Question about set-up row

I was reading a pattern for a sweater and just found out what set-up row is but I don’t understand what the numbers are for in the bracket. First I thought it was related to numbers of stitch per size(xs,s,m…) but the numbers are irregular.
This is part of the pattern;
Set-up row (WS): K1, P8 (10,8,12,14) (8,6,8,12) [PM,P5,PM,P9 (9,11,11,11)(9,11,11,11)] 4(4,4,4,4) (6,6,6,6) times, PM,P5,PM,P8(10,8,12,14)(8,6,8,12),K1.

I’ll appreciate if anyone could explain in detail. I’m really confused with English pattern since it’s not my first language also I’m quite new to knitting.

Welcome to the forum!
Even though the numbers are not in a progression from smallest to largest, these different numbers are for different sizes. There may be increases or decreases later that will compensate for the odd sequence. There should be 8 sizes in this pattern.
It’s best to mark your size to avoid confusion, highlighter, a circle or a line under the number for your size in each case.
What is the name of your pattern and the designer?

Its regolith hoodie by kiyomi burgin. Daruma collection 2022. I think I set the goal a bit too high for my second project…
Thank you for the answer.


Nice one!
Well setting the goal higher is a good way to learn. See how this goes and ask here if you need help. We’re happy to pitch in because that’s how we learned. If you really do feel overwhelmed, it’s no problem to put the project aside for later.

What Salmonmac said. There’s a concept in pattern-making called “grading” when dealing with different sizes. You can’t just blow the whole thing up equally in every direction. There’s math involved in getting the fit to stay the same on different bodies. This is why there isn’t always a clear progression from Small to X-Large. Trust that the design team did their job, and dive in. And I second the suggestion to go through the whole pattern first, and mark the numbers you need for your size.

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Great design! I’m not surprised you want to make it.

There is plenty of help here to get through the tricky bits and making something you really want to make is the best way to learn.

I suggest buying a bunch of stitch markers or safety pins that can fit onto your needles. You can use coloured thread as markers but for this top I know I’d personally prefer markers. They don’t need to be fancy or expensive. They will really help you stay on track with the pattern and the stitch count.