Fast and Easy? Sweater/coat

#1

Ive been knitting for many years but always have had trouble reading a pattern.
I found this pattern and have been wanting to make myself this sweater/coat for yrs.

Can someone explain just what im doing wrong?

http://www.knitting-crochet.com/faseasloncoa.html

Row 1: Knit.

Row 2 (right side) : P 1, * K next st in row below, P 1, repeat from * across row.

Repeat these 2 rows for pattern stitch.

BACK: Using larger needles and a double strand of yarn, cast on 55 (61-65) sts.

Work even in pattern st until piece measures 21(21-21 ½ ) inches, ending with

Row 2. On the next row dec 1 st each end of needle and repeat this dec every 2 inches once more.

Work even in pattern as established on 51(57-61) sts until entire piece measures 25 (25-25 ½ ) inches.

Ive followed the pattern, it didnt seem right to me, so i ripped it out and did some ‘research’ and found that doing a Knit mext stitch in row below" seemed to me like i would be adding stitches. Its to be worked on straight needles,…
I tried it that way, and before i knew it, the piece just got way too big for the needles.

What in heavens name am i doing wrong? what am i to do with the stitch that is ABOVE the one im to knit below?

thanks in advance.

#2

I found these directions.

There have been frequent questions about this stitch. It’s not an increase. I believe you let that top stitch drop and it forms a strand across.

#3

thank you Ingrid for that site… i too found it and then i really became confused and then posted here.
It seems i WAS doing it correctly the first time! well, i restarted the project, but i really am not liking the way the pattern is turning out.
I have an idea ill try with this project… 4 k,* 2p, 2k till last 4-They will be opposite of the last 2… so if last 2 stitches are P, then reminder of 4 will be knit.
do this for 4rows.
Alternate next 4 rows
and so on …
its a nice pattern.

Im just wondering what i can do to ‘separate’ the pattern some, hmmm maybe put a k4 p4for a change in pattern…

any ideas?
thanks again.
o i hope i explained myself well enough to be understood.

#4

I think since you have the dimensions of the coat laid out and if you do some kind of rib like you said, you can pretty much do any pattern you want. When I envision yours, it makes me think of a kind of basketweave rib. Should be nice!

#5

I am wondering if a mistake is in the pattern, as in they left out a line or info on where to decrease. Because knitting in the row below does unravel the stitch and place another stitch on your needle. I have worked patterns that use that technique, however, the instructions will have the knitter k2tog or p2 tog at some point to remove the extra stitch, either in same row or row above. Maybe, make a swatch and test that theory. I looked at the site and they have a similar instruction for a cardigan coat. Row 1 has knit 1, k1 in row below repeat from across. Row 2 With right hand needle, k the thread from unraveled st of previous row with the next st above it, k1 repeat.