Help with slipping stitches

[CraftyCricketNC]

I am working on a scarf/cowl pattern and need some help understanding how to slip stitches. I do understand HOW to slip a stitch; however, I am confused on when to slip a stitch knitwise and when to slip a stitch purlwise.
I have a general knitting techniques book that says to always slip a stitch as if to purl, unless specifically instructed otherwise in a pattern so as not to twist the stitches when worked on the next row.
The pattern I am using does not specify one way or the other. Here are the two rows in the pattern that require me to slip stitches:

Row 2: *k1, p1, k1, yo, k1, sl1, p2,pass slipped stitch over the p2*repeat
until only 2 stitches remain; k1, p1.

Row 4: *k1, p1, sl1, k2, pass slipped
stitch over the k2, p1, yo, p1* repeat
until only 2 stitches remain; k1, p1.

If I am thinking correctly, on row 2, I would slip the stitch as if to purl since the next two stitches are purl stitches. Then on row 4, I am thinking that I would slip the stitch as if to knit since the next two stitches are knit stitches.

Can anyone please help me understand if I am thinking this through correctly or if I should always slip as if to purl (unless otherwise instructed) as my knitting guide tells me? Thank you in advance for any help!

[Ingrid]

I've always slipped knitwise when working a psso. I believe it's to keep the stitch tighter.

[suzeeq]

The general rule is to slip purlwise when you won't be working with the stitch at all on the same row, and knitwise if you do. Since you do move a slip st when working decs, these are slipped knitwise. It doesn't matter if it's a knit or purl row or what the sts before and after the slip stitch is.

[CraftyCricketNC]

Ok, I see. In that case, I had better get some more clarification about the psso before I continue with this pattern.

On Row 2, when I psso (after the two purl stitches), my next stitch is a knit stitch. Do I keep the working yarn in front (as if to purl) when I pull the slipped stitch over the two purl stitches, and then move the working yarn to the back to make my next knit stitch? Or, do I go ahead and move the working yarn to the back of my work, then pass the slipped stitch over the two purl stitches, then continue with my knit stitch?

Same thing with Row 4: Do I keep the working yarn in back, complete the psso, then move working yarn to the front to make the next purl stitch?

[salmonmac]

You know, it really won't matter. You can move the yarn and slip or slip the sts and then move the yarn and it'll all turn out the same.

[CraftyCricketNC]

Thanks to all three of you for your help! I have been very excited about starting this pattern for quite some time but had a few obstacles in my way:

1. I needed all of my circular wire as this is a very large project and one of them was being used by a smaller project.
2. My Needlemaster kit came with 4 lengths of cable to theoretically make a number of different lengths, but only came with ONE coupler, so I wasn't able to connect all 4 until I ordered more couplers online.
3. The two "stitch" issues above addressed by some awesome knitters on this forum!

Now, it's time to get started! I'll let you know how it goes!:muah:

[suzeeq]

I think if you just keep the yarn where it was for the stitch before the slipped one it should come out alright.