Expert: Bea Harrell - 2/3/2008

Question
QUESTION: I am crocheting a child's hoodie sweater, I have the back done to the length I need. The next step is raglan shaping. Instructions are:Sl st in first 2 sc and next ch 1 sp in next sc work sl st,ch1 and sc,sc in next ch 1. work in pattern across. When I work this pattern across it gives me too many stitches. I was working the seed stitch for the first part of the back. When I get done with this it says work 1 row even.Then work the last 2 rows 6 times. Which 2 rowsA? This pattern says it is for a begginer but I am totally lost.

ANSWER: Hey, Janice!  The ragland sleeves require you to increase the number of stitches in every other row, so perhaps that's why there are 'too many stitches.' When you finish the row, work the same row once more, stitch for stitch (even) You now have 2 rows, and you'll repeat these 2 rows 6 more times. (2 rows + 12 rows)you should have 14 rows when you finish the repeats. This means you'll be increasing the number of stitches every other row.
I hope this helps you out!!

Best,  Bea

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Bea,
I'm sorry as I was looking at the pattern again, I think I am suppose to be decreasing on the back and do the increasing on the arms. Doing the back I start with 49 stitches and end with 23, so I am confused again. Do I do the decreasing on every other row and work the seed stitch as the pattern?  
Thanks
Janice

Answer
You're right!  The back was decreasing, and because ragland sleeves are a bit puffy, you'll need those 14 rows to accomplish that. I expect you'll begin to decrease once your past the puffy part of the sleeve.  As to the seed stitch, If your pattern doesn't ask you to change stitch type, then you'll continue to use the seed stitch.
Just follow your pattern, and you'll be Ok!!

Best,  Bea