Stuck on line

Hello all,

I am helping my wife figure out a knitting problem. Please be nice as I do not knit and am translating the problem the best I can. She just isn’t good with the internet so we have to work as a team.

The problem is on Row 20 in the attached picture. As I understand it the way to translate this knittingese to math is every K is a stitch and every P is a stitch. What I end up with doesn’t equal the 169 any way I do this. I think the increase is NOT counted as a stitch. So I’m confused. Anyone that can figure this out is a genius and appreciated.

Welcome to KnittingHelp!

So kind of you to step in and help. The question is how the increase is worked. In the case of row 20, the increase is worked “in” a stitch. That means that when you see the word “increase” you start with one stitch and make it 2 stitches. A knit front and back (kfb) will work here.

So the row works out to K4, kfb, k2, p9 (k2, kfb, k3, p9) repeated 9x, k2, kfb, k4. The repeat is in parentheses.

To start there are 16sts before the repeat, 15sts in the repeat and 7sts after the repeat. When you finish the row there’ll be 17sts before the repeat, 16sts per repeat and 8sts after the repeat.
17 + (16x9) + 8 = 169sts.

Here’s the kfb in case your wife needs it:

Markers will be a help if you place them on the needle before working row 20. It’ll keep the increase and sts on track.

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Thank you so much. I don’t think my wife gets the increase yet but NOW the math makes sense to me and we can work from there.

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Also, before starting row 20, make sure you have the correct number of stitches on the needle. :wink:

Hi, row 20 I’m having problems I do have the correct amount of stitches which is 158 stitches Michelle says - my problem is row 20 says to knit 4 stitches increase knit2 purls 9 did that in parenthesis it says (kni2, increase, knit 3 purl 9) did that an repeated my problem is at the end of the row I should have seven stitches left but I don’t have please help I don’t know what I’m doing wrong thanks

This is her husband adding. She is starting with 158 stitches on the needle on row 20 and is supposed to end with 169. I hope that is correct. I am baffled because when I watch her do the k4, increase - there are only 5 stitches on the needle and the math says it should be 6.

For the K4, inc. she should knit 4 sts. Then on the NEXT st she should be knitting into the front and back. So she will be doing the inc into the 5th st.

Hth
Knitcindy

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Hi, its me again, my problem is I have 158 stitches on my needle the instructions says to knit 4, then increase, then knit 2, purl 9, (K2, increase, K3 purl 9) across to last 7 stitches, knit 2, increase, knit 4 I’m suppose to have 169 stitches but when I have done all I do not have the 7 stitches at the end I’m suppose to have can someone please help. thanks so much.

Try adding in the markers. You should be able to count off 16sts, place marker then count off 9 groups of 15sts with a marker every 15, then have 7sts left. 16 + (15x9) + 7= 158.
As knitcindy mentioned for the increase in that first group, make sure that you knit 4, then work the kfb. There should be 6sts on the left needle before you start the k2, p9.

The markers will also help you figure where that missing stitch or extra stitch at the end is coming from. We’re going to figure this one out.

Hi, I have done all and tried everything counting and markers I just don’t know where the catch is I do have the 158 stitches but when I start doing the instructions the instructions says at the end of all there should be 7 stitches remaining so I can knit2, increase, knit 4, and I should have 169 stitches I don’t know what I’m doing wrong I’m going crazy trying to figure but I don’t come up with anything

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Yes, you should have 7 sts. How many sts do you have at the end of the repeat, the place where you should have 7?

hi I have 3 stitches left at the end of my needle after completing the row I should have seven stitches

It may be that some of the repeats are off by a stitch. You have the sts marked off before the repeat (16sts) and then 9 repeats of 15sts? There should be 10 markers.
Maybe one extra stitch in a few of them? It doesn’t sound like there’s a consistent mistake in working the pattern or the repeat.

I’m sure you’re heartily sick of counting sts at this point but it seems like some random error if you the numbers between the markers are as we’ve given. If you think a photo might help you can use the landscape icon in the middle top of the Reply box to post one.

Hi, Thank you so much, maybe the instructions are wrong, I don’t know I really like this little sweater but I’m no having any luck I will put it away I cannot think any other way of figuring it. Again thanks so much for your help, This is the row that Im having the problem I’m typing exactly as it written so you can see. Row 20 of the pattern Knit4, increase, k2, p9, (k2, increase, k3, p9) across to last 7 sts, k2, increase, k4: 169 its.
I started with 158 stitches.

You’re more than welcome. It does help to put these things away and come back later with a fresh mind. At least sleep on it (the idea, not the knitting needles).
The pattern row adds up both before the row at 158sts and with the 11increases so that you end with 169 so you can eliminate that possible problem.
What is the name of the pattern please?

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Hello
More moral support. It is so frustrating counting stitches.
I’m just wondering what sort of markers you are using because I think if younuse the type that link to a stitch this could cause a confusion jn the groupings and perhaps you could try a yarn scrap marker around the needle between the stitches he’s rather than on a stitch.

I know you’re thinking of putting this project aside, an understandably so. When you feel like having another go you can still come back here. Maybe put the group markers on and don’t work any stitches at all but instead post a photo of your work?
There is a little picture icon just above the place you type messages in, click on that and select upload photo or camera, the upload.

I’m sure everyone here can help with that tricky row.

Hi, This is the book pattern. its a very nice sweater. May be after all I can do it. Im happy that you are trying to help me its so nice of you, I’m not giving up.

I can send you the whole directions, if you have e mail of course I will have my husband do it for me, maybe if you see the whole pattern you will be able to guide me through, Again many thanks.

That is darling! I’ve seen friends work this pattern before and I have it in my Favorites for the next baby.
You can do it. We can help.

I would really like to do it. I’m hopping I can, as I said but the trouble is row 20 there is a catch but I cannot find it, I will look again.

I’m not sure this is much help but when you try this again here’s the row with red dots marking the knit front and back (kfb). I only worked 2 repeats (green to the black markers)
InkedIMG_2888_LI

One crazy thing just to make sure. When you work the yarn overs in the previous row, you’re working the yarn over by bringing the yarn to the front between the needles then over the right needle to the back. That’s it. No extra knit stitch involved. Not sure how this would help but just checking to be sure.

What a lovely cardigan. It reminds me of the flower fairy poetry book I loved when i was a child.

I think salmonmac has verified the numbers work for row 20 in the pattern so something tricky must be happening in your knitting as you work the row.
Could you photograph your knitting with row 20 unworked (ie stop at 19) and the markers in place?
Someone here could check it. Then you could work the first 16 stitches and post another photo and we could check it here again.
What do you think?
We can all help get through that row. It might be a bit slow, posting photos and working just a small group of stitches at a time, but maybe one of us would be able to see what happens and catch the problem?

Just an idea.

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