1R, sl m, p2, k1, [k2, p2] 3 times, k1. 2 sts inc'd, 82 sts.
Rnd 3: Cont as est to m, sl m, M1L, p1, LT, work Rnd 1 of Left Twists to m, sl m, work Main Cable Panel to m, sl m, work Rnd 1 of Right Twists to 3 sts bef m, RT, p1, M1R, sl m, cont as est to end. 2 sts inc'd, 84 sts.
Rnd 4: Cont as est to m, sl m, M1L, work Rnd 2 of Left Twists to m, sl m, work Main Cable Panel to m, sl m, work Rnd 2 of Right Twists to m, M1R, sl m, cont as est to end. 2 sts inc'd, 86 sts.
Rnd 5: Cont as est to m, sl m, M1L, p1, k2, work Rnd 3 of Left Twists to m, sl m, work Main Cable Panel to m, sl m, work Right Twists to 3 sts bef m, k2, p1, M1R, sl m, cont as est to end. 2 sts inc'd, 88 sts.
Rnd 6: Cont as est to m, sl m, work Rnd 4 of Left Twists to m, sl m, work Main Cable Panel to m, sl m, work Rnd 4 of Right Twists patt to m, M1R, sl m, cont as est to end. 2 sts inc'd, 90 sts.
Rnds 7-34: Rep Rnds 3-6 7 times more. 56 sts inc'd, 146 sts.
Rnds 35-37: Rep Rnds 3-5. 6 sts inc'd, 152 sts.
Rnd 38: Cont even as est to end.

ALL SIZES:
Separate for Front Leg Opening:
Row 1 [RS]: Cont as est over 4[6, 8, 12, 16] sts, place last 8[12, 16, 24, 32] sts on holder or waste yarn (removing BOR marker as you come to it), cont as est to end, turn. 48[64, 92, 108, 120] sts rem.
Row 2 [WS]: P1, cont as est to last st, p1.
Work even as est until piece measures 3[4, 4.5, 5.5, 6.5] inches / 7.5[10, 11.5, 14, 16.5] cm from separation, ending after a WS row. Break yarn and place sts on holder or waste yarn.

Work Underside:
Return 8[12, 16, 24, 32] sts to larger needles, ready to work a RS row.
Work even as est until piece measures 3[4, 4.5, 5.5, 6.5] inches / 7.5[10, 11.5, 14, 16.5] cm from separation, ending after a WS row. Do not break yarn.

Join for Belly:
Joining Rnd: Cont as est over 8[12, 16, 24, 32] sts, pm, cont as est over 48[64, 92, 108, 120] held sts, pm to denote new BOR and join in rnd.
Work even in patt as est until Belly measures 1.5[2.25, 3, 3.75, 4.75] inches / 4[6, 7.5, 9.5, 11.5] cm from Joining Rnd, ending after an odd rnd of Main Cable Panel. Remove BOR marker and turn work.

Shape Lower Back:
Note: Maintain Left Twists, Main Cable Panel, and Right Twists patts as much as possible throughout lower back shaping. If in doubt, knit the knits and purl the purls.
Set-up Row [WS]: P1, cont as est to 1 st bef last m, p1, remove marker and place last 8[12, 16, 24, 32] Belly sts on holder or waste yarn, turn work. 48[64, 92, 108, 120] sts.
Row 1 [RS]: K1, p1, ssk, cont as est to last 4 sts, k2tog, p2, k1. 2 sts dec'd, 46[62, 90, 106, 118] sts rem.
Row 2: P1, k1, cont as est to last 2 sts, k1, p1.
Rep Rows 1-2 7[9, 15, 17, 19] times more. 14[18, 30, 34, 38] sts dec'd, 32[44, 60, 72, 80] sts rem.

Border
Set-up Row [RS]: K 32[44, 60, 72, 80] , pick up and knit 12[16, 24, 28, 32] sts along first decreased edge, cont as est over 8[12, 16, 24, 32] held Belly sts, pick up and knit 12[16, 24, 28, 32] sts along second decreased edge, pm to denote BOR and join in rnd. 64[88, 124, 152, 176] sts
Rnd 1: *K1, p2, k1; rep from * to end.
Rep Rnd 1 3[4, 5, 6, 7] times more. Loosely BO all sts using the 2-stitch I-cord method.

Leg Opening Edging (work 2)
With smaller needle for small circumferences, pick up and knit 20[28, 32, 40, 48] sts evenly around Leg opening, PM and join to work in the rnd.
Rnd 1: *K1, p2, k1; rep from * to end.
Rep Rnd 1 3[4, 5, 7, 9] times more, or until desired length is achieved. Loosely BO all sts using the 2-stitch I-cord method.

FINISHING

Weave in ends. Gently wash and block to finished measurements.

A – Neck circumference: 9[10, 12, 16, 19] inches / 23[25.5, 30.5, 40.5, 48.5] cm
B – Chest circumference: 14[19, 27, 33, 36] / 35.5[48.5, 68.5, 84, 91.5] cm
C – Rear width: 8[11, 15, 19, 20] inches / 20.5[28, 38, 48.5, 51] cm
D – Width between leg openings: 2[3, 4, 6, 8] inches / 5[7.5, 10, 15, 20.5] cm
E – Collar length: 3.5[4, 4.5, 5, 6] inches / 9[10, 11.5, 12.5, 15] cm
F – Yoke length: 2[3.5, 6, 6.75, 7.5] inches / 5[9, 15, 17, 19] cm
G – Underside length: 3[4, 4.5, 5.5, 6.5] inches / 7.5[10, 11.5, 14, 16.5] cm
H – Belly length: 2.5[3.25, 4.25, 5.25, 6] inches / 6.5[8.5, 11, 13.5, 15.5] cm
I – Lower back length: 4[5, 7.5, 8.5, 9.5] inches / 10[13, 19, 21.5, 24] cm

ABOUT THE DESIGNER

Rachel Brockman is the creative lead for Universal Yarn and also designs independently. When she isn't knitting, she's probably playing with her pups, climbing, or watching John Carpenter's The Thing for the millionth time with her husband.

You can find her on Ravelry as Racheleilei and on Instagram as rachbrocknits.

Pattern & images © 2023 Rachel Brockman