Rusty knitter needs help following pattern

[RedDiamond]

Please can I ask for help. I am knitting a jumper and have done 14 rows of 2x2 rib. The next bit is puzzling me as I cannot remember from years ago.

Rib 4 (kpkp) m1 rib 2 (kp) m1 rib1 (k) m1 (11 times)

This is my dilemma. After the rib 1 its says make one and I go back to Rib 4. Should my 1st stitch of the rib 4 be a purl?

No, I'm pretty sure you will need to make sure the rib 4 is k2p2k2p2. It would be easier to say for sure if you could take a photo of part of the pattern, esp the row after this one. It's not completely clear what's going to happen next, as you introduce a new stitch in between the Rib 4 and the Rib 2 as well.

@tribpot - so sorry that too so long. I am attempting to knit version 4 the one with 118 stiches cast on.

I have done 14 rows in 2x2 rib ending with a RS row (ie tail on right)

Ah right okay - I'd still like to see the next row but now you've said you've finished with a right side row (and are knitting flat, I assume), and I can see your instructions don't actually say 'kpkp'. 2x2 rib is k2 p2, I assume that's what you've done? Looked at on the right side, I assume your rib begins with k2 and ends with k2, since 118 doesn't go into 4 but 116 does. Therefore every wrong side row begins with p2k2.

However, I just can't work out what this pattern wants you to do, unless this is the end of the ribbing and you're now into a pattern, as whatever you do seems to disrupt the flow of the ribbing. All I can think it means when it says 'rib 1' or 'rib 2' is work an existing stitch in whichever stitch is correct, so in this case you would p2k2, then make 1. The next stich you want to work will be a purl, so purl that one and the next one, then make another one. Now the next stitch you come to will be a knit, so knit that and make another one. At this point you aren't at the start of a new rib, but I think you just plough on, work the next two stitches as they present themselves (k1 and p1) and then make a new one, purl 1 and then m1.

It's trying to spread the increases out across the row, but you should work the existing stitches still in the rib pattern. I would assume the next row is completely different and is the start of the garment pattern.

@tribpot That makes so much more sense to me. I was obviously making it difficult for myself!!😂

I have attached the next part of the pattern so yes, this is the increase row before the pattern begins in earnest.

I have unpicked this jumper so many times I almost threw in the towel but I am determined to do it!! And she choose a black wool which makes my eyes hurt after a while. Thank you so much for your help.

Okey dokey, that makes sense then, this is the row where the rib ends, so you intersperse a bunch of increases but do the existing stitches in rib so they're more hidden.

I wouldn't work in black, esp at this time of year, without a really good light. I'm doing embroidery at the moment so I have this set up - it's like being in an operating theatre! I'd get yourself a good daylight lamp or make sure you only do it in actual daylight so you don't hurt your eyes.

OP I see that tribpot has answered your query but I just wanted to share this with you after your last post.

@TheWoollybacksWife This is for my DD so I think I am most definitely printing that off and giving it to her when I have completed her jumper.

I am stopping for tonight as tired but will crack on tomorrow and get that row that needs concentration done.

And I am going to look into some sort of light now I have seen yours @tribpot .

Good luck with it, hope it works out. The comments on working with black made me grin - I was sewing nametags on black school socks the other day, and resorted to my phone torch positioned as an additional light source. Probably not a tactic that would work for knitting though!

For knitting I have a basic 'mother and child' standard lamp, with the downlighter fitted with a daylight bulb, but something like this would also be good. I haven't yet, but I think next time I try to knit socks or something on a very small needle, I might try using the daylight lamp and magnifier as I do for embroidery.

I have now purchased a "daylight" floor standing lamp! It means I can sit on the sofa and direct the light right over me. What a genius idea!!! That may mean I finish the jumper quicker as I have had to start over so many times because doing it in normal ceiling bulb light has been very difficult.

Oh fantastic - hopefully this will make things much easier.