Expert: Marla - 12/13/2011

Question
Hi Marla,
I have a question that is related to the question you already received on the raised X panel (see the question below). I still do not really understand this. The directions (on the previous page of the pattern) for a FPtr say to 'skip' the single crochet behind the FPtr. In this case we are making two FPtr's in a row. Do we skip two of the single crochet's on the row behind the FPtr's before starting the "single crochet in next four on Row 2" step? If we do skip two single crochet's (one for each FPtr) then we have an open gap/hole in the pattern when we single crochet in each stitch across on the following row (assuming we are suppose to crochet in the top of the FPtr's as opposed to the two sc's that we skipped. HELP!
Previous Question below:
I have Leisure Arts "Colorful Cuddlers" (4 crochet Afhans for baby).Page 10 starts "Embraced in Love" pattern.  Page 12 starts RAISED X'S Panel. Row 3 states; Ch 1, turn; sc in first 3 sc, work FPtr around 2nd sc on Row 1, skip next 4 sc on Row 1 and work FPtr around next sc, *sc in next 4 sc on Row 2, work FPtr around sc Row 1 next to last FPtr worked, skip next 4 sc on Row 1 and work FPtr around next sc; repeat from * 2 times MORE, sc in last 3 sc on Row 2: 18 sc and 8 FPtr. Note:Previously made 2 rows of 25 sc before row 3 starts. I understand the FTtr stitch, as explained in pattern, but when I do the 4 sc "after" the FPtr's am I "acutally" going back to the stitch right after the top of the FPtr stitches; so that I'm actually stitching "behind" the space between the connection between the 2 FPtr stitches???  I think this is what they want and the trick is probably making the FPtr "long" enough so it's not taunt between row 1 and 3???  And at the same time getting behind the FPtr to make the sc's???  Can you verify this for me.........

Answer
Hi Vicki!
I am back. Yes, it does look like that is what you do. I've done similar stitching like this before and it is a little difficult to stretch the stitch. When you do these stitches, maybe you could use a larger crochet hook instead of stitching looser. This will make those stitches look more uniform.

I hope this helps! Good luck!

Marla