wyif, wyib ???

[Lisamg]

I keep forgetting what yarn in front and yarn in back means. Is the front towards me or away. Part of a sock pattern I want to do says, "slip 2 with yarn in back as if to purl. Does this mean "bring the yarn to the purl side, then slip 2 purlwise? Thanks.

[bethany]

yarn in front=in front of the work, as if you were going to purl.
yarn in back=in the back of the work, as if you were going to knit.

"slip 2 with yarn in back as if to purl" = hold the yarn in back, but slip those 2 sts as if you were going to purl them, so put your right needle into the front of those stitches

[Marria]

I could see how "slip 2 with yarn in back as if to purl" would be confusing. I think it would be clearer if they said WYIB, slip 2 as to purl.

[Lisamg]

Thank you! That helps me understand.