Hey everybody! These questions are probably really silly, but I need some clarification. Please don’t laugh at my noob-ness. This is my first time reading a pattern (and I just started knitting). It’s like trying to learn a new language.
I have some questions about this pattern. Seed Stitch Hat I believe you have to sign up at their website to view it, but I posted the relevant info here for those who can’t see the pattern.
[B]First question:[/B]
The pattern says to “Cast on 80 sts. Work in k1, p1 rib for 3 rows. Work in Seed st until Hat measures 5 in. (12.5 cm) from beginning, end with a WS row.”
That is 5 inches in height, right?
[B]Second question:[/B]
The pattern says “Row 1 (RS): *(K1, p1) 4 times, k2tog; rep from * - 72 sts.”
Okay, is the number 72 the amount of stitches I will have starting the next row (because of the k2tog decreases)?
[B]
Third question:[/B]
To finish this hat the pattern says I have to “Sew back seam.” Ummm, do I sew it with the yarn and a tapestry like needle or do I do it with regular sewing needles and thread? I can sew on buttons and fix holes and such but I wouldn’t exactly call myself a seamstress. Is this a very difficult process? Should I be scouring Youtube for videos on how to do this?
I know those are ridiculous questions but I’m honestly not sure of the answers. This will be my first “real” project (I made a garter stitch scarf that turned out well, I think). If this hat turns out all wonky I’ll still proudly wear it (under a hood :lol:).
Thanks in advance for any responses. I really appreciate it.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions! Learning knitting patterns [I]is[/I] like learning a new language.
Answer to your first question:
Yes, in terms of a hat, it would be height. You will knit until you have 5" of fabric. As you knit, this will become clearer.
Answer to your second question:
Yep. When you decrease or increase in a pattern, it will generally tell you how many stitches you will have at the end of that row or round just to help you keep track.
Answer to your third question:
When you seam up knitting, you will use a yarn needle and typically a strand of the yarn you knit with. (If the yarn is really bulky, I will usually split the plies and use just some of them, or find matching thinner yarn or embroidery floss. Otherwise the seam will be really bulky.) I really recommend you get some Chibis.The bent tip actually makes seaming knitted fabric easier.
There are several ways to do seaming in knitting, but I personally prefer doing what’s called the mattress stitch. You actually do this with the public side of the knitting facing you, not the inside. It results in a pretty much invisible seam.
There is a video here on knitting help on the knitting tips video page:
Always feel free to ask questions. They aren’t ridiculous. What would be ridiculous would be if you spent hours doing something incorrectly because you didn’t ask!
Marria answered almost exactly as I would have (except I haven’t gotten around to buying chibis yet – they always seem to slip my mind when I’m ordering). I will second the mattress stitch for you though. Strange as it may seem, I love doing that. It’s fairly easy, once you get the hang of it, and I think it’s really quick.
This is my first time reading a pattern (and I just started knitting). It’s like trying to learn a new language.
