Rib-stitch Q

[MILLYmo0se]

I've mastered the VERY basics of knitting, have made DD a hat and she has requested a pair of leg-warmers . If I cast on 50 stitches and knit 2 purl 2 for the first row, do I start the second row with knit or purl ?! I've tried both and knitted a few rows and I don't seem to be getting a rib pattern with either !

K2P2 will end the row with P2. If you're knitting it flat (two needles and you'll sew the side seam afterwards) the next step is to turn the work, you'll start the next row with K2. If you're knitting in the round then when you get back to the start you set off with K2 again.

If you look at what is below the needle you have columns that look like VVV and columns that are more ---. Knit the V stitches and purl the - stitches.

Thank you ! Yes,I seem to have a problem seeing the VVV that other people see :( . Dunno what it is with me but imagines seem to translate differently in my head if that makes sense (probably not lol ! )

50 stitches of k2p2 should end the row with a k stitch i think? (k2p2 are groups of 4 stitches)

so when you turn you start with p2

tbh ribbing looks shit until you're about ten rows in

why not do a swatch of about 16 stitches so that you get the hang of it without spending time on such long rows? you can always unravel it when you've had some practice and reuse it if the wool isn't too delicate

I did some shorter rows to practise (cos I made a mess of DD's hat, though the brim bit looks fine it's just not an actual ribstitch brim) and thought I'd figured it out but I keep thinking I have done it right and 5 rows on I'm doubting myself on the long rows.I can't face ripping the whole lot out again :(

Can you put a picture on? We might be able to figure out what you're doing

Oh good plan , I could try ( tinternet is not my strong point either though :( - I'm not very talented lol ! ).I ripped it all out again last night , so once I motivate myself to pick it up again I ll put up a picture.

As a rule, if the total number of stitches is divisible by 4, you can start each row the same (first row would end on k2p2, second row starts K2p2) . As 50 isn't, you start each row the opposite way to the way the previous one started (row 1 starts k2p2, ends p2k2, row 2 starts p2k2).

Ooh yes, divisible by two isn't the same as divisible by four. Sorry for confusing you - I obviously needed more tea.

Oh great, division I can manage ! Thank you - DD may get her legwarmers by Xmas after all :) .