"Cozy Up With Me" Shorts

"Cozy Up With Me" Shorts Machine Knitting Pattern

What is Being Made

"Cozy Up With Me" Shorts is a downloadable machine knitting pattern designed by Lauren Riker. This pattern provides instructions for creating a pair of fitted shorts using a mid-gauge knitting machine. The design is available in 11 different sizes, ranging from 24 inches to 44 inches in waist measurement, making it suitable for various body types and fit preferences.

Craft and Equipment

This is a machine knitting pattern specifically designed for use with a mid-gauge knitting machine. The pattern was developed using an LK-150 mid-gauge knitting machine, which is a popular choice for garment construction. Machine knitting allows for faster production of larger fabric pieces compared to hand knitting, making it ideal for creating fitted garments like shorts that require consistent gauge and smooth fabric surfaces.

Stitches and Techniques

The primary stitch used throughout this pattern is Stockinette Stitch, which creates a smooth, classic fabric with a flat appearance on the right side and bumpy texture on the wrong side. Stockinette Stitch is a fundamental machine knitting technique that provides excellent drape and a refined finish suitable for fitted garments. The pattern includes tension adjustments to achieve the correct gauge, with instructions provided in terms of machine tension dial settings (MT) and adjustment notations for different machine models.

Materials and Yarn Requirements

This pattern requires Worsted Weight Yarn in quantities ranging from 350 to 875 yards depending on the selected size. The yardage breakdown is as follows:

• Sizes 1-5: 350 to 550 yards (320 to 550 meters)
• Sizes 6-11: 655 to 875 yards (600 to 800 meters)

The designer showcased sample garments using two specific yarn options: Knit Picks "Brava Worsted" in the Cobblestone Heather colorway and Lion Brand "Touch of Alpaca" in the Blush colorway. These yarn selections demonstrate versatility in color and fiber content while maintaining the worsted weight specification required for proper gauge.

Gauge and Tension

Achieving the correct gauge is essential for proper fit in this shorts pattern. The specified gauge is 19 stitches and 27 rows equals 4 inches in Stockinette Stitch (or 4.75 stitches and 6.75 rows per inch). On the LK-150 machine, this gauge is achieved at T5.5 tension. The pattern provides flexibility for users with different machine models by including tension adjustment guidance, allowing crafters to modify their machine dial settings to reach the required gauge.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as Intermediate difficulty, indicating it is suitable for knitters who have progressed beyond basic skills and are comfortable with machine knitting techniques, gauge adjustments, and garment construction. The intermediate classification suggests that while the pattern may include some shaping or more complex techniques than beginner patterns, it remains accessible to experienced machine knitters.