I am really struggling to understand this pattern. I have knit the back up to the 'shape raglan but am completely lost. Can anyone explain how to continue please?
Welcome to KnittingHelp!
The shape raglan begins with the cast off of sts for the underarms. The next 2 rows give you the placement of the raglan decreases, one near the beginning of the row and one near the end of the row. The decreases are placed 2 sts in from each end.
Which size are you making?
Hi Salmonmac, thank you for replying to me. I am making the first size but do not understand how I follow the new rows 1 and 2 whilst keeping the pattern correct. I am completely baffled!
Ah, ok. You want to keep the main body pattern continuous when you work the raglan decreases. That means that you won’t be able to follow the pattern rows precisely as written. The decreases will “eat into” that stitch pattern.
If you want you can subtract the initial sts (2 edge plus the 2stitch decrease) from the pattern stitch directions but the better way is to look at the rows knit so far and figure out where to start the pattern so that alignment is maintained. The edges sts and decreases can be worked as stockinette.
I think I’ll have to subtract but do I subtract the already decreased stitches plus the new instructions for each line?
I’m usually clued up with knitting patterns but this has got me cross eyed!
Yes, you’ll have to keep adding to the number of sts decreased. It’s notable that there is only this concern at the beginning of the row. At the end of the row, there are no worries about truncating the pattern. One deals with the sts that are left.
If you subtract then check to make sure that the pattern stitch isn’t shifting as you knit the first several pattern sts.
Could I please ask you a big favour…could you write what you think the 7th row would be (I’m alright with the cast off 4 at beginning of next 2 rows). I’m mortified 
You can do this. Knit 2sts, work the decrease and then look at where you are in the pattern stitch. What is the row below? What stitch will continue the pattern on the current row?
You’ll know when you’ve got it right and you’ll also be able to tell fairly quickly if things have gone wrong.
It may help to put in a lifeline now so that if you need to take out sts you don’t have to worry about losing what you’ve knit so far.
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Thank you so much, it’s starting to make sense now. I think because it’s a 12 line pattern it’s difficult to see where you are up to if you are checking 12 rows down. I’ll get there eventually 
. Thank you again for your help and patience x
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