Knitters - can you explain this bit of the pattern please?

[Pancakeflipper]

Cont in rib, dec 1 st at each end of 5th and 2 foll 4th rows. 69 (73,79,83,89,93) sts.

I have already casted on 75 stitches ( which is the number correlating to 69 in the above numbers). So I am continuing doing the rib and I have to decrease stitches.

I understand it to mean decrease 1 at the end of the 5th row and 2 stitches at the next 4 rows. So that is 5 stitches in total dropped? Therefore I started with 75 and now got 70? So what's that 69 number about?

You need to drop 6 stitches. 1 at each end of the 5th row, and 1 at each end of the following 4th rows.

You decrease at EACH END of FIFTH row, not just the end. That is your extra stitch.

don't decrease every row for 4 rows!

it means decrease 4 stiches(1 each end) over 8 rows, so 2sts on row 4 and 2 on row 8.

Thank you. I knew you'd sort it. I missed the 'each side'. Doh. I now understand this part of the pattern.

Please will you all reappear for other similiar stupid questions in the next few weeks?

Can you please come back?

Ok. Hope you understand this.

I drop the 2 stitches at each end on the 5th row.... I can do that

When I do the next row ( the 6th) I obviously am missing 2 stitches. So do I just follow the same rib pattern as I have been doing until I get to the end of the row ? Even though it's not going to end the same as the previous rows?

Oh it's hurting my brain.

You continue in rib pattern so if you've decreased a stitch, if you started with a knit stitch, you'll now need to start with a purl, then it will change again next time you decrease and so on.

Is it a knit one purl one rib you are doing?

thanks very much...
Right ok ...

row 1 is K2..P3,K3,P3,K3, continue P3, K3 until last 2 stitches which are K2
Row 2. P2..K3, P3, continue K3, P3 until last 2 stitch then P2.

Then keep repeating rows 1 and 2 ( you do about 18 rows and got this decreasing malarky at rows 5 then the following 2 4 rows.)

Help!

Ok so after your first decrease (on the fifth row)on the next row you will do K1 p3 k3 p3 until last stitch K1

after second decrease (on the following 4th row which should be a right side row) on the next row you will do P3 K3 P3 until end

after your third decrease (on the following 4th row) on the next row you will do p2 k3 p3 k3 until last 2 stitches - k2

HTH

remember you are decreasing one stitch at each end of the rows - so you'll lose six overall (leaving you with 69 stitches.)

I get it now!!! THANK YOU.
Smoooooooch - a very unMNetter hug and kiss.

Will probably be back....