Pretty blanket!
Since you’re knitting flat you have to knit on the back (WS). That’s the way knitting flat works. So what is happening when you are knitting on the back that is messing up the pattern? Your pattern should tell you what stitches to do on the WS.
Another thought… is it that you’re having trouble turning with circular needles? If so…when you get to the end of the row just turn end for end so you are holding the stitches with the working yarn in your left hand. The other end of the circular needle becomes your second needle.