AboutLesley Arnold-Hopkins Expertise I can answer questions on all types of knitting on needles (ie not loom knitting) including Fairisle, intarsia, lace and basic knitwear design. I can also answer on crochet, including tapestry crochet, but I do not have sufficient knowledge of toys or stuffed animals to call myself an expert.
Experience I've been knitting and crocheting for over 35 years. In that time I have made a variety of items, incorporating a range of stitch techniques and have designed my own garments. I have had patterns published in the UK (crochet and knitting) and teach both crafts.
Publications Suite 101
Education/Credentials BA(Hons)Open (not related to knitting or crochet, but shows my highest level of education)
Question I am knitting the Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino Sandals. I have come to the shape instep section which says
K36,skpo,turn
Sl 1, p8, p2tog, turn
Sl 1, k8, skpo, turn
Rep the last 2 rows 7 times more then work first of the 2 rows again.
It is the
Sl 1, p8, p2tog, turn
Sl 1, k8, skpo, turn
I have a problem with - the p2tog and the skpo say to me that the stitches are being decreased on every row so how can I keep k8 and p8. Or am I really being stupid??
Answer Hello Jan,
Thanks for your question - I'm sure you're not being stupid! I don't know the pattern, but I've had a quick scoot around the internet, and it appears that other knitters have also found it a little unclear in places.
Thanks for including the instructions. You are decreasing on each row, but then you are knitting into the remaining stitches on the needles.
For example, you knitted 36 sts before your first turn. (I'm guessing that this left some unworked sts on the left hand needle?) The purl rows will work into that 36 sts, and the knit rows will work into the sts on your left hand needle, ie you're not just trying to work on the 8 or 10 sts in the middle.
Does this make sense? I worry I'm not being clear.
This method is a way of creating the side and top (or side and base) of your item, as it makes the three dimensional shape and is often preferable to casting off and picking up stitches.
I hope that this makes the pattern seem clearer, but if you're at all unsure, please come back to me.
