Amelia Earhart Aviator Cap Pattern HELP!

#1

I am a beginner/intermediate knitter and I’m having a hell of a time figuring out this pattern Amelia Earhart Aviator Cap Pattern. It won’t let me post the link because this is my first post but it’s the pattern by Flor.

First, why does step 1 begin with (Wrong side)?

From there, I’m unsure if I’m doing the increase in step 2 correctly because I’ve been putting markers between the sets of four but when I increase, it throws the pattern off by one stitch. Is that ok?

I suck at following patterns, I usually end up just making something up, but I really want to finish this one, because I’m bed ridden right trying to stave off cabin fever with knitting. Please help!

#2

The pattern wants one row of k2p2 before beginning the increases and the wrap and turns on the right side row, so the first row is called a wrong side row. The increase at the beginning of the row will throw off the repeat but that’s what the stitch pattern looks like in the picture, a staggered repeat.
If you would like to see a video of the wrap and turn for short rows, there’s one under the Free Videos tab at the top of the page, Advanced Techniques.
Cute hat!

#3

Yes, your stitch count is going to be off because you’re increasing each time. Do not count stitches, do the increases by the markers where the pattern tells you to. This is what they are there for, so you don’t get confused. I like to just tie a piece of contrasting yarn around the needle and clip the ends short to used as a marker. Here’s an excellent tutorial for short row wrap and turn: