"Work as instructions for left front reversing all shapings" ??

[Size6feet]

Only ever done simple squares and scarves before and I'm knitting a waistcoat now but not sure how to actually do what is written. I am confused. (I understand the abbreviations).
Eg: One line says - Sl.1, K.1 t.b.l., P1, sl. 1, K.2tog., p.s.s.o., patt. to last 6 sts., K3tog., P1, K.1 t.b.l., K1.

So, do I, when knitting the right front, literally do:- K1, K.1 t.b.l., P1, K3tog., patt. to last 6 sts, K.2tog., sl. 1, P1, K.1 t.b.l., Sl. 1.

Argh that is my pet hate for knitting patterns! Rowan are bastards for this IMHO.

You don't necessarily want to do the same stitches, but you want to end up with the same result on the other side.

So if there is a decrease 1 st away from the edge, you will want one on the second side too. Can you link to the actual pattern at all?

Hi MerryMinge The pattern is in a book from 30 years ago. I could try scanning it and link to it that way - it may take some time as not good with that.

I have now managed to scan the pattern and its on my profile page. I hope it is large enough to read?

This is quite difficult to explain but I'll try. If you do a decrease by slipping one stitch, knitting two together and pulling the slipped stitch over you are making a decrease that 'leans' to the left. When at the end of a row you knit three stitches together you are making a decrease that 'leans' to the right. These are double decreases by the way: you cast off two stitches with every decrease.
Now, if you want to 'reverse the shapings' you want your left leaning decreases on the right and the right leaning decreases on the left and so you begin with your knit 3 together and end with the slip one, knit two together and pull the slipped stitch over.
The pattern on your profile is a bit small to see.
Again it would be a piece of cake to show you how to do it rather than write it down, so join Ravelry and see if you can find a group in your area.

(wishes I had more time to visit this site)
Dutchoma Thank you so much for your explanation. I understand what you mean. So its not a literal step by step reverse but the groups of stitches, to make the shape, that are swapped over.

I'll give it a go this weekend.

Come back on here if you are stuck. I had a query from a rl person who was struggling with a similar problem and said: it says cast off three stitches at the end of a row (reversing the shaping). I can't do that." Me: "No you can't, you need to cast them off at the beginning of the next row." So simple, such a light bulb moment. Best of luck.