The body of the cardigan is worked from the bottom up in one piece then divided for fronts and back, which are worked separately to the shoulders. You have the option of working a garter stitch collar or a hood. The collar is worked across the back neck in two halves, which begin at the top of the fronts and are joined in the center; short-row shaping is worked near the shoulder end for extra ease. The hood is worked from the live front and back stitches. You have the option of working button loops for two buttons, or using snaps for closure with decorative buttons sewn on the front.