I am trying to knit a left&right back side panels of a poncho. I’m at the point to shape the neck, where the instruction said “cast off 5 sts at beg of next row and foll alt row, then 2 sts at beg of foll alt row twice, at the same time dec one at at side edge in next row, then in foll alt row 3 times”
I’m quite confused and not sure what to after the first line. Following is my take on the above. Could anyone please help if I’m too far off or not?
Let say the row I’m going to cast off 5 stitches at the beginning is row 31. Do I then repeat on beginning of row 33, then cast off 2 stitches at the beginning of row 35 and 37, decrease 1 stitch at the end of row 38, 40, 42 and 43. My guess, the side edge is the arm hole of the poncho
Hello
You’re half way there with deciphering the shaping instructions.
Yes, the cast offs will be 5 sts on rows 31 and 33,
Then 2 sts on rows 35 and 37. You got that.
The next piece if information though has to happen "at the same time" so
Dec 1 at side edge in next row - this will be row 31
And dec 1 st in foll alt row 3 times - rows 33, 35, 37.
Some people like to write this out in columns with the row number, cast offs and decreases marked on then tick them off as they are worked. It can be helpful for instructions which happen at the same time although you only have a few so you might feel it unnecessary.
Not knowing if this poncho has more shaping at the neck or more shaping at the arm it is not possible for me to say which edge is which with any surety but I think you have it right that the cast off shaping is the neck and side edge decreases are arm holes.
Keep notes whilst you do this side as you will need to do the other side later and it may just tell you to reverse the shaping. Knowing your row numbers will help.
Thank you so much for your clarification. I now understand how to apply “at the same time” phrase.
Your advice on taking note and breakdown the instructions in steps are excellent. I have been practicing this method since I began knitting in the last few months. However I still miss the count from time to time
