I have general question about this pattern. I’m wondering if I’m over my head with this pattern. So much to remember and to do at same time. I have to follow 3 charts in same row and do increases some leaning to right some to left. Pattern has saddle shoulders which I have never heard of or done. I have never done a pattern with different leaning stitches. So on every increase I have to refer to pattern to see which way to pick up stitch and what loop to knit or purl thru. I love the sweater and like a challenge but just wondering if its too much of a headache. Took me 2 hours this morning to do first 2 rows on increases. Watched bunch of videos about saddle shoulders but none talked about stiches it takes to create.
Lovely pattern! It does seem complicated when you read through the pattern but it’s not as complicated as you imagine. Markers are going to be critical and will make much of the pattern easier. Mark or highlight the “At the same time” directions on the printed pattern too.
The charts are all of the same pattern just beginning at different points. You can make a copy of them and place them in the correct order if that helps. The stitch pattern may begin at different places but the pattern is the same over the charts.
Sometimes it helps to make spreadsheet with a column for the row numbers and one for the increases and their placement before or after the marker. You can add on the method for picking up the increased stitch whether from the front or back.
The first couple of rows are always the most difficult. Once you have those rows started the placement of the pattern stitch follows from these rows. It will become easier as you read your sts rather than the charts.
As for the saddle shoulders, they are just an extension of the sleeve cap. In this case because the pattern is knit top down, the saddle shoulder is knit first then the beginning of the sleeve.
Take is slowly and it will become easier as you knit. If you’re motivated, it’ll work.
Thank you answered most of my questions. I fid rewrite directions about increases so I don’t have to flip back thru pages. I can number rows on chart that will help. I just don’t understand where I would place A1 and when it starts. You are always a wealth of knowledge thanks for all your help
A1 is a reference for you for the placement of the pattern stitch when you’re increasing. It shows the way the (k2tog, yarn over) repeat staggers when you have additional sts to work in pattern. One thing to remember here is that you should only work the k2tog and yarn over in pairs. Don’t work one without the other in order to maintain the correct stitch count. (I once learned this the hard way!)
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Thanks I have learned many things the hard way but then you never forget it.
This is such a pretty pattern, I have had this and the matching sweater saved for some time. It will be great to see your progress.
I always think top down sweaters are more difficult (for me) because there is soooo much going on at the beginning of the pattern whereas bottom up sweaters often ease you in with a larger flat piece where you can focus on learning the stitch pattern before having to deal with lots of shaping with increases and decreases. You are on the most difficult part of the sweater with lots of different things happening, but it will get easier as you get the first section established and the later part of the project will probably be a breeze.
Those leaning increases. For ages I had to read the instruction every single time I made an increase and I always made sure it was written out in the most convenient place for me to refer to (often in the margins of printed charts or on post it stickers right on top of the chart) and I actually never managed to remember them by heart until I found Roxanne Richardson’s tip for M1R and M1L (and later how to remember these on the wrong side the M1purl Left and Right). I don’t want to confuse you even more than your are already but I found this method of remembering so perfect for me that I never forgot again so I’ll share the video. If you feel you’ve had enough information and videos for now you can keep it in mind for a later date.
When working charts I like to use post it stickers or highlighter tape stuck to the row above the one I’m working to keep me in the right place, it makes it so much easier to follow the chart. A1 you could mark up in highlighter tape or with a pencil mark as you make increases.
The schematic at the end of the pattern shows the shapes of the saddle shoulder and yoke which might help to understand how the saddle works.
It’s a challenge, but that’s one of the nice things about knitting, sometimes we choose a challenge, sometimes we choose something a bit simpler, knitting can be selected based on our mood and interest at the time.