Expert: Bea Harrell - 1/24/2008

Question
Bea, I found a pattern for a Navajo afghan which I like, but in reading over the
pattern I can't figure out how it's made.  I looked at several sites that had this
same pattern, so, well, I know it's me and not a mistake in the pattern.  Can
you enlighten me?  Here's the part in question:

Note: Each Row is worked separately; the ending of each row is the same as
the beginning of the pattern. Do not turn, leave a 4" end of yarn at the start
and end of each row for fringe.

All  single crochets [sc] are made in back lps of sts.

All double crochets [dc] are made in front lps of sts in second Row from one
being worked on.

Start with black for border.  Ch 245 and break yarn.   [285 for 72" x 52" size]

Border:
Rows 1-5: Sc in each st across with border color [black].

Row 6: Sc in 2 sc, 1 dc, [19 sc, 1 dc] end with 2 sc.  Be sure to skip 1 sc
behind each dc.

Then you switch colors and continue like this.  I understand everything until
we get to the sixth row.  You single in two single crochets, then double
in the next single.  Then what?  Every pattern says 19 singles then a double
crochet, but it sure seems to me that you should have more than 2 double
crochets in that row.  Unless....that's what's making the design in the yarn?  
And is the designer saying that every time you crochet a double crochet you
skip the next single crochet?  

Thanks--I really hate to start a pattern without knowing what I'm running
into ahead of time.  

Viv

Answer
Hey, Viv! The pattern says to sc in the 2 sc,then 1 dc,19 sc, 1 dc, skip one sc, then repeat the bracketed instructions across the row, ending with 2 sc's. I am guessing that the dc's will be part of the pattern, but you can look at the pic of the afghan, and see what purpose they serve. It's sometimes tedious, but I've had to resort to counting rows in a picture!Sometimes you just have to believe in the designer, and just jump in!

Best Wishes,  Bea