Knitting pattern help please

#1

Good morning, I am new to the site and hoping for some help. I am trying to graduate from kits and I have downloaded a pattern from DROPs for a cardigan. I have struggled from the start as don’t think it is very well written but have managed to make the back piece and now working on the front left piece. The pattern is here https://www.garnstudio.com/pattern.php?id=10897&cid=17.

I am working the left front piece towards the end of this piece it says When the piece measures 44-46-47-49-50-52 cm place the first 9-10-11-12-13-14 stitches towards mid-front on a thread for the neck (work them first) and finish each shoulder separately. First of all I don’t understand what these 9 stitches are for? Also what does it mean work them, I knit them then slip them onto a thread? I don’ t cast them off? It doesn’t mention them again other than to do the same on the right hand front later. If anybody can help I would be so grateful. thank you so much. xx

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#2

Welcome to the forum!
Drops patterns are translations and aren’t always the easiest to understand.
Since this is the left front there’s only one shoulder to work on, the left shoulder (left as you would wear the sweater).

The 9sts are going to form half of the center neck. You can knit across on a right side (RS) row then slip the last 9sts of the row onto a holder or a thread of waste yarn. Don’t cast them off. You’ll get to them toward the very end of the directions under Neck:
“Knit up 77 to 99 stitches around the neck, with circular needle size 4 MM = US 6 and color pink sand (including over the bands and the stitches from the threads)…”

Thank you for the pattern information. Have fun knitting this lovely cardigan and come back with any questions or comments. We also love to see photos of finished projects.

#3

Wow thank you so much for your fantastic reply which explains it all so well. I am so grateful and glad that I wasn’t imagining that the instructions were difficult to understand. I can now move forward with this. Just so nice to know there are people out there who are willinging to help. I don’t have anyone here to ask! Thank you so much again xx.

#4

Salmonmac, can you check this? I think these stitches are worked on the Wrong Side for the left neck and shoulder. Then, as you say, slipped onto a holder.

I like Drops patterns.

#5

It is a bit ambiguous but to me it’s more straightforward to work this from the RS. It’s there in front of you as you look at the sweater. Either way, it’ll work to shape the neck on the left front.

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#6

Thanks

#7

Just to be clear, the advantage of starting on the RS is that you get to the 9sts slip them, turn and work the WS row. If you start with the WS row and slip the sts, your yarn strand has to be cut and re-joined. Almost nothing I hate more than extra ends to weave in.

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#8

It was that in the instruction the 9 stitches were to be worked prior to slipping which made me think work from ws the 9 at the neck edge and the yarn strand is in place to continue the row.
In my head they will be unworked if slipped from the right side.

But I will always defer to your knowledge, experience and good judgement. I read threads to learn even when I have no plan to make the pattern.

#9

We all contribute to these discussions. That’s what makes it enjoyable and instructive. Yes, if you work the sts first rather than slipping, you’re set to go with the WS row. Thanks for that.

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#10

Hello! I am doing very well with my knitting but going quite slowly. I have run into another problem with the pattern and was wondering if you could help me again please.

I have tried to look online but not sure I am getting what a sleeve cap is? Here is the bit from the pattern

SLEEVES:
Cast on 60-64-68-70-72-74 stitches with short circular needle size 4 mm and colour pink sand. Knit 1 round then work rib in the round (knit 1, purl 1) for 4 cm. Change to short circular needle size 5 mm and continue with stocking stitch. Insert 1 marker at the beginning of the round = mid-under sleeve. When the sleeve measures 6 cm, increase 1 stitch on each side of the marker – read INCREASE TIP. Increase like this every 10-10-10-9-4-2 cm a total of 2-2-2-2-3-4 times = 64-68-72-74-78-82 stitches. When the sleeve measures 22-21-20-18-16-13 cm, work the sleeve cap back and forth from mid-under the sleeve for 3-4-5-6-7-10 cm. Cast off. Work the other sleeve in the same way.

Not sure where the sleeve cap goes, I am doing a magic loop for the sleeve and how wide should it be?

Any advice gratefully received.

with best wishes

Lucy

ps in case its of use. the whole pattern is here https://www.garnstudio.com/pattern.php?id=10897&cid=19

#11

Hello
The sleeve cap is just the top of the sleeve, the section between the underarm and the shoulder. Sleeve caps are often shaped with some decreases but it looks li,e yours is straight. For this section you need to stop working in the round and instead work flat, back and forth on your needles. When you get to the beginning of round marker which is also the middle of the underarm, instead of continuing past the marker, stop, turn the work, work the wrong side.
You can continue to use circular needles but not work in a circle.
Remember you will need to work the wrong side (inside) in purl and the right side (outside) in knit to maintain a stockinette stitch pattern.

Hope this helps.

#12

There’s also a nice drawing of the placement of the sleeve cap (dashed line in the drawing) below the schematic in the pattern.

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#13

This is so helpful thank you very much. So basically just to clarify and make sure I understood correctly I knit the whole way across the top of the sleeve for 3cms (which is the size I am using in the pattern). Thank you so much for taking the time to reply, much appreciated.

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#14

Thank you so much I may have more questions when I come to sewing it all up! You are so kind to reply, thank you so much. Your previous help was perfect.

Thank you xx

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#15

Sounds like you’ve got this. It’s not a common way to work a sleeve cap but you do sometimes see it in patterns so it’s good to know. Have fun finishing up and please post a photo when you finish. We love to see finished projects!

#16

Yes, that’s it, still working all the stitches but flat instead of in the the round. There will be an open part which is seamed to the body later.

#17

Amazing, thank you so much xx

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#18

Thank you again! I will definitely post when it is finished. The end is now in sight xx

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#19

Creations,
I agree 100% - I read this forum for fun and relaxation and always learn something new!

Just had hip replacement surgery 5/29 and am still recuperating, so once again, this forum is contributing to my sanity!

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#20

Great to hear you have a new hip, congratulations! And I wish you a speedy and pain-free recovery.