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Crochet/Vintage Crochet Pattern, Neck and Shoulder Shaping

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Expert: - 5/18/2011


Question

Dress
You've answered a few questions about armhole shaping in the past, so I'm hoping that you will be able to help me with the neck and shoulder shaping. I've already completed the armhole shaping (for both sides) up to 6 1/2" above underarms. The instructions to finish the front are as follows:

I am working in afghan stitch, never turn my work, always work on the right side.

NECK: Work 23 sts; work off all loops. Working on sts of one side, dec 1 st at neck edge every row 5 times- 18 sts. Work even until 8" above underarm.

SHOULDER: Row 1: sl st across 8 sts, finish row; work off loops. Row 2: Sl st across 5 sts, finish row and work off loops. Row 3. sl st across remaining 5 stitches. Fasten off. Join yar at neck edge, sl st across 16 sts on last long row, finish row. COmplete to correspond to otherside, reversing all shaping.

I think I understand this pattern, but I'm confused on one part. When I got to reverse the shaping on the other side, do I do the neck part again and then the shoulder shaping. Otherwise, wouldn't I get two different heights if I omitted the neck part on the reverse? And when I join yarn at neck edge, am I joining it at the bottom where I started the neck and then continuing to the other un-worked side, then reversing that to work 23 sts on that side for the neck? Am I making sense? :)

Answer
Sarah:

Thanks for the question, sorry for the delay in replying

When a pattern calls for reversing the shaping, you are doing exactly the same thing, but reading the instructions from end to front. This at times can be confusing, but you should be able to begin at the same row as the other side, so there is symmetry to the pattern. If you notice, there is fasten off, and during the shoulder shaping, the neck are is only being used to join. So the same way you did the one side, you will be doing on the other.

I know patterns like this are confusing, since you are not reading the row in a different order. At times what I do is re-write the row, but in the way it should be for this side, and that keeps me from getting confused.

Hopefully this will help. Should you need any assistance, please let me know.

Happy Hooking

Ed  

Ed Matos

Expertise

I am able to assist with reading patterns, in any format. I been crocheting for about 18 years. Specialty in intricate pattern, adding bead, sequence, etc.

Experience

Crochet, all type patterns

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