Hi
I feel so lost trying to decipher this pattern could Someone please assist me in understanding the rows to knit diagram.
I have been trying for so long and thought of giving up. Before I do so, please help me to understand it.
Thank you.
Hello
Lovely cardigan.
What is it you’re stuck on?
Pattern 1 (marked M1) is used for the back and the two fronts. Pattern 2 (marked M2) is used for the sleeve, then followed in pattern 1.
Do you know how to read these charts?
It’s an unusual 3 row repeat in Pattern 1 (M1) so it’s not as straightforward as you might imagine.
The row of bumps on rows 3,6,9,12,15 and so on is created by alternating knit or purl rows so the row 3 is a purl row, row 6 is knit, row 9 is purl, row 12 is knit, row 15 is purl. The rows between are stockinette (knit on the RS, purl on the WS).
R 1, k
R2, p
R3, P
R4, k
R5, p
R6, K
R7, k
R8, p
R9, P
R10, k
R11, p
R12, K
R13, k
R14, p
R15, P
It may help to write out the rows until you become accustomed to the pattern. Then you can check them off as you go.
(ETA this list is incorrect and is amended below.)
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HI, I did an extra row for the border as my cast on row is never that good, then I tried to follow the pattern, then I don’t know what happens as sometimes it looks ok, sometimes it seems that I have an extra knit row. I kept trying and unpicking until I realised that I needed help or I would give up, which I really didn’t want to do. I have now had help from Salmonmac and will try again. Thank you for your response. I think I am no good at charts.
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This is one of those charts that’s not as helpful as you would wish. I can see the confusion. See if the list of rows helps and if you can continue it on with further rows. Rows 4-9 should be the the 6 row repeat for Pattern 1 or M1.
Some of the rows will make garter ridges which may be confusing when they appear.
You could take a photo of your knitting and we’ll have a look of you think it’s wrong again.
Perhaps try a swatch with not too many stitches to get used to the chart. I was so confused by charts when I first saw them but realised so many patterns have them it’s worth the effort. Now I’d prefer a chart, they often make more sense than long lines of text. You will get better the more you use them.
Don’t give up, I’m cheering you along.
Hi Creations
I feel so happy that there are people out there that is so caring. I will do a small swatch tomorrow as it is night time here.
I will not give up, but will continue and hopefully learn how to read charts.
Thanks
Lorraine
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It is a bit confusing to begin with that the charts show everything from the right side of the work so you have to remember if you are on a right or wrong side and what the symbol means. I did find though that later my brain adapted to reading back and forth and ‘seeing’ the fabric from the right side. If you number the chart and add salmonmac’s written instructions hopefully it will click.
I find it helps to have the chart printed and use a post it sticker to mark the row, so it hides the rows above, and I can’t accidentally scan the wrong row.
Good luck with it.
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Thank you so much.
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Hi
I have tried doing a swatch using UK9 needles. I followed the 15 rows x 2 as per @Salmonmac email (I added 2 extra stitch each side but measured within the required stiches). The pattern looks completely different to my own knitting (as per the coloured striped one). I did a swatch prior to
starting but only did it in stockinette stich as I did not realised the pattern. I do not know how to move forward; in the past I have followed a written pattern and been ok (although sometimes not ~ I then leave in the future to finish box).
I keep looking at the cardigan and wish I could do it. The swatch when slightly stretched was 9cm x 9cm. I am quite a slight person (petite extra small size), so I think using the needle 9UK might be ok (do not know really). I am not a person who easily give up, but feel this has not gone right for me. Please advise if possible.
Thank you.
Lorraine
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My fault entirely. The striped swatch is correct and looks great. I’ve now knit the chart on a small swatch and the rows I posted earlier were incorrect. My apologies.
The chart pattern should be
R1 K
R2 P
R3 P
R4 P
R5 K
R6 K
R7 K
R8 P
R9 P
This seems to work.
You can measure the swatch over the middle 5cm then double the stitch number to get an idea of the sts/10cm. It was a good idea to add the extra sts on each end but maybe add in several more sts in the middle pattern area so that you can easily measure over the middle 10cm
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Oh your striped knitting looks lovely! The other looks good too, different pattern but still very attractive. I really like stripes made out of stockinette and garter, or reverse stockinette.
It’s important to check the gauge so that you make the cardigan a size you can wear. If your sts measure 9cm instead of 10cm this will add up to a big difference across the full pattern (eg it could end up 18 cm or 7 inches smaller than planned). We can help if you aren’t sure what to do. Best to check and be sure before you get too far. You can measure the striped knitting you’ve done. To see how many stitches fit in 10cm.
You won’t need to give up. Sometimes getting started is the hardest part. Once you’re away it will all seem much more manageable.
Hi
Thanks Salmonmac and Creations for your valuable help and time. I will try again soon. My head feels a bit fuzzy. I’m going to do a book mark to feel chill and relax for a bit. I’ll be back when I try the cardigan again.
Take care
Lorraine
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You’re on the right track so whenever you’re ready, this should go smoothly. Let us know once you get back to it and of course, if any questions come up, please don’t hesitate to ask.
Thank you. Will do.
Have a good day all.
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You can do it, once you conquer first few rows pattern will show itself on RS. Two rows knit one row purl than just read stitches as you go… it is beautiful cardigan I put it on my list 
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