Working stitches? What does this mean?

I’m making a baby sweater and now to the point I’ve finished my yoke and on to the body and sleeve.
Now it says to:
“Work across stitches of back, place on holder….”

What does “work across stitches” mean?

Is it a fancy way for saying to knit in this section or to just put these specific stitches onto the holder or do both ? Knit then put on the holder?

New to knitting! Any help would be great! Thank you!

Hello
“Work” a stitch or number of stitches just means to follow whatever type of pattern stitch that section would be done in. Sometimes “work” is used rather than saying “knit” as a pattern might not just be knit stitches but a range of stitches to make a rib pattern, a cable or lace pattern etc, or they may be purl stitches, not knit stitches.
Your sweater looks like plain stockinette. To work the stitches on the right side (the outside that we see) you will knit them. To work the stitches on the wrong side (the inside of the sweater) you will purl them.
So, yes, “work” is another way of saying knit, or purl, or follow a set pattern of stitches in the way which has previously been set.

Another example, if you were working 2 x 2 rib, k2, p2 across the row and were told to “work 6” you would look at your next 6 stitches and either knit or purl depending on which type of stitch is needed for each one to keep the rib pattern correct.
Another example often seen is to “work” a given number of rows, again you’d continue the stitch pattern of knits or purls, or cables, or lace, or rib, previously set until the specified number of rows was complete.
This type of instruction often reduces how much has to be said/printed in a pattern.

I hope this helps.

You have the right idea. As Creations has pointed out, to work stitches is to knit or purl the number of stitches in the set pattern. The pattern has you do this across the back before placing the stitches on a holder because you need to have the working yarn in the right position for the next step. You’re putting those stitches on a holder so when you get ready to work the collar you can place those stitches onto your needle so you can work live stitches, instead of binding off and then picking up the same stitches. It makes for a smoother transition from the back itself to the collar.
Welcome to knitting! It looks like you’re doing a great job so far. If there’s anything else you find confusing, let us know.

ah thanks so much everyone for helping to explain this to me! I’m really excited to get this sweater finished and with your help it will now be possible! yay!

1 Like