Expert: Bea Harrell - 1/12/2008

Question
Hi there,
I was trying to find an answer to my question and it looks like someone in the past has asked you about the exact same pattern, but I'm still having problems with. I'll write out the first half of the pattern but I think there something fundamental that I'm not understanding and I'll explain.
Pattern for Scarf: Chain 26.
Row 1 (right side): Work 1 sc into 2nd sc from hook. *Skip 2 ch, 1 dc into next ch, ch 1. Into same stitch as last dc, work [1 dc, 1 ch, 1 dc]. Skip 2nd 2ch, 1 sc into next ch. Rep from * to end.
Row 2: Ch 4 (counts as 1 dc, 1 ch), 1 dc into first sc. Skip 1 dc, 1 sc into next dc. *1 dc into next sc, 1 ch. Into same st as last dc, work [1 dc, 1 ch, 1 dc]. Turn.

Questions:
- I understand Row 1, but what do they mean by (right side)?
- On Row 2, what do they mean by ch 4 (counts as 1 dc, 1ch)? I've seen this 'counts as' term before and I don't get it
- On Row 2, I think I understand the pattern, but I'm not quite sure how to do it - how can I tell which loops are my dc and sc loops?

This pattern is listed as for a beginner and I can do the basic stitches, but all this terminology is definitely frustrating and my little beginner booklet won't tell me anything. I'd appreciate any help. I'm determined to do this pattern!

Thanks!

Answer
Hey, Jen!  OK, lets take this step by step. First, when you chain 26 and begin row one, the stitches that are facing you are the 'right'or front side, and when you turn at the end of the row, that's the 'wrong' or back side.

On ROW 2,(you'll be working in the top of row 1, if you are suppose to turn: see notes below) the chain 4 is acting as a double crochet (3 chains) and the 4th stitch is a chain 1. So, you'll ch 4, and then put 1 dc in the first sc you made on rnd 1. Skip one dc, and put 1 sc into the next dc. *1 dc into the next sc, ch 1,(1 dc,ch 1, 1 dc)* everything between the *'s, goes into the same stitch where you made that last dc.
NOTES: On row 1, does it say turn? It should, since you're at the end of the row.
On row 2, there is only one star (*)  There should be 2, telling you where to start and stop the repeat.
As I said for row 2, you are working back across row 1, so you should easily tell you dc's from your sc's. Your dc's are taller, your sc's lie right on top. I think it would be a good idea if you read through the instructions for row 1, identifying each stitch you made on your work. It will be quick and easy, and will save you time and effort as you progress! I'm not sure what you mean by "loops" you havent made any loops yet. Do you mean dc & sc stitches?
As you move forward it may mention ch 1 sp or sps. Those are the ch 1's you made between two dc's, ie: 1 dc, ch 1, 1 dc.
Hopefully this isn't info overload, but it is the most basic things you will need to know! Please let me know if  you should need more help!

Good Luck!!   Bea