Sorry knitter

Hi everybody,

I'm new here but recognize some of the names from r.c.t.n. I'm trying to
teach myself knitting. I understand single sentences such as 'single
stitching, double stitching, etc. But I can't understand how to read a
pattern. I know.....I'm a sorry knitter. Unfortunately the same holds true
for crochet. Below is a short pattern for a bookmark. Don't want to make
this particularly, but wanted to use it to explain my position. My comments
are in caps.

Cast on 15 stitches. I UNDERSTAND THIS

Row 1 and 3 (wrong side): WRONG SIDE OF WHAT? PUT LEFT NEEDLE IN RIGHT HAND
AND VICE VERSA?

slip 1 as if to knit with yarn in back, purl to the last stitch, k1.
(Stitch count is different on rows 1 & 3). O.K. I'M LOST.

Row 2: Slip 1 as if to knit with yarn in back, k1, yo, k2tog, SSK, (yo, k1)
3x, yo, k2tog, SSK, yo, k2. STILL LOST

Row 4: Slip 1 as if to knit with yarn in back, k1, yo, k2tog, SSK, k5,
k2tog, SSK, yo, k2. THE TEARS ARE GETTING CLOSER!

Repeat rows 1-4 for the pattern. Do 25 pattern repeats (about 10"), or work
to desired length. Work row 1 for a last time, then bind off in purl on the
right side. I CAN'T REPEAT ROWS 1-4 BECAUSE I AM SITTING HERE WITH A BALL
OF KNOTS! (

So now, my question is....is there a basic, simple book or internet
directions out there that explains HOW TO READ A PATTERN FOR KNITTING OR
CROCHET? TIA for any help.

Maureen
--
Maureen Miller
Http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/...5909&members=1

Maureen In Vancouver, B.C. wrote:

Hi everybody,

I'm new here but recognize some of the names from r.c.t.n. I'm trying to
teach myself knitting. I understand single sentences such as 'single
stitching, double stitching, etc. But I can't understand how to read a
pattern. I know.....I'm a sorry knitter. Unfortunately the same holds true
for crochet. Below is a short pattern for a bookmark. Don't want to make
this particularly, but wanted to use it to explain my position. My comments
are in caps.

Cast on 15 stitches. I UNDERSTAND THIS

Row 1 and 3 (wrong side): WRONG SIDE OF WHAT? PUT LEFT NEEDLE IN RIGHT HAND
AND VICE VERSA?

No, wrong side of the bookmark, or whatever you're making - the back
side. The right side would be the front side.

slip 1 as if to knit with yarn in back, purl to the last stitch, k1.
(Stitch count is different on rows 1 & 3). O.K. I'M LOST.

A slip st is one that's just slipped off the left needle to the right
without working it. Stitch count will be different because you're going
to add more stitches in Row 2.

Row 2: Slip 1 as if to knit with yarn in back, k1, yo, k2tog, SSK, (yo, k1)
3x, yo, k2tog, SSK, yo, k2. STILL LOST

See below...

Row 4: Slip 1 as if to knit with yarn in back, k1, yo, k2tog, SSK, k5,
k2tog, SSK, yo, k2. THE TEARS ARE GETTING CLOSER!

Hang in there...

Repeat rows 1-4 for the pattern. Do 25 pattern repeats (about 10"), or work
to desired length. Work row 1 for a last time, then bind off in purl on the
right side. I CAN'T REPEAT ROWS 1-4 BECAUSE I AM SITTING HERE WITH A BALL
OF KNOTS! (

Advice below...

So now, my question is....is there a basic, simple book or internet
directions out there that explains HOW TO READ A PATTERN FOR KNITTING OR
CROCHET? TIA for any help.

There's tons of them, and others will point them out to you as I don't
have any marked. Basically, you need something that explains the
abbreviations - yo, ssk, k2tog, etc. That will be on a `learn to knit' site.

You might also want to think of something easier for your first project
-- like maybe knit every row...

sue

Maureen, an online source is:
http://www.stitchguide.com/stitches/knitting/index.html
Their diagrams of stitches are helpful, and some even have a small video
clip.

The first two things you want to learn to do is to do knit and purl
stitches.
If you are knitting one row, then turning your work and purling the next
row, you are doing stockinette stitch; generally the knit side is the right
side/inside/public side, while the purl side is the wrong
side/inside/private side. (Your pattern example is saying that rows 1 and 3
are on the inside/backside of the item.)

If you are right-handed, you will be moving stitches from the left needle
onto the right needle as you go.
When the left needle is empty, take the empty needle in your right hand, and
do the next row.

HTH,
Carey in MA
(take the dog out to reply direct, or go through MSN.com)


"Maureen In Vancouver, B.C." wrote in
message news:l7eAe.219330$El.197845@pd7tw1no...
Hi everybody,

I'm new here but recognize some of the names from r.c.t.n. I'm trying to
teach myself knitting. I understand single sentences such as 'single
stitching, double stitching, etc. But I can't understand how to read a
pattern. I know.....I'm a sorry knitter. Unfortunately the same holds
true
for crochet. Below is a short pattern for a bookmark. Don't want to make
this particularly, but wanted to use it to explain my position. My
comments
are in caps.

Cast on 15 stitches. I UNDERSTAND THIS

Row 1 and 3 (wrong side): WRONG SIDE OF WHAT? PUT LEFT NEEDLE IN RIGHT
HAND
AND VICE VERSA?

slip 1 as if to knit with yarn in back, purl to the last stitch, k1.
(Stitch count is different on rows 1 & 3). O.K. I'M LOST.

Row 2: Slip 1 as if to knit with yarn in back, k1, yo, k2tog, SSK, (yo,
k1)
3x, yo, k2tog, SSK, yo, k2. STILL LOST

Row 4: Slip 1 as if to knit with yarn in back, k1, yo, k2tog, SSK, k5,
k2tog, SSK, yo, k2. THE TEARS ARE GETTING CLOSER!

Repeat rows 1-4 for the pattern. Do 25 pattern repeats (about 10"), or
work
to desired length. Work row 1 for a last time, then bind off in purl on
the
right side. I CAN'T REPEAT ROWS 1-4 BECAUSE I AM SITTING HERE WITH A BALL
OF KNOTS! (

So now, my question is....is there a basic, simple book or internet
directions out there that explains HOW TO READ A PATTERN FOR KNITTING OR
CROCHET? TIA for any help.

Maureen
--
Maureen Miller

Http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/...=3175909&membe
rs=1

In article l7eAe.219330$El.197845@pd7tw1no,
Maureen In Vancouver, B.C. wrote:
Hi everybody,

I'm new here but recognize some of the names from r.c.t.n. I'm trying to
teach myself knitting. I understand single sentences such as 'single
stitching, double stitching, etc. But I can't understand how to read a
pattern. I know.....I'm a sorry knitter. Unfortunately the same holds true
for crochet. Below is a short pattern for a bookmark. Don't want to make
this particularly, but wanted to use it to explain my position. My comments
are in caps.

Cast on 15 stitches. I UNDERSTAND THIS

Row 1 and 3 (wrong side): WRONG SIDE OF WHAT? PUT LEFT NEEDLE IN RIGHT HAND
AND VICE VERSA?

When you have those first 15 stitches cast on, you start knitting. Except
that with this pattern you are going to start by working with what will
become the back side of the book mark toward you. So instead of actually
using the knit stitch, you'll be using the purl stitch. When you do row
two, you'll be using the knit stitch, then row three will be purl again.
Now to the details:

slip 1 as if to knit with yarn in back, purl to the last stitch, k1.
(Stitch count is different on rows 1 & 3). O.K. I'M LOST.

Hold the yarn on the side away from you. Put the right needle into
stitch one as if you were going to knit it, but instead, just slip it off
the left needle and keep it on the right needle. Then bring the yarn
between the needles so it's on your side, and purl the rest of
the row, except for the last stitch. Move the yarn between the needles
again and knit the last stitch. This makes the first and last stitches
into an edging, while the pattern will be on the stitches in between.
There will be the +same_ number of stitches on this row as on the first
row - 15 - but by the time you get to row 3, there will be a different
number. Don't worry about it.

Row 2: Slip 1 as if to knit with yarn in back, k1, yo, k2tog, SSK, (yo, k1)
3x, yo, k2tog, SSK, yo, k2. STILL LOST

This one you are going to be knitting. With the needle with all the
stitches on it in your left hand, hold the yarn on the side away from you
and put the right hand needle into the first stitch as if you were going
to knit it, but again, just slip it onto the right hand needle. Then
start the pattern, Knit one. yo means wrap the yarn around the
right needle once without making a stitch.
K2tog: Then hold that extra wrap on the needle with your thumb and put the
right needle through the next two stitches on the left needle, going up
the way you do to knit, only you're doing two at once.
(This pair of moves means you make a new stitch with the wrap,
and then knit two old ones together, so right now you have the same number.)

Now we get to SSK. That means put the right needle through the next two
stitches as if you were purling them, and wrap the yarn the way you do
for a knit stitch, so you are knitting two together but through the side of
the loop that is away from you. (Another way to do the same thing is to
slip the first stitch as if you were going to purl it, knit the second
stitch onto the right needle, and then take the first stitch off the right
needle over the second one you just made.) This is the same as knit two
together, but it puts the first stitch on top of the second stitch, so the
decrease looks like it leans the other way.

Now we get fancy: (yo, k1) 3x.
This means that you will do the yarn over thing (wrap the yarn around the
right needle and hold it in place with your thumb) and knit the next
stitch. But you will do it three times in a row: yo, k1, yo, k1, yo, k1.
The parentheses and 3x is just a short way to write it.

Now you do another yo, and a k2tog and then a SSK (so now you've made
two decreases that lean away from each other).

Now you do another yarnover and hold it with your thumb and do a knit
stitch. Then you knit that last stitch. Row 2 is done!
Count your stitches: you should have seventeen stitches now.

Here's row 3:
slip 1 as if to knit with yarn in back, purl to the last stitch, k1.
(Stitch count is different on rows 1 & 3). O.K. I'M LOST.

Like row one, hold the yarn in back (away from you) and slip the first
stitch as if you were going to knit it but forgot. Purl the rest except
for the last stitch, and knit the last stitch. You still have nineteen
stitches.

Row 4: Slip 1 as if to knit with yarn in back, k1, yo, k2tog, SSK, k5,
k2tog, SSK, yo, k2. THE TEARS ARE GETTING CLOSER!

With the yarn in back, slip the first stitch as if you were going to knit
it but forgot, then begin the pattern.
Knit one, yarnover and hold with thumb, knit 2 together, SSK (through the
back loop so your decrease leans the other way from the k2tog), knit five
stitches, do another pair of k2tog and SSK, yarnover and hold with thumb,
knit a stitch, and knit the last stitch.
Count your stitches. You should be back to 15 stitches now.

Repeat rows 1-4 for the pattern. Do 25 pattern repeats (about 10"), or
work to desired length.
Work row 1 for a last time, then bind off in purl on the right side.

When it's as long as you can use, do the first row, then bind off in purl
on the side that isn't the official front side.

So now, my question is....is there a basic, simple book or internet
directions out there that explains HOW TO READ A PATTERN FOR KNITTING OR
CROCHET? TIA for any help.

Most knitting books give the information in the front of the book.
If you find one at a library that has a copier, you can copy those pages
and study them at home.

=Tamar

"Carey N." wrote in message
news:0leAe.5208$rx4.4407@trndny05...
Maureen, an online source is:
http://www.stitchguide.com/stitches/knitting/index.html
Their diagrams of stitches are helpful, and some even have a small video
clip.

The first two things you want to learn to do is to do knit and purl
stitches.
If you are knitting one row, then turning your work and purling the next
row, you are doing stockinette stitch; generally the knit side is the
right
side/inside/public side, while the purl side is the wrong
side/inside/private side. (Your pattern example is saying that rows 1 and
3
are on the inside/backside of the item.)

If you are right-handed, you will be moving stitches from the left needle
onto the right needle as you go.
When the left needle is empty, take the empty needle in your right hand,
and
do the next row.

HTH,
Carey in MA
(take the dog out to reply direct, or go through MSN.com)

What an excellent website, Carey, thank you for sharing! I have saved this
for myself so that I can get a refresher course whenever I decide to try a
pattern that I haven't tried before and run into a stitch that I may have
forgotten. )

Gemini

Tamar, do you teach knitting? These are very detailed instructions! )

Gemini

"Richard Eney" wrote in message
...
In article l7eAe.219330$El.197845@pd7tw1no,
Maureen In Vancouver, B.C. wrote:
Hi everybody,

I'm new here but recognize some of the names from r.c.t.n. I'm trying to
teach myself knitting. I understand single sentences such as 'single
stitching, double stitching, etc. But I can't understand how to read a
pattern. I know.....I'm a sorry knitter. Unfortunately the same holds
true
for crochet. Below is a short pattern for a bookmark. Don't want to make
this particularly, but wanted to use it to explain my position. My
comments
are in caps.

Cast on 15 stitches. I UNDERSTAND THIS

Row 1 and 3 (wrong side): WRONG SIDE OF WHAT? PUT LEFT NEEDLE IN RIGHT
HAND
AND VICE VERSA?

When you have those first 15 stitches cast on, you start knitting. Except
that with this pattern you are going to start by working with what will
become the back side of the book mark toward you. So instead of actually
using the knit stitch, you'll be using the purl stitch. When you do row
two, you'll be using the knit stitch, then row three will be purl again.
Now to the details:

slip 1 as if to knit with yarn in back, purl to the last stitch, k1.
(Stitch count is different on rows 1 & 3). O.K. I'M LOST.

Hold the yarn on the side away from you. Put the right needle into
stitch one as if you were going to knit it, but instead, just slip it off
the left needle and keep it on the right needle. Then bring the yarn
between the needles so it's on your side, and purl the rest of
the row, except for the last stitch. Move the yarn between the needles
again and knit the last stitch. This makes the first and last stitches
into an edging, while the pattern will be on the stitches in between.
There will be the +same_ number of stitches on this row as on the first
row - 15 - but by the time you get to row 3, there will be a different
number. Don't worry about it.

Row 2: Slip 1 as if to knit with yarn in back, k1, yo, k2tog, SSK, (yo,
k1)
3x, yo, k2tog, SSK, yo, k2. STILL LOST

This one you are going to be knitting. With the needle with all the
stitches on it in your left hand, hold the yarn on the side away from you
and put the right hand needle into the first stitch as if you were going
to knit it, but again, just slip it onto the right hand needle. Then
start the pattern, Knit one. yo means wrap the yarn around the
right needle once without making a stitch.
K2tog: Then hold that extra wrap on the needle with your thumb and put the
right needle through the next two stitches on the left needle, going up
the way you do to knit, only you're doing two at once.
(This pair of moves means you make a new stitch with the wrap,
and then knit two old ones together, so right now you have the same
number.)

Now we get to SSK. That means put the right needle through the next two
stitches as if you were purling them, and wrap the yarn the way you do
for a knit stitch, so you are knitting two together but through the side
of
the loop that is away from you. (Another way to do the same thing is to
slip the first stitch as if you were going to purl it, knit the second
stitch onto the right needle, and then take the first stitch off the right
needle over the second one you just made.) This is the same as knit two
together, but it puts the first stitch on top of the second stitch, so the
decrease looks like it leans the other way.

Now we get fancy: (yo, k1) 3x.
This means that you will do the yarn over thing (wrap the yarn around the
right needle and hold it in place with your thumb) and knit the next
stitch. But you will do it three times in a row: yo, k1, yo, k1, yo, k1.
The parentheses and 3x is just a short way to write it.

Now you do another yo, and a k2tog and then a SSK (so now you've made
two decreases that lean away from each other).

Now you do another yarnover and hold it with your thumb and do a knit
stitch. Then you knit that last stitch. Row 2 is done!
Count your stitches: you should have seventeen stitches now.

Here's row 3:
slip 1 as if to knit with yarn in back, purl to the last stitch, k1.
(Stitch count is different on rows 1 & 3). O.K. I'M LOST.

Like row one, hold the yarn in back (away from you) and slip the first
stitch as if you were going to knit it but forgot. Purl the rest except
for the last stitch, and knit the last stitch. You still have nineteen
stitches.

Row 4: Slip 1 as if to knit with yarn in back, k1, yo, k2tog, SSK, k5,
k2tog, SSK, yo, k2. THE TEARS ARE GETTING CLOSER!

With the yarn in back, slip the first stitch as if you were going to knit
it but forgot, then begin the pattern.
Knit one, yarnover and hold with thumb, knit 2 together, SSK (through the
back loop so your decrease leans the other way from the k2tog), knit five
stitches, do another pair of k2tog and SSK, yarnover and hold with thumb,
knit a stitch, and knit the last stitch.
Count your stitches. You should be back to 15 stitches now.

Repeat rows 1-4 for the pattern. Do 25 pattern repeats (about 10"), or
work to desired length.
Work row 1 for a last time, then bind off in purl on the right side.

When it's as long as you can use, do the first row, then bind off in purl
on the side that isn't the official front side.

So now, my question is....is there a basic, simple book or internet
directions out there that explains HOW TO READ A PATTERN FOR KNITTING OR
CROCHET? TIA for any help.

Most knitting books give the information in the front of the book.
If you find one at a library that has a copier, you can copy those pages
and study them at home.

=Tamar

Maureen, you have some really good advice, an excellent website to look at
(and save), and detailed instructions too... so I am mainly replying to
welcome you to the best newsgroup around. The people here are helpful and
very friendly, and we tend to treat each other like family.. and get off
topic to share thoughts and feelings about other subjects as well.

So, welcome to rcty! )

Gemini
(in Ontario, Canada)


"Maureen In Vancouver, B.C." wrote in
message news:l7eAe.219330$El.197845@pd7tw1no...
Hi everybody,

I'm new here but recognize some of the names from r.c.t.n. I'm trying to
teach myself knitting. I understand single sentences such as 'single
stitching, double stitching, etc. But I can't understand how to read a
pattern. I know.....I'm a sorry knitter. Unfortunately the same holds
true for crochet. Below is a short pattern for a bookmark. Don't want to
make this particularly, but wanted to use it to explain my position. My
comments are in caps.

Cast on 15 stitches. I UNDERSTAND THIS

Row 1 and 3 (wrong side): WRONG SIDE OF WHAT? PUT LEFT NEEDLE IN RIGHT
HAND AND VICE VERSA?

slip 1 as if to knit with yarn in back, purl to the last stitch, k1.
(Stitch count is different on rows 1 & 3). O.K. I'M LOST.

Row 2: Slip 1 as if to knit with yarn in back, k1, yo, k2tog, SSK, (yo,
k1) 3x, yo, k2tog, SSK, yo, k2. STILL LOST

Row 4: Slip 1 as if to knit with yarn in back, k1, yo, k2tog, SSK, k5,
k2tog, SSK, yo, k2. THE TEARS ARE GETTING CLOSER!

Repeat rows 1-4 for the pattern. Do 25 pattern repeats (about 10"), or
work to desired length. Work row 1 for a last time, then bind off in purl
on the right side. I CAN'T REPEAT ROWS 1-4 BECAUSE I AM SITTING HERE WITH
A BALL OF KNOTS! (

So now, my question is....is there a basic, simple book or internet
directions out there that explains HOW TO READ A PATTERN FOR KNITTING OR
CROCHET? TIA for any help.

Maureen
--
Maureen Miller
Http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/...5909&members=1

Hallo Maureen , you just entered the best Academy for knitters ,
teachers are available 28 hours a day !!!!
Cast on 15 stitches. I UNDERSTAND THIS

Row 1 and 3 (wrong side): WRONG SIDE OF WHAT? PUT LEFT NEEDLE IN RIGHT HAND
AND VICE VERSA?
After you casted on you made ro 0, now you start to knit where the
thread is , thus you TURN the work , and knit from the last cast on
stich to the first cast on stich ,, this is row 1 , but when the work
will be finished this will be the BACK of the work , hence the WRONG
SIDE ,,,, thus row 2 will be the front=Right side . from this you can
see that all ODD numbered rows are your back=wrong side. all Even
numbered row are your right side.
slip 1 as if to knit with yarn in back, purl to the last stitch, k1.
Take the first stich. insert your right hand needle in the front of
the stich , from right to left , by this turning the stich when you
move it to the right hand needle. Now PURL all the stich But the last
one which you knit again.
(Stitch count is different on rows 1 & 3). O.K. I'M LOST.
At this point this isn`t clear to me either , but knitting further
might solve this.
Row 2: Slip 1 as if to knit with yarn in back, k1, yo, k2tog, SSK, (yo, k1)
Move the first stich , from left hand to right hand needle, [without
knitting it] . Knit 1 stich now take the yarn and loop it over your
right hand needle [this will make a decorative `hole`, because in row
3 you will purl on the loop as if it is a stich!] , now you have to
`take away the stich which is now represented by the loop, thus you
knit through 2 stiches as if they are one stich. Now the ssk , slip
next 2 stiches ,to your right hnd needle , one after the other,
Insert left hand needle into front of BOTH stiches from left to right
and knit together [this will make the same effect as former knitting 2
together , but will show it as if it has another slant, looks more
decorative], Now you have to make up for the `lost` stuch thus loop
your thread again over the right hand needle to make a decorative
`hole` ,, and k1 to stablize this.
3x = repeat the above pattern three times ., is there any Logo ,,,
after the slip 1 , that might suggest that the pattern needs to be
made three times only from k1, because if it isn`t than you have to
repeat it from the slip 1.
3x, yo, k2tog, SSK, yo, k2. STILL LOST
it looks as if after having done it three times you have to do it a
4th time .but end with k2 .which makes me think that you should make
the repeat only from the knit 1 , and that the slip one is done only
at the edge , this was a method done usually in older patterns, and it
was claimed to make for better/neater seaming [ i personally don`t
like it].
Now take a breather , cup of coffee , and tell me if you got this far
,,,
i will do the same and come back to you in another letter ,, i am sure
all the good teachers here will add their advice ,,, please look if
there are any * or other marks that you might have missed ,,,
mirjam

In article ,
MRH mthecarpenteratxcelcodotondotca wrote:
Tamar, do you teach knitting? These are very detailed instructions! )

Not as a rule, though I did teach two friends to knit in college.

=Tamar

Thank you all very much. I'm bookmarked some pages and copied and pasted
your advice and hints. Housework just went out the window. I have a new
newsgroup to spend my time at! lol Thanks again,

Maureen

--
Maureen Miller
Http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/...5909&members=1

"MRH" mthecarpenteratxcelcodotondotca wrote in message
...
Maureen, you have some really good advice, an excellent website to look at
(and save), and detailed instructions too... so I am mainly replying to
welcome you to the best newsgroup around. The people here are helpful and
very friendly, and we tend to treat each other like family.. and get off
topic to share thoughts and feelings about other subjects as well.

So, welcome to rcty! )

Gemini
(in Ontario, Canada)


"Maureen In Vancouver, B.C." wrote in
message news:l7eAe.219330$El.197845@pd7tw1no...
Hi everybody,

I'm new here but recognize some of the names from r.c.t.n. I'm trying to
teach myself knitting. I understand single sentences such as 'single
stitching, double stitching, etc. But I can't understand how to read a
pattern. I know.....I'm a sorry knitter. Unfortunately the same holds
true for crochet. Below is a short pattern for a bookmark. Don't want
to make this particularly, but wanted to use it to explain my position.
My comments are in caps.

Cast on 15 stitches. I UNDERSTAND THIS

Row 1 and 3 (wrong side): WRONG SIDE OF WHAT? PUT LEFT NEEDLE IN RIGHT
HAND AND VICE VERSA?

slip 1 as if to knit with yarn in back, purl to the last stitch, k1.
(Stitch count is different on rows 1 & 3). O.K. I'M LOST.

Row 2: Slip 1 as if to knit with yarn in back, k1, yo, k2tog, SSK, (yo,
k1) 3x, yo, k2tog, SSK, yo, k2. STILL LOST

Row 4: Slip 1 as if to knit with yarn in back, k1, yo, k2tog, SSK, k5,
k2tog, SSK, yo, k2. THE TEARS ARE GETTING CLOSER!

Repeat rows 1-4 for the pattern. Do 25 pattern repeats (about 10"), or
work to desired length. Work row 1 for a last time, then bind off in
purl on the right side. I CAN'T REPEAT ROWS 1-4 BECAUSE I AM SITTING
HERE WITH A BALL OF KNOTS! (

So now, my question is....is there a basic, simple book or internet
directions out there that explains HOW TO READ A PATTERN FOR KNITTING OR
CROCHET? TIA for any help.

Maureen
--
Maureen Miller
Http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/...5909&members=1