Increase - but what kind?

I have several knit square patterns that, when done, can all be stitched together to form an afghan.

However, every single pattern in varying ways calls for increases and decreases…but what type of increase and decrease is not specified.

For example:

[I]Cast on 52 sts.
Knit 6 rows.
Next Row: Knit, inc 2 sts across row - 54 sts.
Work pattern as follows.[/I]

Well the pattern part isn’t the issue, so I won’t include that, but then we get to the end:

[I]Next Row: knit, dec 2 sts across row - 52 sts.
Knit 6 rows.
Bind off.[/I]

Ok, when it says to inc 2 at the beginning, then dec 2 at the end, what kind am I supposed to do, since there are multiple ways of increasing and decreasing? If a particular type isn’t specified, is there a standard default increase and decrease that it’s supposed to mean?

Plus, if I’m starting the pattern with only 52 sts, then work most of the body with 54 sts, then decrease back to 52 at the end, isn’t the shape going to be all wonky and not in a square?

Another square goes like this:

[I]Cast on 52 sts.
Knit 6 rows.
Next Row: Knit, inc 22 sts across row - 74 sts.[/I]

And then the subsequent dec back down to 52 sts at the end.

Where in the row am I supposed do put all of these increases and decreases - in the middle or ends?

When a pattern calls for an increase like this, you can really do whatever you like. I find that a M1 is the least visible.

It doesn’t make a wonky shape because the pattern that you’re working after the increase and before the decrease will have a tighter tension than the edge stitches. The increases are to keep it from pulling in.

When you increase 22 stitches across the row, try to increase them as evenly as you can–here’s a calculator to make it easier

http://www.thedietdiary.com/knittingfiend/tools/IncreaseEvenlySpace.html

Thank you for the quick reply!

What would the decrease equivalent of M1 (least visible) be - k2tog?

That calculator will be a great help.

A k2tog leans a bit to the right and a ssk leans a bit to the left. You could put one of each on the edges for the 2-stitch decrease. I don’t know of an invisible decrease (if you know what you’re looking for, at least).