Confused!!!

Hi,

I’m working on my first jumper (Baby jumper BHKC 3) and am struggling with how some of the instructions are written. I know I’m not supposed to photo the whole pattern but to explain I’m going to
show just a snapshot of the small sections I’m confused about rather than the whole thing.

When is says row 1 and 2 sets the ‘shaping’ and then asks me to work the next however many rows. Does this mean I follow the pattern I have just set for myself in those two rows until further instruction. Is this correct?

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Secondly if that is correct the image below is on the same theme but a bit different. It starts off by giving the row 1 and 2 instructions for the shaping, however there are sections that specifically tell how certain rows should be knitted e.g to form the button holes. Does this mean then that if I’m not being told exactly how to knit a row I revert back to the row 1 and 2 shaping so the pattern along the edge is continued?

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Please could someone explain!! I find it quite confusing!

Thanks for your help,

Joseph

Yes, follow the pattern established in the first two rows for the given number of rows for your size.

So this is the other side of an opening, maybe at the back of the sweater. You’re correct. Follow the row 1 & 2 directions for the given number of rows for your size and place the buttonholes where directed. Otherwise work the rows between buttonholes as row 1 & 2.

Thanks very much for just posting the necessary rows of the pattern. That’s perfect.

Thanks for your reply. I guess what’s confusing is after the initial ‘shaping’ rows and doing a row for the button I have to remember to go back to that edging of the back opening pattern otherwise there will be no edging!! But it’s only those three stitches I would have to watch for the back opening. I still don’t fully understand the shaping part. It seems you knit the rows as they are written and then as well as any decreasing that’s mentioned you have to still follow the pattern that’s set in the shaping? However you don’t just repeat the initial rows over and over as I’ve done the maths and the stitch count doesn’t add up for the next section!! Thanks again for your help. I really appreciate it.

You have to work the edging on every row. Because the RS rows are knit across you only have to remember to work the edging on the purl rows. The buttonhole rows are also worked as knit rows. It’ll help to place a marker at the edging as a reminder to work the 3 edging sts. It’s easy to forget them!
There’s only the shaping on the knit rows. The k2tog, yfwd forms the buttonhole. It won’t be a decrease because the yfwd or yarn over will add back the stitch that the k2tog subtracts.

What size are you making?

Hi Thanks for the explanation. So for the jumper opening edge when I’m working on a purl row I knit the last three stitches for the pattern. This would mean that when I turn and start the next knit row the first three stitches would be purl stitches. I’ve been purling these first three and then continuing with the knits till the end. It has left me with an edge which looks fine but am now not sure if I was only supposed to knit the last three on the purl row and then when I turn it round to start the next row knit those first three purl stitches??!!

For the edging section last three stitches I’ve been knitting the knits and purling the purls? Is this correct?

Always knit the edge sts. Knit them on the knit rows, knit them on the purl rows. The edging will look like this edging (see 9th photo down in this project):

The 3 edge stitches are beginning of row 1 and end of row 2. They are intended to be knit every row to produce a garter stitch edging. The garter stitch edge does not curl so much, making a neater edge which lays flatter.
It sounds like you have made a reverse stocking stitch edge with those 3 purled on the right side and knitted on the wrong side of the piece. This is likely to curl, or flip, and not lay flat.
You could tink back (that means undo each stitch carefully un knitting, there are videos if you need one) and rework it or decide to leave it.
Reverse stocking stitch is a pretty pattern, it just is not as flat as garter stitch.

So this is what it currently looks like! Two button holes on the left and same pattern on the right where I’ll attach the buttons to go though the left section. Does this look like it should?

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image1.jpeg

Yes, this is reverse stockinette stitch where you have purled the sts on the RS and knit them on the WS (wrong side) as you described. It will curl but if you want it to lie flat, work these sts in garter stitch where you knit every row. See the photo in the Ravelry project that I linked to for the appearance of the garter stitch buttonhole and button bands.

Your knitting looks lovely and even. That’s very nicely done!

Thank you for your explanation and patience. I think I finally understand!! It’s quite a learning curve as a beginner! I found a picture of the backing of the same jumper and looks as you described with the garter stitch edging. So both edges would be this garter stitch and they overlap to button up?

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Thank you so much,

Joseph

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That’s it exactly!
This isn’t an easy pattern with lots going on at the same time but you’re doing very well with it. Yes, the beginning is always difficult but it will get easier. The more projects you work, the better. You’re right to plunge in and get started. We’re here to back you up so feel free to ask away anytime you need help or just confirmation of your thoughts.

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It’s looking great so far!
You could decide to leave the button band as it it because you have already worked it and as it is on the back of the project so not all that noticable. It is up to you.
If you decide to undo the knitting to below the button band and rework it you have a fair bit to undo. I suggest inserting a life line with a thinner yarn if you have one (I used embroidery thread as it is sturdy but thinner than my knitting yarn and it slips out easily afterwards) so that you can save your stitches and pull put those rows.
In case you have not used a life line before here is a video.

Thanks so much for the life line video. Very helpful.

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Indeed, follow the example laid out in the initial two lines for the given number of columns for your size.