Cardigan Pattern Help Needed...

[lydiaach]

I am working on the back piece of a raglan cardigan and need some help with regard to the shaping as I get toward the top of the back piece. My pattern says:

Shape Raglans: Bind off 2 sts beg next 2 rows.
Work 2 rows even

(the following part I understand)
1st Row: K1 Sl1 K1 psso. Knit to last 2 sts K2tog K1
2nd Row: Purl

The Shape Raglans part is what confuses me. Are they giving me directions there or are they telling me that the
1st Row: K1 Sl1 K1 psso. Knit to last 2 sts K2tog K1
2nd Row: Purl
are what shapes the raglan?

[lydiaach]

And if I bind off 2 sts in the next 2 rows, it will not be symmetrical, right?

[lydiaach]

How would I make it even if I am binding off at the beginning of the knit row but not at the end?

[amy]

Hi Lydiaach!

That pattern is in fact symmetrical. Note where it says bind off at the beginning of the next 2 rows. When you're at the beginning of the second row, your on the same end as the end of the first row. See what I mean?

Pattern instructions often give headers that describe the over-all section of what you're working on. "Shape Raglan" is telling you you'll be working the decrease area that is typcial of Raglans. It's like if they say "Shape Cap" for when you're going to work the top/cap of a sleeve.

Nice diagram, BTW!

Amy

[lydiaach]

Thanks, Amy! So does this mean that I am to knit 4 rows or 2, and then begin the decreasing?

Shape Raglans: Bind off 2 sts beg next 2 rows.
Work 2 rows even

[amy]

Hmmm, good question. My first thought is you'd knit 4 rows. Yeah, I'll stick with that answer.


Amy