Which stitches do I put on the stitch holder?

[AWomanIsAnAdultHumanFemale]

Row 20: Knit 9, beginning with next 2 stitches bind off 21 stitches, knit across remaining 9 stitches. (This includes 1 stitch already on right needle after the bind-off.)

Put first set of 9 stitches on holder.

Rows 21-23: Knit 9 stitches on needle.

Bind off all 9 stitches; cut yarn.

I’ve done row 20. Now when it says put first set of 9 stitches on holder does it mean the 9 I stitched before I did the bind off or the 9 I did after and are at the top of my needle?

Sounds like the first 9 you knitted, but then the finished piece will be lopsided and you will still end up with 9 on a holder. What piece is it that you are knitting?

It these Mary Jane style bootees. There is more pattern after what I’ve posted I’m just confused about this part. I’ll post the rest of the pattern and it might make better sense.

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Row 20: Knit 9, beginning with next 2 stitches bind off 21 stitches, knit across remaining 9 stitches. (This includes 1 stitch already on right needle after the bind-off.)

Put first set of 9 stitches on holder.

Rows 21-23: Knit 9 stitches on needle.

Bind off all 9 stitches; cut yarn.

Rejoin yarn where you started binding off 21 stitches. Cast on 12 stitches using cable cast-on method.

Row 21: Knit across 12 new stitches and 9 from holder. (21 stitches total)

Row 22 (buttonhole row): Knit 18, knit 2 together, yarn over, knit 1. (21 stitches on needle)

Row 23: Knit.

Bind off all stitches.

Then I think it is the first nine you knitted go on the holder

Thanks storynanny