Hi there, I’ve just started knitting again after a long break and am really struggling to understand how to maintain the rib pattern as I am shaping the raglans.
The main pattern is K2 P2 to last stitch, K1 (RS) then WS is P2 K2 to last stitch P1. When you start shaping you do
(RS) sl1k1, psso, patt to last 2 sts K2 tog. It then says work even in pattern on the WS and continue to repeat the next 2 rows.
I just can’t work out how to maintain the pattern on the WS. If I continue doing P2K2 to last stitch and P1, the ribbing starts slipping over. How do I know which stitches I should be doing on the WS.
Thank you so much in advance for any help - I keep thinking it can’t be that complicated but It completely flummoxed!!
Fenella
Welcome to KnittingHelp!
Decrease one stitch at each end. When you turn to the WS, account for that missing stitch by subtracting it from the WS pattern. Instead of P2K2 to the last stitch P1, start the row with P1K2 and continue with the P2K2 rib to the end.
Thank you so much - I knew it would be obvious!!
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I tried that on a sample and it isn’t working.
I want the ribbing on the first 8 rows to continue straight - any ideas?
I tried it out.
It seems to work. Count the decreased stitch as -1 but remember that you’re also knitting another stitch in order to cast off one. So when you sl1k1 psso, the psso is the decrease but the k1 counts as one of your pattern stitches. Same goes for the k2tog. There is a stitch decreased but another stitch is involved and that counts as one of your pattern sts.
Thank you. I’m going to have to sit and see if I can get my head round it - don’t know why I’m finding it so confusing!
The other way of doing this is to look at your sts. I’m not sure if this will be easier but you might give it a try.
You can see a column of Vs, a column of alternate knits and purls, then a column of purl bumps followed by a column of alternate knits and purls.
The column of Vs are to be knit and the column of purl bumps to be purled. For the columns of alternate knit and purl, look at the stitch from the last row. If it’s a knit stitch, purl it. If it’s a purl bump, knit it.
You won’t have to do this for every stitch along the row, just till you see that you’ve got the K2P2 repeat.
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I’m being so stupid. Can I just go through the stitches with you? Say you have 13 stitches
RS sl1k1 psso P2 K2 P2 K2 P1 K2tog
WS P1 K2 P2 K2 P2 K2
RS sl1k1 psso what happens next for the rest of the RS and then the next WS?
Thank you for your patience 
I’ve just seen your second reply. I’m going to have another go - so frustrating!
Beautiful! Good for you for persisting. This isn’t the easiest thing to do but you’ve got it.