What does divide stitches mean?

#1

I only began knitting two years ago and haven’t done so since last Christmas, so I need a little help understanding this pattern. What I don’t understand is what it means in Row 29 to divide the stitches and continue to knit both sides. I’m guessing it means for the split in the neck, but how would I go about doing this? Wouldn’t half the stitches still be on one needle? I’m confused. I can’t put a link but
here is the website: abc-knitting-patterns.com/1096.html

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

Here are the directions:

"Free Doll Vest Knitting Pattern

Needles:
4 (3.50 mm) OR SIZE NEEDED TO OBTAIN GAUGE.

Gauge:20 st x 22 rows = 4" x 4" (10 cm x 10 cm) for stocking stitch

Patterns:

Broken Rib
Multiple of 2
Row 1: k1, p1
Row 2: k 1, p 1
Row 3: k 1, p 1
Row 4: knit
Repeat rows 1-4

Rib 1x1: 1k, 1p

Directions
Cast on 28 sts
Rows 1-28: Broken Rib pattern.
Row 29: divide the stitches and continue to knit both sides separately.
Rows 29-68: Broken Rib pattern.
Cast off.

Finishing:
Join side seam for 2 inches from the bottom. Crochet one loop in the middle of the right front.
Sew 1 small button."

What I don’t understand is what it means in Row 29 to divide the stitches and continue to knit both sides. I’m guessing it means for the split in the neck, but how would I go about doing this? Wouldn’t half the stitches still be on one needle? I’m confused.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

#2

Work 14 stitches as you have been, then drop that yarn, and with a new strand of yarn, work the other 14. From this point forward, work one set of stitches with one strand, and the other with a second strand.

You can even use the other end of the yarn since it’s a doll pattern.

#3

Okay, I think I understand now. I’ve never had to start with a new strand before. I’ve only done simple scarves, mittens, and hats so far. If I run into a problem, I’ll stop by again.

Thanks a bunch!

#4

Just one more question on this pattern…what does the “multiple of 2” and “Rib 1x1: 1k, 1p” mean?

#5

The rib pattern is k1 p1, which takes 2 sts that are repeated, that’s a multiple of 2. A pattern of k2 p2 is a pattern that’s a multiple of 4 sts.

#6

Thank you!