Hi!
For some reason, this is what the first few rows of my Sophie Shawl looks like. I’m a beginner but nearly done with my first sweater so not completely clueless. I’ve re-started this about 10 times now and it keeps bundling up weirdly like this. What am I doing wrong 
I’ve watched several videos about the same pattern and their first rows always look beautiful 
please help x
This pattern?
Quite often the early rows of a knit fabric are a bit crumpled up but they will straighten out either with a bit of a tug down or by just working away from the area and smoothing it out.
Have you tried working several more centimetres to see how it looks? It’s quite possibly fine and just needs straightening out.
What are the first couple of rows of the pattern?
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That’s the one! I haven’t tried to go further yet. I’m getting frustrated after knitting 2 rows and then start all over 
This is the first few rows:
Ah, I really don’t think 2 rows is enough to judge any knitting on. Instead of frogging, just keep going, work at least 10cm (a decent swatch would be more than this) and then see how it looks. You can give a little straighten out each row if you like, but don’t expect too much of the fabric just yet, almost always with knitting you need to work away from the area before judging how it looks.
These rows sound reasonably straight forward, I’m sure you’ll be fine. The slipped stitches with the yarn around sounds like a decorative edge to the shawl.
Maybe post another pic when you have 10 or 15 cm?
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Thank you, i’ll try that!
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You’re starting with side by side I cords. I agree, keep going and see how it works. I think you’ll be pleased.
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Yes, it’s what @GrumpyGramma said–side by side I-cords. The slipped stitches will begin to tighten up and the edges will look like cording or piping, but at first they’re just a bunch. Carry on and all will become clear.
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Thank you everyone, i’ve managed to get to 7-8 cm and it’s looking much better. Appreciate the encouragement 
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