November 15th, 2007 at 08:27am
Under Crochet Questions and How to+ Ask SweaterBabe
“Dear SweaterBabe,
The instruction says ‘1 sc in first st, 2sctog, work to within last 2 sts, inc 1 st in next st, 1 sc in last sc.’
What is the different between 2sctog and 2 sc in next st? I’m not understanding if I should put 2sctog all the way to the end or is it telling me just at that st or continue doing sc after I do the 2sctog? Need help. Thank you.” — Robin
Dear Robin,
The instructions: ‘1 sc in first st, 2sctog, work to within last 2 sts, inc 1 st in next st, 1 sc in last sc.’ mean this:
1 sc in the first st
Work the next 2 sts together by inserting hook in 1st, yo, pull loop through, inserting hook in 2nd st, yo, pull loop through, yo, pull through all 3 loops on hook. A 2sctog is completed.
Now, the “work to within last 2 sts” sounds to me like “1 sc in next st and eash st across until you reach the last 2 sts.”
Now you have 2 sts left at the end of the row. In the1st one, do an increase by working 2 separate sc’s into it.
The last st, you just do the 1 sc in last st as instructed.
I am assuming that this is a basic sc stitch fabric that you are making. It’s not so clear from the snippet, but I think a safe assumption.
Hope that answers the question! (I would have written it differently).
Best,
SweaterBabe
p.s. If you have other thoughts for Robin, please post a comment!
If you have a question on a DIFFERENT crochet or knitting topic, please do not post it here. Email it to advice@sweaterbabe.com. Questions are selected every other week or so to be answered here on the blog and in the SweaterBabe.com newsletter. Sorry - I get way too many to answer them all!
By Katherine aka SweaterBabe
November 15th, 2007 at 08:02am
Under Knitting Questions and How to+ Crochet Questions and How to+ Ask SweaterBabe
“Dear SweaterBabe, I have never knit a ‘fitted’ sweater that requires increasing and decreasing stitches in a bodice that has a pattern. What is the easiest way to keep track of the increases and decreases, so that the pattern is maintained?
Also, do you know of a computer program that would help do this, e.g. a computer program that would “graph out” a pattern?? Thanks for your help.” – Ilona
Dear Ilona,
The main thing I do with any pattern that has multiple sizes, stitch patterns, shaping, or other complexity is to map it out by rows using paper and pencil.
Before that, I do recommend photocopying the pattern and then circling ALL of the instructions that apply for the size you are making. For example, if you are making size Small and the instructions include Small (Medium, Large), then you will be finding all of the parts of the pattern that say things like: “K23 (25, 27)” or “For Size Small ONLY” and circling or highlighting the “23″ part (since you would ignore the “(25, 27) which are for the Medium and Large sizes) and the whole section under “For Size Small ONLY”.
Then, as I am beginning to follow the pattern, I write down EVERY Row number, starting from Row 1, and note what happens on Rows that have any increasing or decreasing or a change in stitch pattern. I also note the number of stitches that I should have at the end of an increasing or decreasing Row.
If there is a stitch pattern (cable, lace, intarsia, etc.) involved or multiple, I will note which Row of the stitch pattern(s) I am following for each project Row. That way, I will always keep track of the total Rows for a piece, as well as which stitch pattern Row I am.
It seems tedious, but I do it for any pattern that is the least bit complicated. It helps a lot too when you keep good track of the Back piece of a sweater because the Front piece(s) most likely will follow the same Rows and you can then be sure that your Back and Front(s) are the same length, i.e. number of Rows to the underarm, shoulder, etc. Same with making sure the 1st sleeve matches the 2nd sleeve.
Now, if your question is also how to handle increases and decreases for shaping when the stitch pattern has increases and decreases (most lace stitch patterns do), then the answer is a bit more complicated.
You basically do what you can of the stitch pattern, up to the point that you have to do the shaping increases or decreases. For instance, if you are binding off stitches and doing decreases along a neck edge to shape the neckline, you may do an initial bind off that cuts right into your lace stitch pattern. Do the bind off, as instructed, then resume the lace stitch pattern with the remaining stitches. Double check how many stitches you are supposed to have after this bind off row.
Sometimes, you may have to “adjust” the lace stitch and omit a decrease or increase to end up with the right number of stitches. Hopefully, by the time you get to the neck shaping, you will have done the lace stitch pattern enough for the body of the piece that you are familiar with which decreases and increases within the structure of the lace stitch pattern are paired up to maintain the stitch count from row to row. That way, when you can only do part of the lace stitch pattern, you can see which increase or decreases to skip or add to keep the stitch count correct through any shaping.
I’m afraid I can’t be much more specific about this last issue, as each stitch pattern can be so different. The most important thing is to make sure the stitch count is correct. A little weird increasing or decreasing (otherwise known as “fudging” at the edges is usually ok since there will be some finishing (like a picked up and knitted collar or edging) that will hide unsightly edges.
And lastly, I’m not aware of any programs that can map or graph out a pattern as you are suggesting. There are definitely programs that can generate schmatics and graphs of patterns, but I imagine that by the time you learn these programs and enter in all the project information, you would have been just as well off writing out Rows as I do for projects.
Hope that helps! Intermediate and Expert level projects are challenging in this way, but with a little extra attention to where you are in the pattern, the finished results will be very rewarding!
Best,
SweaterBabe
Have any other suggestions for Ilana, please post your comments!
If you have questions about OTHER topics, please don’t post them here. Please email them to advice@sweaterbabe.com. Questions are selected and answered here on the blog.
By Katherine aka SweaterBabe
November 7th, 2007 at 12:37pm
Under Knitting and Crochet News+ New Crochet Patterns
The pretty striped scarf pattern is coming soon! It’s a neat crochet stitch pattern that features the “flower” stripes alternating with a lacy background stripe. The effect is unique and wonderfully textured. Makes for a warm and truly striking scarf!
Pattern is coming soon!
By Katherine aka SweaterBabe
November 7th, 2007 at 11:40am
Under Cute Baby Photos
Here’s the latest Cute Baby Photo from a knitting mom:
“I wanted to thank you for the excellent cabled baby jacket pattern. It was so easy to follow and resulted in a beautiful sweater. I’ve made three already (one for my daughter and two more for friends)! Attached is a picture of my daughter, Isha, wearing the sweater I made for her. I used Bernat cottontots yarn as a substitute with size 9 needles. My kids have very sensitive skin, so I needed a yarn that was 100% cotton. It came out great, and is machine washable and dryable! The extra small took less than two skeins (I had enough left over to knit the matching cabled hat). A sweater and hat for $6 bucks!
Thanks again for the pattern!” — Neyha R.
Thanks Neyha! Great photos of your lovely baby girl. Wonderful to see the pattern done in a different yarn, giving it such a different look. Here’s the original pattern in Debbie Bliss’ Cashmerino:
Do you have a Cute Baby Photo to share with us? Please email it to info@sweaterbabe.com and don’t forget to include information on the knitting or crochet yarn, pattern, the baby, etc.!
By Katherine aka SweaterBabe
November 2nd, 2007 at 12:55pm
Under Knitting and Crochet News+ Updates+ New Knitting Patterns
This long-awaited pattern is now ready for purchase! I’ve been wearing it a lot and get so many compliments. People think it is a fabulous high-end designer sweater, but no — it’s an easy to knit cozy sweater that is so easy to pair with jeans or other outfits.
Check out the pattern details at: http://www.sweaterbabe.com/knitting-patterns/top-down-lacy-long-knit-cardigan.htm
By Katherine aka SweaterBabe