K2,p2 mess

#1

I’m a self taught newbie having problems with what I thought were the most basic of stitches. I have a pattern that says k2,p2,k3, for a purse strap. When I read the pattern it seemed simple enough but when I tried it, it was a mess. I dont know if I’m knitting into the wrong side of the stitch or what, but it comes out with extra stitches and wrapped yarn on my needles instead of ‘loops’ to knit into on the next row. :?? My question is, is there something I should do to transition from knit to purl stitch in the same row to prevent this? I learned to knit watching video clips online and reading books. This was great for learning individual stitches, but did I miss something about putting them together?

Thanks for your help!

#2

It can be tricky when switching back and forth from knit to purl in the same row. It’s very easy to drop stitches or to create yarn overs.

In order to make sure you don’t end up with extra loops, you need to move your yarn from front to back, or back to front, just before you try to make the stitch that needs it. In a k2, p2 ribbing, you start off with your yarn in the back of your work. Knit two stitches, and then bring the yarn forward between the needles. Your yarn is now in the correct position to do the two purl stitches. After you have purled two, you bring the yarn to the back in between your needles, and then it is in the correct place again for your knit stitches. Clear as mud?

#3

I’m not quite sure what you are doing. Make sure when you purl that you only pull the yarn forward between the needles. Don’t wrap it around the needle, that WILL add a stitch. When you need to knit put the yarn to the back between the needles. If you just bring it around it will add another stitch. (That is actually called a yarn over (yo) and is used in some patterns for increasing or adding an eyelet)

#4

Thank you both so much!
It is so nice to be able to get help from experienced knitters. When I took an interest in knitting, I could not find a single person who could knit to show me. Thank goodness for the internet and helpful people like you all.

Thanks again!

Happy St. Pat’s Day

#5

You are very welcome, and I was happy to help! I’m not sure if I’d consider myself an “experienced” knitter, I’ll leave that distinction to Ingrid! All I do is offer what knowledge I’ve gained from my own mistakes and problems that I’ve had.

#6

LOL I’ve only been knitting since October so I’m not all that experienced either…what this tells you is you can learn about knitting quickly. :slight_smile: Glad I could help!

#7

I found the best way for me to learn this was to watch the ribbing video. Before that, I knew how to knit and I knew how to purl but messed it all up when I tried to put it together. Love the videos! :thumbsup: